ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Boosts Regional Economic Resilience

RRI.CO.ID, Manila – ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn attended the 31st ASEAN Economic Ministers–Closer Economic Relations (AEM-CER) Consultation in Manila, the Philippines. The meeting discussed the implementation of the upgraded ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) as a cornerstone of ASEAN’s economic relations with Australia and New Zealand.

Participants welcomed progress in the implementation of the AANZFTA Implementation Support Programme (AISP), which aims to support the effective implementation of the agreement while delivering tangible benefits for businesses across the region.

“The Meeting discussed the implementation of the upgraded AANZFTA as a cornerstone of ASEAN-CER economic relations and welcomed progress under the AANZFTA Implementation Support Programme (AISP) to support effective implementation and deliver tangible benefits for businesses across the region,” ASEAN said in an official statement posted on its X account on Monday, September 21, 2026.

The meeting also reaffirmed the importance of the economic partnership between ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand, particularly in strengthening regional economic resilience, enhancing supply chain integration, and promoting inclusive growth.

In addition, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand underscored the importance of deepening economic cooperation to address regional and global economic developments.

“The Meeting reaffirmed the economic partnership between ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand, highlighting the importance of strengthening regional economic resilience,” the statement added.

The cooperation is expected to strengthen regional economic connectivity while creating greater opportunities for businesses across ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand.