Viet Nam is emerging as a strong potential driver within the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), thanks to its outstanding competitiveness in manufacturing and industrial production.
The Fourteenth AEM–Canada Consultation was held on 26 September 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, during which both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral economic relations and promoting an open, fair, and rules-based multilateral trading system. The Ministers welcomed the progress of the ACAFTA negotiations, viewing the agreement as a key framework to boost trade and investment flows, enhance supply chain resilience, and lay a foundation for long-term economic prosperity. The Ministers committed to working towards the conclusion of a comprehensive, high-quality, and mutually beneficial agreement, with the aim of substantially concluding the negotiations by 2026.
ASEAN has developed the “ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan Post-2025”, which was adopted by ASEAN Leaders at the 46th ASEAN Summit held in May 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The ASEAN Investment Report 2025 reaffirms that foreign direct investment (FDI) continues to be a core driver of ASEAN’s supply chain development, particularly in major industries such as semiconductors, automotive, apparel, and e-commerce/digital economy.
