The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Kingdom (UK) reaffirmed their commitment to deepen economic cooperation during the Sixth ASEAN Economic Ministers–United Kingdom Consultation.
The commitment was forged during the ASEAN Economic Ministers–United Kingdom Consultation held in Pasay City on Tuesday.
Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque and UK Minister of State for Trade Lord Anas Sarwar co-chaired the meeting.
During the meeting, economic ministers cited the need to strengthen trade and investment ties and deepen supply chain integration.
Total trade in goods and services between the UK and ASEAN reached £62.0 billion in 2025, up by 17.4 percent from 2024.
According to ASEAN’s preliminary statistics, the foreign direct investment (FDI) from the UK was at USD9.1 billion in 2025, making the UK the sixth largest source of FDI inflows to ASEAN in 2025.
The consultation reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and shared resolve to engage all trading partners to address trade concerns amid the current challenges brought about by the prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
Economic ministers also discussed priority areas of cooperation including maintaining markets, strengthening economic resilience; advancing financial services cooperation and regulatory reform; promoting digital economy, science, technology and innovation collaboration; supporting clean energy transition; and enhancing public-private sector partnerships, underpinned by cross-cutting efforts on professional business services, skills and inclusion.
“The Meeting highlighted that these themes provide the basis for a more focused, strategic, and impactful economic partnership between ASEAN and the UK through cooperation across a range of priority areas. These efforts will enable both sides to respond to common challenges and deliver tangible benefits to our peoples,” the joint statement said.
ASEAN and the UK further welcomed cooperation under the ASEAN-UK Green Transition Fund, including initiatives on climate-aligned investment, sustainable infrastructure and the ASEAN Power Grid. (PNA)
