Desaru, 27–28 February 2025: ERIA participated in the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Retreat 2025 in Desaru, Johor, Malaysia, at the kind invitation of AEM Chair H.E. Datuk Seri Utama Tengku Zafrul Aziz. Held from 22 to 28 February 2025, the retreat brought together economic ministers from ASEAN and Timor-Leste to discuss key regional economic priorities.

During the retreat, ERIA President Tetsuya Watanabe presented preliminary findings from two key studies supporting Malaysia’s 2025 Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs). These studies focused on strengthening ASEAN’s semiconductor supply chain and enhancing economic co-operation between ASEAN and the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC).

The presentation was well received by the economic ministers, who acknowledged ERIA’s valuable insights and expertise. They expressed appreciation for ERIA’s continued support in advancing ASEAN’s economic integration and policy development. The discussions reaffirmed ERIA’s role as a key partner in shaping regional economic strategies and fostering deeper economic co-operation.

ERIA remains committed to providing evidence-based policy recommendations to ASEAN and supporting its economic ministers in addressing emerging challenges and opportunities in the region.