In a bid to re-engage economically with the region, United States President Biden launched the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) in Tokyo on 23 May 2022. Seven ASEAN countries (excluding the newest members) and seven other countries from the Indo-Pacific region have signed up. IPEF is not an FTA or a traditional trade agreement but more of a framework for setting rules and standards.

The much-awaited return of the US to the region as an economic partner was met with great expectations, and standards by which IPEF is judged were set accordingly high, also leaving a lot of room for disappointment. Nevertheless, a positive start has been made with the conclusion of negotiations on a supply chain agreement announced in Detroit in May 2023.

This seminar will provide an overview of IPEF and its evolution, and consider perspectives from three ASEAN members: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. It will focus on what these countries perceive as potential benefits and challenges in the agreement and how it might evolve to serve individual and collective interests.

Speakers

• Ramita Iyer, Research Analyst, Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore
• Jayant Menon, Senior Fellow, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute  
• Kaewkamol “Karen” Pitakdumrongkit, Head, Centre for Multilateralism Studies, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
• Siwage Dharma Negara, Co-Coordinator, Indonesia Studies Programme; Coordinator, Singapore APEC Study Centre, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute