PRINCIPAL ASEAN40 US

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ASEA

South-east Asian nations are aiming to implement a key regional trade agreement this year, addressing supply chain disruptions and rising energy costs due to the Middle East conflict. This was discussed at the 27th Asean Economic Community Council meeting in Cebu, where economic ministers reaffirmed commitments to open trade. The Upgraded Asean Trade in Goods Agreement (Atiga), which enhances trade facilitation and addresses non-tariff measures, is set for ratification. Asean leaders are expected to issue a statement on collective responses to the crisis, focusing on energy security and market stability.

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Global X FTSE Southeast Asia

Asean leaders seek to bring regional trade pact into force this year amid Middle East pressures

ASEAN leaders are intensifying efforts to enhance supply chain resilience alongside green and digital initiatives amid Middle East tensions. Key discussions during the 27th AECC included the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), aimed at facilitating cross-border data flows and supporting digital trade, particularly for MSMEs. Ministers also addressed carbon neutrality initiatives and the ASEAN Power Grid development. Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of resilient supply chains and regional partnerships, with ASEAN's GDP growth projected at 4.4% in 2026, highlighting its economic potential.

- ASEAN leaders are enhancing regional efforts to strengthen supply chain resilience while advancing green and digital initiatives amid Middle East tensions.  
- During the 27th ASEAN Economic Cooperation Council (AECC), ministers discussed the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), aimed at shaping the future of trade and digital cooperation in the region.  
- The framework will promote cross-border data flow and digital trade, especially benefiting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), while also addressing carbon neutrality initiatives and energy resilience through projects like the ASEAN Power Grid (APG).

TechNode

ASEAN intensifies regional push to advance supply chain resilience alongside green, digital initiatives

IFFF

Thailand is supporting Myanmar's efforts to normalize ties with ASEAN after years of exclusion due to a military coup. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow emphasized the need for Myanmar to address ASEAN's concerns for re-integration. The junta's new president, Min Aung Hlaing, aims for peace amid ongoing civil conflict and has invited opposition groups for dialogue. ASEAN leaders will meet next month to discuss the situation, while Myanmar's recent prisoner amnesty has been welcomed as a positive step towards reducing violence and humanitarian assistance.

Fidelity

PRINCIPAL ASEAN40 SD

iShares MSCI AC Far East ex-Japan UCITS ETF

Thailand offers backing for Myanmar's bid to normalise ASEAN ties

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched a $6 billion initiative aimed at enhancing capital markets in Southeast Asia by 2030. This initiative will provide institutional support to regulators, promote sustainable finance, and strengthen market infrastructure. ADB's efforts are expected to unlock up to $30 billion in investments, focusing on projects in renewable energy, sustainable transport, and affordable housing. The initiative aims to deepen domestic and regional markets, enhance local currency bond markets, and increase institutional investor participation, addressing the need for resilience against external shocks.

- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) plans to mobilize up to $6 billion by 2030 to support regulatory bodies in Southeast Asia's capital markets, enhancing their resilience to external shocks.  
- The funds will finance projects in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and affordable housing, among others, crucial for attracting private investment for essential infrastructure.  
- ADB will work closely with the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum to strengthen regulatory frameworks and facilitate the issuance of sustainable investment tools, aiming to unlock up to $30 billion in capital market investments by 2030.

ADB launches $6B initiative and institutional support to deepen ASEAN capital markets

One year after the imposition of a 10% tariff by President Trump on most imports, South-east Asia has managed to cope with the economic impact, aided by temporary measures such as front-loading shipments and sector-specific exemptions. However, the tariffs were ultimately invalidated by the US Supreme Court, which determined that the president had exceeded his authority.

One year of Trump tariffs: What has changed and what’s next for South-east Asia?

Vietnam remains one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, with a projected growth of 6.3% in 2026. The Cushman & Wakefield report highlights strong trade corridors and manufacturing ecosystems in Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia. Data centers emerged as a key investment asset in 2025, reflecting investor confidence in digital infrastructure. Despite a slight moderation in growth due to rising lending rates and slowing population growth, Vietnam's economy is bolstered by resilient domestic consumption and foreign investment in export-oriented industries. The overall Southeast Asian economy is expected to grow by 4.3% in 2026, driven by expanding consumer markets and infrastructure development.

- Vietnam continues to be one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, with a projected GDP growth of 8% in 2025, driven by exports and resilient domestic consumption.  
- The country benefits significantly from its strategic position, improving infrastructure, and the emergence of large electronics manufacturing clusters, particularly under the China +1 strategy.  
- Overall, the Southeast Asian economy is expected to grow by 4.3% in 2026, supported by a young workforce and ambitious infrastructure development plans.

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VanEck Vietnam ETF

Việt Nam remains among fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia-6

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Southeast Asia has significant untapped agricultural technology potential, with a report indicating that digitalization and agri-tech adoption could generate over $90 billion in GDP gains by 2033. The report identifies key investment areas and highlights the importance of patient capital in navigating the region's fragmented agricultural landscape. Despite a peak in agri-tech investment in 2022, a sharp decline is expected by 2025 due to market reassessments. The report emphasizes the need for localized strategies and models from India's agri-tech experience to guide future investments in Southeast Asia.

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AgriTech may unlock $90 billion in Southeast Asia, India offers roadmap

ASEAN is projected to become the fourth-largest global economy by 2030, with its digital economy expected to reach $560 billion. Key contributors to this growth include Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, with Vietnam leading at 7-8% GDP growth. The region faces climate risks, necessitating improved climate risk management. ASEAN's trade resilience is notable despite global disruptions, and its digital market is expanding rapidly. The ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement aims to enhance digital trade and governance. Economic collaboration with China is emphasized, alongside individual trade deals with the US.

- By 2030, ASEAN is projected to become the world's fourth-largest economy, driven by a digital economy expected to reach $560 billion and job growth.  
- Analysts highlight Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam as leading economic progress in the region, supported by a young workforce and foreign direct investment.  
- Despite increasing vulnerabilities to natural disasters, Southeast Asia remains a strategic hub in international trade and is adapting to global economic challenges, demonstrating resilience in exports.

ASEAN’s economic crossroads in 2026

PRINCIPAL ASEAN40 US(M62.SG)

Asean leaders seek to bring regional trade pact into force this year amid Middle East pressures

ASEAN intensifies regional push to advance supply chain resilience alongside green, digital initiatives

Thailand offers backing for Myanmar's bid to normalise ASEAN ties

ADB launches $6B initiative and institutional support to deepen ASEAN capital markets

One year of Trump tariffs: What has changed and what’s next for South-east Asia?