ASEAN Economic Integration Brief – July 2024

The fifteenth issue of the ASEAN Economic Integration Brief (AEIB), the first for 2024, highlights ASEAN’s continued economic resilience, underscoring positive economic outlook and on-going efforts to deepen regional economic cooperation, maintain supply chain resilience, embrace digital transformation, and foster inclusive and sustainable development.

This issue features exclusive insights by H.E. Malaithong Kommasith, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Lao PDR, and Chair of the ASEAN Economic Ministers 2024. He reflects on key progress and achievements of AEC this year, emphasising the importance of ASEAN to be more inclusive, innovative and sustainable moving forward.

Additionally, Mr. Oudet Souvannavong, President of Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Chair of ASEAN Business Advisory Council, shares the private sector’s perspective on ASEAN as the next supply chain’s powerhouse. He emphasises the need for ASEAN to address infrastructure gaps, skill shortages, and geopolitical risks through regional cooperation and investment in education and business environments.

As a regular features of the AEIB, this issue also includes analysis of regional economic outlook and the latest updates on the AEC. The 15th AEIB concludes with a regular presentation of the latest key economic indicators relevant to the region.