The Association of ⁤Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is poised to release its first ASEAN Geoeconomics report in November, establishing a framework for annual analysis of regional economic and ⁢security ‌dynamics.‌ The report aims to serve as a platform for public debate and the exploration ⁣of new ideas,rather‌ than a direct driver of policy decisions.

Fostering Collaboration Between ‌Security‍ and Economic ⁢Pillars

The initiative stems from ‍a proposal to institutionalize the ASEAN Joint Foreign and​ Economic Ministers’ (AMM-AEM) Meeting, including regular joint ​sessions between senior officials from both the security and economic‌ sectors. This collaborative ‌approach is designed to⁣ address the increasingly ⁢intertwined​ nature of economic and security challenges within the⁢ region.

A high-level task force,⁢ the ASEAN Geoeconomic Task Force (AGTF), was formed ​six months ago to​ spearhead this effort. The AGTF comprises officials from‍ ASEAN’s⁢ security and economic pillars,​ alongside⁣ prominent⁣ figures from‍ non-governmental ‌organizations, creating a “Track 1.5” diplomatic channel for open discussion.

Drawing Inspiration from the Delors Report

The AGTF, led by⁢ experts including former‌ Indonesian Trade Minister Mari⁣ Pangestu, Bank Negara Malaysia assistant governor Fraziali‍ Ismail, and former Miti secretary general Tan Sri ⁣Rebecca Sta​ Maria, was tasked wiht producing ‍a⁢ comprehensive and⁣ credible ‌report. The ambition is to emulate​ the impact of the Delors Report, a landmark study commissioned by the European Union in 1989 that laid the groundwork for economic and monetary union.

By providing a⁤ regular, expert-driven assessment of‌ geoeconomic trends,⁣ the ASEAN Geoeconomics⁢ Report ⁤seeks to enhance regional cooperation and inform strategic decision-making⁢ within ASEAN.