On September 24, 2025, within the framework of the 57th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting (AEM57), the ASEAN Economic Ministers Consultations with Korea, China, the United States, Japan, ASEAN Plus Three and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, under the chairmanship of His Excellency Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia. Vietnamese delegation was led by Leader of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Viet Nam and included representatives from Ministry of Industry and Trade and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The 22nd ASEAN-Korea Economic Ministers’ Consultations

The meeting welcomed the completion of the Joint Studies on Digital Trade and Cooperation on New Trade Agendas, as well as the progress made in the discussion of the Joint Scoping Paper to upgrade the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA). Programmes such as the Technology Advice and Solutions from Korea (TASK) and the ASEAN-Korea Standards Cooperation Network (AKSCN) were highly appreciated for their support in enhancing technological capacity and harmonizing standards in the region.

The 24th ASEAN-China Economic Ministers' Consultations

The meeting welcomed the conclusion of negotiations to upgrade the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA 3.0) and looked forward to the signing of the Protocol to upgrade the ACFTA 3.0 in October 2025 on the sidelines of the 28th ASEAN-China Summit. The meeting noted the progress made in implementing the ASEAN-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Work Programme, the ASEAN-China E-Commerce Cooperation Initiative, and events such as the ASEAN-China Expo in Nanning, China. The meeting also discussed China’s proposal to hold a workshop, moving towards considering the establishment of a legal exchange mechanism in trade and investment proposed by China.

ASEAN-US Economic Ministers’ Consultation (AEM-USTR)

The AEM-USTR meeting noted the progress in implementing the ASEAN-US Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) and the Expanded Economic Cooperation Initiative (E3) for the period 2024-2025 focusing on 09 areas of cooperation, including: (i) digital economy, (ii) Development of small and medium enterprises (MSME); (iii) trade promotion; (iv) intellectual property; (v) sustainability; (vi) good regulatory practices; (vii) competition and consumer protection; (viii) labor; (ix) agriculture. At the same time, the Meeting adopted the ASEAN-US TIFA Work Plan for the period 2025–2026, which prioritizes activities on the digital economy, trade facilitation and intellectual property.

The Meeting also noted recommendations from the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), especially in supporting the development of the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Digital Economy (DEFA) and enhancing the competitiveness of MSMEs in the digital economy.

The 31st ASEAN-Japan Economic Ministers' Consultation

The meeting noted the completion of the transition of the Product Specific Rules (PSRs) of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) to HS 2022 version, and also noted the initiatives in the “Action Plan and Future Design for Innovative and Sustainable ASEAN-Japan Economic Cooperation 2023-2033”, the Next Generation Automotive Master Plan and the ASEAN-Japan Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Co-creation Roadmap. The meeting also appreciated the contributions of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) and the Center for Digital Innovation and Sustainable Economy (E-DISC) in promoting digital transformation and sustainable development.

The meeting highlighted the importance of intellectual property cooperation through the ASEAN-Japan Intellectual Property Rights Action Plan and initiatives of the AEM-METI Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee (AMEICC). Recommendations from AJBC, JETRO and FJCCIA on promoting open markets, enhancing FTA utilization, applying electronic certificates of origin and promoting green transformation were also noted.

The 28th ASEAN Plus Three Economic Ministers' Consultations

The Meeting noted the progress made in implementing the ASEAN Plus Three Economic Cooperation Work Programme (ECWP) 2025-2026, with positive results in areas such as MSME development, e-commerce, trade facilitation and sustainable development. Ministers stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation to ensure sustainable supply chains and promote inclusive economic growth. The meeting also discussed WTO reform and highlighted the importance of an effective dispute settlement system within the WTO. Recommendations from the East Asia Business Council (EABC) based on the EABC–JETRO 2025 Survey were also noted.

ASEAN-WIPO Consultations

The ASEAN-WIPO Consultations focused on promoting inclusiveness and sustainability through creativity and innovation, progress made in implementing the ASEAN-WIPO Memorandum of Understanding, and the ASEAN Intellectual Property Rights Action Plan 2026-2030. The meeting also launched the Geographical Indications Database on the ASEAN Intellectual Property Register and encouraged ASEAN member states to participate in discussions on intellectual property initiatives.

During the meeting, Ministers discussed the global and regional economic situation, pointing out emerging opportunities and challenges that require close cooperation between ASEAN and its partners to secure the smooth flow of trade as well as to better respond to new developments in the region and the world.

Vietnamese delegation actively participated and contributed ideas on economic cooperation initiatives between ASEAN and its external partners, affirming Vietnam's commitment to joining hands with partners to strengthen the regional supply chain, promote economic development and bring benefits and prosperity to the people as well as the business community, thereby affirming Vietnam's proactive role in promoting regional and global economic growth.

The meetings concluded on September 24, 2025, followed by a series of consultations at Economic Minister level between ASEAN and its dialogue partners including Australia, New Zealand, Economic Ministers of East Asian countries, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Switzerland on September 25, 2025.

Source: Compiled by the Multilateral Trade Policy Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade of Viet Nam