Beyond volume, ASEAN aims to attract high-value investments

MANILA – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is looking to attract high-value and innovation-generating investments, shifting focus beyond simply increasing investment volumes.

Speaking after the conclusion of 29th ASEAN Investments Area Council Ministers Meeting in Pasay City on Saturday, Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said Southeast Asian trade ministers examined how ASEAN can attract higher-quality investments, deepen regional integration, and position itself more effectively in the green and digital transitions.

“The meeting highlighted the need to move beyond simply increasing investment volumes toward attracting investments that generate innovation, quality jobs, strengthen industrial capabilities, and contribute to sustainable development,” he said in a press conference.

The meeting, held on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting, also discussed the implementation of the ASEAN Regional Investment Promotion Action Plan 2025–2030 priority sectors.

These include biofuels, medical devices, solar photovoltaic equipment, carbon capture and storage, veterinary healthcare, sustainable building materials and smart grid development.

“The message from ASEAN today is clear: ASEAN remains open for business, committed to regional cooperation, and determined to compete successfully in the industries of the future,” Rodolfo said.

“At the same time, ASEAN seeks to ensure that economic progress is inclusive and is sustainable.”

The ministers also took note of the ASEAN Investment Report 2026, which highlighted ASEAN’s foreign direct investment (FDI) reaching a historic USD243.9 billion in 2025.

“Equally important, intra-ASEAN investments continued to strengthen, rising to almost USD40 billion in 2025, underscoring the growing importance of intra-regional investment and the deepening economic linkages among ASEAN member states,” he said.

In her remarks, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque rallied ASEAN member states to capture the momentum as businesses reassess where they invest amid global uncertainties.

"This creates both pressure and opportunity for ASEAN. Pressure because we must work harder to ensure that our investments and predictable and attractive. Opportunity because ASEAN remains one of the few regions that stands as one of the brightest economic powerhouses on Earth, combining young, tech-savvy demographics, market openness, and unmatched growth potential,” she said.

As ASEAN chair, Roque said the Philippines will ensure that the bloc will solidify its position as a “leading investment destination.”

The meeting also covered engagements with United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development on various initiatives to enhance ASEAN’s competitiveness in attracting FDI. (PNA)