ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn met with ERIA President Professor Tetsuya Watanabe at the ASEAN Headquarters to discuss strengthening collaboration in support of the region’s economic integration agenda. Their discussions focused on key priorities, including energy resilience and the digital economy.
Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn today welcomed the President of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), Professor Tetsuya Watanabe, to the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat for a high-level discussion on advancing regional economic cooperation. The meeting reaffirmed the close partnership between ASEAN and ERIA in supporting the region’s long-term development and integration goals.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on ongoing collaboration aimed at strengthening ASEAN’s economic integration priorities. Particular attention was given to enhancing energy resilience and accelerating the development of the digital economy, two strategic areas that are increasingly important to the region’s sustainable growth and competitiveness.
The discussions also underscored the value of evidence-based research and policy support in helping ASEAN respond to emerging regional and global challenges. As one of ASEAN’s key knowledge partners, ERIA continues to contribute research, policy recommendations and technical expertise that support the implementation of the Association’s economic agenda.
The engagement reflected the shared commitment of ASEAN and ERIA to fostering deeper regional cooperation and promoting inclusive, resilient and sustainable economic development. By strengthening collaboration across priority sectors, both organisations aim to help ASEAN remain adaptable and competitive in an evolving global landscape.
The meeting further reinforced the enduring partnership between the ASEAN Secretariat and ERIA, highlighting their collective efforts to support ASEAN Member States in advancing regional integration and delivering tangible benefits to the people of Southeast Asia.
Source: ASEAN
