Thailand's Foreign Minister Emphasizes Multilateralism and Economic Integration at ASEAN Summit

Strategic Insights -

The 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, brought together foreign ministers from the ASEAN Member States and Timor-Leste to discuss the current geopolitics and geoeconomic situation. The ASEAN Geoeconomics Task Force (AGTF) presented its 2025 ASEAN Geoeconomics Report (AGR 2025), which proposes a strategy for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to adapt to the evolving global landscape. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow commended the report's recommendations, emphasizing the importance of multilateralism, economic integration, and innovation economy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ASEAN Geoeconomics Task Force (AGTF) presented its 2025 ASEAN Geoeconomics Report (AGR 2025) at the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • The report proposes a strategy for ASEAN to focus on multilateralism and economic integration, with key recommendations including the upgrade of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), the conclusion of Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), and the promotion of innovation economy and digital trade.
  • Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow commended the report's recommendations and emphasized the importance of encouraging ASEAN Member States to participate in the regional and global economy.
  • The Task Force's recommendations should be shared with the business sector to gather their views, as they are main drivers of growth.
  • The Foreign Minister underlined the importance of considering new economy, including innovation economy, green economy, and participation of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the regional and global economy.

Statistics:

  • 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where the AGTF and AGR 2025 were presented.
  • Number of foreign ministers present from ASEAN Member States and Timor-Leste.
  • Number of key recommendations proposed by the AGTF in the AGR 2025: 1) upgrade of ATIGA, 2) conclusion of DEFA, and 3) promotion of innovation economy and digital trade.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand. (25 October 2025). Release on the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • ASEAN Geoeconomics Task Force (AGTF). (2025). 2025 ASEAN Geoeconomics Report (AGR 2025).