Kuala Lumpur: The ASEAN Geoeconomics Task Force is scheduled to present its ASEAN Integration Report in September, aiming to complement the ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan for 2026-2030, announced the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI). This report is anticipated to address pressing challenges faced by the region.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong expressed during his opening speech at the second ASEAN Geoeconomics Task Force meeting that this report aspires to play a pivotal role, akin to the Mario Draghi Report for the European Union. This guidance is expected to navigate ASEAN through upcoming challenges, Liew conveyed during the virtual meeting.

The ASEAN Integration Report is being spearheaded by Dr. Mari Pangestu, former Trade Minister of Indonesia, along with Fraziali Ismail, Assistant Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia. The task force is co-chaired by Liew and Indonesia’s Director-General of International Trade Negotiati
ons, Djatmiko Bris Witjaksono.

The inception of the ASEAN Geoeconomics Task Force took place during the 31st ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat in Desaru, Johor, in February of this year. The task force convened its first meeting on May 16.