The 31st AEM Retreat convenes in Johor, Malaysia

On February 28, 2025,Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn attended the 31st ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat (AEM Retreat) held in Johor, Malaysia.

The AEM Retreat was chaired by Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.

The Meeting expressed its support for ASEAN’s economic priorities under Malaysia’s 2025 Chairmanship under the theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability.” The Meeting also exchanged views on the current regional and global economic outlook, progress of implementation of the AEC Blueprint 2025, as well as key initiatives to further integrate ASEAN’s economy including the ongoing negotiations for the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) upgrade, the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), as well as Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN economic agreements and ASEAN’s external economic relations.

The Meeting was preceded by an open session with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), followed by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), and McKinsey, which engaged in discussions on ASEAN’s economic integration as well as emerging regional and global issues.