Over the past decade, the ASEAN+3 region has achieved a remarkable pace of economic development. The region has emerged as the biggest driver of global growth and continues to remain relatively resilient amid continuing global headwinds. Fundamental drivers of growth, such as rapid urbanization and the emergence of a large middle class have contributed to the region’s growth rebalancing, with domestic demand playing a key role in anchoring growth. Enhanced regional integration has further bolstered its resilience. In the post-COVID new normal, the world is now confronted with unprecedented changes in a century, including in non-traditional domains such as geoeconomics. This has compounded the growing number of structural challenges, such as aging populations and climate change. But there are vast opportunities which the region can tap, calling for strengthening regional cooperation and deepening regional integration in areas of mutual benefit. Leveraging on the Belt and Road Initiative, such as in health and climate infrastructure, would be vital for securing the region’s future prosperity.
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