ASEAN ready to adopt AEC Strategic Plan 2026-2030
The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan 2026-2030 is on track for completion by March 2025, paving the way for its adoption by ASEAN leaders at the 46th ASEAN Summit slated for May in Malaysia, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn has said.

ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn. Photo courtesy of VNA.
Kao unveiled this information following the 31st ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Retreat in Johor, Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, who chaired the AEM meeting, said the plan was developed through extensive engagement with various stakeholders to shape an action-oriented, sustainable, dynamic, adaptable, agile, and inclusive AEC.
He also announced the approval of several key ASEAN initiatives, especially a roadmap for the ASEAN Digital Business Identification Number and the negotiation principles for the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AFAIPC) 2.0.
As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia aims to enhance intra-ASEAN trade and investment while also leading efforts to explore and expand economic cooperation and partnerships beyond the region.
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