Op-Ed from UKABC Chair, Lord Vaizey of Didcot, featured in ‘Investing in ASEAN 2025|2026’ Publication
As featured in the newly released Investing in ASEAN 2025|2026 publication, UKABC Chair, The Rt Hon. the Lord Vaizey of Didcot, shares his perspective on the UK’s growing strategic partnership with ASEAN. In his op-ed, Lord Vaizey outlines the economic opportunities for UK businesses across the region and highlights the significance of deepening digital, trade, and sustainability cooperation.
“UK-ASEAN Business Council
The Rt Hon. the Lord Vaizey of Didcot, Chair, UKABC
ASEAN is a region of growing geo-economic significance and one that all UK companies must consider in their global outreach. With over 680 million people, a youthful and increasingly digital population, and a GDP that positions it among the world’s top five economies, ASEAN is currently set to become the fourth-largest economy globally by 2030. Its strategic location, economic integration, and focus on sustainability and digitalisation make it an indispensable partner in today’s shifting global landscape.
Total trade between the UK and ASEAN is around £50 billion, underscoring the depth of our economic relationship and the growing interest from UK companies. From professional services and clean energy to education, infrastructure and fintech, UK businesses are well-placed to contribute to ASEAN’s development priorities.
In 2025 the UK-ASEAN Business Council is proud to support Malaysia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN, during which we anticipate significant progress on regional economic cooperation. One of the most exciting developments is the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which is expected to unlock the potential of a US$2 trillion digital economy by 2030. This initiative will accelerate trade, drive innovation, and provide a stronger digital backbone for regional integration – creating new opportunities for UK digital and tech firms.
The UK and ASEAN enjoy a deepening and strategic partnership, grounded in mutual economic interests and shared global values. The UK’s Dialogue Partner status, now in its fourth year, and the implementation of the UKASEAN Plan of Action, and our collaboration across trade, climate, digitalisation, education, and health all reflect the growing breadth and ambition of our engagement. As we look ahead, this partnership will be instrumental in advancing inclusive, rules-based growth and positioning UK businesses as long-term partners in ASEAN’s future.
As ASEAN continues to strengthen its internal integration and external partnerships, it is becoming a key player in shaping global economic rules, digital standards, and green finance flows. For UK businesses, this is not a region to observe from a distance – but to engage with directly, with ambition and intent.
The UK-ASEAN Business Council remains committed to helping British businesses navigate ASEAN’s opportunities. Now is the time to invest in ASEAN – and be part of its dynamic future.”
