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While ASEAN countries have embarked on reforms to create more favorable conditions for businesses to thrive, there is significant scope to enhance trade efficiency and investment readiness across the region. Photo credit: ADB.
Article
26 May 2026

How ASEAN Is Building a Smarter, Competitive, and Digitally-Enabled Business Environment

ASEAN is forging ahead to turn regulatory reforms into meaningful outcomes to sustain the region’s investment attractiveness and achieve its goal of economic integration.
Coastal protection initiatives, such as mangrove planting, strengthen local communities' resilience against storm surges and erosion. Photo credit: ADB.
Article
19 May 2026

Maximizing the Co-Benefits of Climate Action in Southeast Asia

ASEAN Climate Week looks at practical and concrete ways of improving the lives of vulnerable populations.
Event Summary
15 May 2026

For Southeast Asia, a Green Transition Is Now an Economic Imperative

The green transition is a major economic opportunity for ASEAN as it could generate up to $1 trillion in annual revenue, create 30 million jobs, and strengthen the region's competitiveness.
The 48th ASEAN Summit was held on 8 May 2026 in Cebu, Philippines. Photo courtesy of ASEAN.
News
14 May 2026

Unity Amidst Adversity: ASEAN Outlines Priority Actions for Regional Resilience

ADB commits to mobilize $30 billion by 2030 to support key flagship initiatives in Southeast Asia.
From left: Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto, Malaysia Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and Philippines President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos.
News
11 May 2026

Special BIMP-EAGA Summit in Cebu Adopts Vision 2035

The 10-year strategic roadmap seeks to enhance resilience and inclusive development for shared prosperity and sustainability.
Countries need to manage risks, maintain macroeconomic stability, and protect vulnerable populations. Photo credit: ADB
News
28 April 2026

Solid Growth Forecast for Developing Southeast Asia but Middle East Tensions Weigh on Outlook

ADB steps up support to help region cope with disruptions and ensure long-term resilience.
Regional cooperation, policy coherence, knowledge sharing, and international support are essential to enable countries at different stages of development to fully participate in and benefit from the green transition. Photo credit: ADB.
Article
23 April 2026

How ASEAN Is Striving for a $1-Trillion Green Future

Across the region, member states are making the transition at varying speeds and through different pathways.
The ASEAN High-Level Policy Dialogue on Climate Finance was convened on 9 April 2026 in Manila (virtual format).
Event Summary
16 April 2026

Advancing Regional Cooperation on Climate Finance in ASEAN

Convened under the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship, the High-Level Policy Dialogue gathered Southeast Asia’s finance leaders to strengthen collaboration, share priorities, and advance climate-responsive fiscal and financial policies in the region.
The launch of the Regional Connectivity Fund, which will support the ASEAN Power Grid), is a concrete sign of ADB’s longstanding and deep commitment to Southeast Asia, says Zhang. Photo credit: ADB.
News
9 April 2026

ADB’s New Director General in Southeast Asia Shares Vision for Region

Nianshan Zhang will lead ADB’s strategic agenda in Southeast Asia, advancing the bank’s delivery of its sovereign, nonsovereign, and advisory solutions in nine countries.
Air Quality in Southeast Asia: Status, Trends, and Priority Interventions Across Eight ASEAN Cities
Publication
1 April 2026

Air Quality in Southeast Asia: Status, Trends, and Priority Interventions Across Eight ASEAN Cities

This publication provides an overview of air quality in Southeast Asia and highlights priority actions to strengthen monitoring, coordination, and financing for clean air.
Event Summary
31 March 2026

From Policy to Performance: Making ASEAN Work for Business

This year’s ASEAN Business Environment Forum in Manila shared best practices, strengthened collaboration, and looked at digital pathways to boost competitiveness.
cover-timor-leste-joins-asean
Publication
27 March 2026

Timor-Leste Joins ASEAN: Can It Close the Development Gap?

This brief explores how quality growth combined with ASEAN support, can help Timor‑Leste turn opportunity into lasting, inclusive progress.
The latest version of the taxonomy includes Version 4 includes the technical screening criteria for the three remaining focus sectors—agriculture, forestry, and fishing; manufacturing; and water supply, sewerage, and waste management. Photo credit: ADB.
Article
23 March 2026

ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance: 5 Things to Know

A comprehensive, science-based taxonomy will help businesses, project proponents, and investors understand what would qualify for sustainable financing.
In Southeast Asia, low-carbon mobility and clean power have the potential to contribute up to $100 billion in revenues by 2030. Photo credit: ADB.
Article
18 March 2026

ASEAN’s Green Leap Can Unlock the Next Wave of Growth

Poised to become the world's fourth largest economy, ASEAN can solidify its standing as an economic powerhouse by tackling the green transition as a growth opportunity and not a cost burden.
Firms are increasingly prioritizing skills-based hiring over educational pedigree, providing youth skills development pathways that can keep pace with industry change rather than the slower cycle of traditional curricula. Photo credit: ADB.
Article
13 March 2026

Microcredentials: ASEAN’s Answer to the Youth Jobs Crisis

These short, targeted programs deliver job-relevant skills, assessed and certified in alignment with industry standards.