KUALA LUMPUR, September 23, 2025 Malaysia proudly welcomed delegates to the 28th ASEAN Investment Area (AIA) Council Meeting at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) today, aiming to bolster regional collaboration and reinforce ASEAN’s position as a top investment destination.
The AlA framework has been a cornerstone of ASEAN’s economic integration, facilitating seamless investment flows, enhancing transparency, and fostering a competitive business environment, officials noted during the opening session.
The meeting comes at a critical juncture, with global strategic competition, supply chain vulnerabilities, and shifting trade patterns posing challenges to the region. These factors could influence capital flows, investment decisions, and economic advantages across member states.
Despite these headwinds, ASEAN showcased resilience with a 9% surge in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows in 2024, reaching USD226 billion. The region maintained its status as the leading recipient of FDI among developing economies for the fourth consecutive year, securing a 15% share of global inflows.
ASEAN’s appeal remains robust, particularly in sectors like digitalization, sustainable energy, high-value manufacturing, and financial services. With a market of over 680 million people and a growing middle class, the region continues to drive global economic growth.
However, intra-ASEAN investment lags behind external inflows. Experts emphasized that boosting intra-regional investments could strengthen supply chain connectivity and enhance economic resilience against external shocks.