The EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) highlighted its recent engagements across Southeast Asia as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations marked its 59th anniversary on 8 August.

The council said it began July with meetings with the Singapore government and Singapore Business Federation to discuss Singapore’s plans for its ASEAN chairmanship in 2027, including its potential priority economic deliverables.

The council expects artificial intelligence, the ASEAN Power Grid and implementation of the Digital Economy Framework Agreement to feature prominently in Singapore’s agenda, although its priorities have yet to be finalized.

It also noted that 2027 will mark the 50th anniversary of EU-ASEAN dialogue relations, with plans for commemorative activities and increased high-level engagement. Official EU sources likewise confirm the milestone.

A major highlight in July was the EU-ABC’s business mission to Thailand, which brought together 33 companies and more than 80 delegates for 14 meetings over three days in Bangkok.

The delegation met with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and senior government officials. Discussions focused on accelerating negotiations for the EU-Thailand free trade agreement, Thailand’s planned accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, regulatory reforms and measures to boost investment and economic growth.

The council also held discussions with a delegation from the European Parliament’s Delegation to Southeast Asia and hosted a members-only briefing on Malaysia’s political landscape in collaboration with Bower Group Asia.

Looking ahead, the EU-ABC said it will engage with ASEAN customs authorities on efforts to address illicit trade in the region. It is also preparing for consultations with ASEAN economic, energy, agriculture and forestry, and transport ministers.

The council will hold the ASEAN-EU Business Summit in Manila on 22 September, followed by business missions to Vietnam from 4 to 6 November and Indonesia from 1 to 3 December. DT