Deputy Trade Minister Offers Sustainability Advice at ASEAN Economic Council Forum
Jakarta – Deputy Trade Minister (Wamendag) Dyah Roro Esti attended the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) meeting in Manila, Philippines on 11-13 March 2026, where she addressed strategic agenda items concerning the future of ASEAN economic integration, including strengthening regional economic resilience, digital transformation, and sustainability initiatives under the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) framework.
Deputy Minister Roro emphasised that sustainability must serve as the primary foundation for regional economic development, ensuring ASEAN’s growth is not only economically robust but also environmentally friendly and inclusive.
“We believe the sustainability agenda should become an important pillar in ASEAN economic integration. Efforts to drive regional economic growth must proceed alongside commitments to green transition, strengthening circular economy practices, and achieving carbon neutrality targets,” Deputy Minister Roro stated in an official statement on Monday, 16 March 2026.
During discussions, ASEAN member states reviewed progress on implementing key frameworks, including the Framework for Circular Economy for the ASEAN Economic Community, ASEAN Strategy for Carbon Neutrality, and the ASEAN Blue Economy Framework.
According to Roro, these initiatives demonstrate ASEAN’s commitment to ensuring the region’s economic transformation maintains focus on environmental protection and resource sustainability.
“ASEAN has tremendous opportunity to become a centre for green economic growth in the region. This requires closer collaboration among member states to accelerate implementation of green economic policies, strengthen sustainable investment, and ensure inclusive energy transition,” Roro explained.
Roro further emphasised the importance of strengthening regional cooperation in supporting various strategic initiatives related to sustainability, including renewable energy development, energy efficiency, and strengthened green financing.
“We continue to encourage ASEAN to strengthen cooperation in developing clean energy, sustainable financing, and blue economy utilisation. Through these steps, ASEAN can ensure that regional economic growth aligns with efforts to preserve environmental sustainability,” Roro added.
The Deputy Minister reaffirmed her commitment to continuing active engagement in advancing the sustainability agenda across the ASEAN region whilst ensuring regional economic integration delivers inclusive, resilient, and sustainable benefits for all member states.