ASEAN promotes economic integration at 58th Ministers Meeting

The 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Meeting, held in Manila, Philippines, from September 19-22, focused on accelerating regional economic integration and expanding partnerships with external actors. The summit achieved five key outcomes aimed at enhancing trade, services, digital transformation, and sustainability.

Key developments include moving up the effective date of the upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) from mid-2027 to 2026 to better manage supply chain disruptions. The meeting also laid the groundwork for reviewing the ASEAN Trade in Services Agreement (ATISA) and advanced the accession process for Timor-Leste into ASEAN economic agreements.

Regarding future frameworks, the bloc is moving toward implementing the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), expected to be signed in November 2026. Additionally, preparations are underway for a potential ASEAN Green Economy Framework Agreement (GEFA) to support a compatible and connected regional carbon market. The AEM also conducted 16 consultations with dialogue partners to advance free trade negotiations with South Korea, India, and Canada, and to expand RCEP membership.