Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, emphasizes the resilience and appeal of ASEAN as a leading destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Despite a global decline in FDI flows, ASEAN has maintained its position as the top recipient of FDI among developing regions for three consecutive years. In 2023, FDI inflows reached a record high of US$230 billion. Key trends include a growing focus on digital and green technologies, with significant investments in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and the digital economy.
The report highlights the substantial growth in FDI performance in ASEAN over the past decade, driven by regional policy developments and the region's economic integration. The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) 2025 Blueprint is approaching its final year of implementation, and the report assesses the current investment landscape. It identifies areas for improvement in intra-ASEAN investment and provides policy recommendations for the post-2025 period. The report emphasizes the need to address implementation gaps and enhance the regional investment climate, focusing on trade, services, digital, public-private partnerships, skills, and technology. It also underscores the importance of aligning the AEC with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including gender development and inclusivity.
1.1. Introduction The chapter introduces the key trends and developments in FDI in ASEAN.
1.2. FDI Trends in ASEAN
1.2.1. FDI by Industry
1.2.2. FDI by Source
1.3. FDI in ASEAN Member States
1.4. Intra-ASEAN Investment
1.5. International Investment Trends
This summary captures the main points and key data from the report, providing a clear overview of the current FDI landscape in ASEAN and the policy recommendations for future development.