ASEAN continues to emerge as a dynamic hub of economic opportunity, offering a compelling value proposition in an increasingly complex global environment. With its growing consumer base, expanding digital ecosystem, and ongoing regional integration efforts, ASEAN is well-positioned to shape the future of trade, innovation, and sustainable development across the Indo-Pacific. The recently adopted ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan 2026–2030, aligned with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, provides a timely platform to chart bold and practical pathways toward deeper cooperation, future-ready competitiveness, and inclusive prosperity.

In this context, the US-ASEAN Business Council has developed this recommendation paper as part of its deliverables for its 26th Business Mission to the 57th ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Meeting. The paper reflects the U.S. private sector’s strong and sustained interest in the region and presents recommendations to support ASEAN in implementing the AEC Strategic Plan 2026–2030. Key focus areas include:

• Trade and Regulatory Coherence: Reducing or eliminating non-tariff barriers, advancing regulatory alignment, and strengthening trade facilitation to boost ASEAN’s intra-regional competitiveness.
• Digital Economy Integration: Enabling trusted data flows, interoperable payments, and cyber-resilience to position ASEAN at the forefront of the global digital economy.
• Circular and Sustainable Economy: Scaling cross-sector initiatives on circularity, green finance, and resource efficiency to meet sustainability and climate goals.
• Future-Ready Workforce: Advancing skills development, inclusive upskilling, and curriculum modernization to ensure ASEAN’s workforce thrives in a rapidly evolving economy.