The 46th ASEAN Summit (Retreat) took place on May 26 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, under Malaysia’s chairmanship for 2025. Centred around the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” the summit emphasised equitable development, resilience, regional solidarity, and collaborative efforts to address key challenges including climate change, energy security, transnational crime, and natural disasters.
Key highlights
Milestones and Vision
- The summit celebrated the ASEAN Community’s 10th anniversary, highlighting integration in political-security, economic, and socio-cultural areas.
- Leaders discussed adopting the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, a long-term framework to build a cohesive, resilient, and forward-looking ASEAN community over the next two decades.
Economic Outlook
- ASEAN’s economy is projected to grow by 4.7% in 2025 (up from 4.2% in 2024), with inflation expected at around 3%.
- Growth is driven by exports and public capital spending, though global uncertainties pose risks.
Vietnam’s Strategic Push
- Vietnamese PM Pham Minh Chinh emphasised the need for stronger ASEAN unity through digital transformation, green transition, and improved infrastructure connectivity.
- He advocated finalising the Digital Economy Framework Agreement, upgrading the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), and maximising partnerships like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
- He also pushed for FTAs with Canada and upgrades to those with China and India to diversify markets and supply chains.
Security and Myanmar
- PM Chinh reaffirmed ASEAN’s centrality in maintaining peace in the East Sea (South China Sea).
- In Myanmar, ASEAN leaders discussed the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus and explored the next steps regarding Myanmar. President Prabowo reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to an inclusive peace process, having held dialogues with various regional leaders. In earlier bilateral meetings, Indonesia and Singapore pledged to support the consensus, while recent talks with Thai PM Shinawatra highlighted shared concerns and appreciation for Thailand’s peace efforts.
The 46th ASEAN Summit reinforced regional unity and ambition but underscored ASEAN’s challenge: strong vision but limited enforcement. While economic prospects and digital cooperation offer momentum, unresolved issues like Myanmar and the South China Sea tensions expose ASEAN’s need for deeper institutional resolve. The road to Vision 2045 will depend on whether the bloc can turn consensus into concrete action.
Disclaimer: This article has references to expert opinions and open sources, including Eurasia Business News and Reuters
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