ASEAN has reaffirmed its strategic partnerships with key global counterparts—the United States, Republic of Korea (ROK), and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)—following a series of ministerial-level consultations hosted in the Malaysian capital this week.
The meetings marked significant progress on issues ranging from trade and investment to innovation, digitalisation, and sustainable development.
During the AEM–USTR consultations, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, chairing on behalf of ASEAN, described the United States as “a very important Dialogue Partner”, pointing to record-breaking economic engagement in 2024.
Trade between ASEAN and the U.S. reached USD453 billion, with ASEAN’s exports to the US rising by nearly 16 per cent to USD312 billion—an annual increase of over USD42 billion.
The US also emerged as the region’s top source of foreign direct investment, with inflows exceeding USD42 billion.
“That is not just capital—it is a clear vote of confidence in ASEAN’s future and in the opportunities our region provides,” the Chair said.
The partnership’s depth was further reflected in people-to-people engagement, with 4.6 million Americans visiting ASEAN in 2024, including students, professionals, and families.
Ministers reviewed progress on the 2024–2025 Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA) and Expanded Economic Engagement (E3) work plan, and endorsed the roadmap for 2025–2026.
The Chair noted the talks come “at a critical juncture”, citing global challenges such as supply chain shifts, digital transformation and the green economy.
“I am confident that today’s consultation will set a clear direction for the next phase of ASEAN–US cooperation,” the Tengku Zafrul said.
Stronger Regional Integration with Plus Three Partners
At the 28th ASEAN Plus Three consultation, ASEAN reiterated the importance of its longstanding cooperation with China, Japan and the Republic of Korea.
Trade between ASEAN and the Plus Three countries stood at USD1.21 trillion in 2024—accounting for nearly a third of ASEAN’s total trade—while foreign direct investment from these partners reached USD 44.4 billion.
“These figures underscore the importance of our enduring partnership,” said Tengku Zafrul, adding that the consultations aimed to deliver “forward-looking outcomes that will benefit our businesses and peoples.”
WIPO Collaboration Anchors IP-Driven Growth
ASEAN’s engagement with WIPO highlighted the region’s ambition to harness intellectual property as a strategic driver of innovation and economic integration.
“Our deepening partnership with WIPO is rooted in a shared vision of leveraging intellectual property as a powerful enabler of ASEAN’s growth, dynamism, innovation, and integration,” said the Chair, welcoming WIPO Director General Daren Tang.
The decade-long growth in ASEAN’s IP sector was outlined with strong figures: patent filings have increased by 70 per cent, industrial designs by 80 per cent, and trademark applications by 110 per cent. ASEAN’s R&D investment reached nearly USD55 billion in 2023, while high-tech exports were valued at USD598 billion.
The region now boasts more than 50 unicorns, backed by USD 110 billion in venture capital. Six ASEAN member states are ranked in the top 55 of the WIPO Global Innovation Index (GII), with three among the fastest climbers globally.
The consultations marked the official launch of the ASEAN Geographical Indications (GI) Database, which complements the upgraded ASEAN IP Register that now holds over 8.3 million records.
Tengku Zafrul proposed three priorities for future ASEAN–WIPO cooperation: unlocking ASEAN’s creative and intangible assets, integrating IP into business competitiveness, and building a future-ready innovation workforce.
“With 40 per cent of activities under the ASEAN–WIPO MoU already delivered, we are confident that this collaboration can unlock even greater potential for MSMEs, women, and youth,” the Chair said.
ASEAN–ROK Partnership Accelerates Under New Strategic Framework
The 22nd ASEAN–ROK consultations celebrated a year of robust trade and investment growth. In 2024, trade between the two reached USD208.11 billion—a 5.7 per cent increase—making the Republic of Korea ASEAN’s fifth-largest trading partner.
Investment from the ROK more than doubled year-on-year to USD 7.6 billion. “This surge is more than just capital flows—it is a strong vote of confidence in ASEAN’s dynamism,” Tengku Zafrul stated.
The economic relationship has been bolstered by strong interpersonal links, with millions of Koreans living, studying, or working across Southeast Asia.
The meeting also highlighted the impact of the ASEAN–ROK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), launched in October 2024, which sets a new course for collaboration in the digital economy, green transition, and resilient supply chains.
“Together, ASEAN and the ROK are well-placed to chart a path towards shared prosperity, sustainable growth, and resilience,” the Chair concluded. “Let us continue building on what we already share: a commitment to openness, inclusivity, and growth that benefits all our peoples.”- September 24, 2025
