ASEAN and Business Leaders Align on Economic Community Strategic Plan for 2026–2030
According to the ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn met with Mark Lee, Chairman of the Singapore Business Federation and incoming Chair of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) for 2027, at the ASEAN Headquarters on 4 September 2026. The high-level meeting centered on strengthening ties between regional institutional bodies and the private sector, specifically targeting the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan spanning 2026 through 2030.
Dr. Kao Kim Hourn has served as the 15th Secretary-General of ASEAN since January 2023, following an extensive diplomatic career that included roles as Cambodia’s Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, according to ASEAN Secretariat background records.
Private Sector Integration in the AEC Strategic Plan 2026–2030
According to the ASEAN Secretariat, discussions during the September 2026 meeting focused heavily on reinforcing ASEAN-BAC’s practical contributions to the AEC Strategic Plan 2026–2030. This strategic framework acts as the core blueprint guiding regional economic integration and development across Southeast Asia for the latter half of the decade.
ASEAN-BAC functions as an official platform allowing business leaders from member states to present direct recommendations and commercial perspectives to policymakers.
Preparations for Singapore’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027
According to the ASEAN Secretariat, the meeting also served as an early planning session for Singapore’s upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027. Mark Lee attended the discussions in his dual capacity as Chairman of the Singapore Business Federation and the designated incoming Chair of ASEAN-BAC for 2027.
Preparations are already underway to define ASEAN-BAC Singapore’s core priorities ahead of the 2027 chairmanship. These upcoming priorities aim to build upon ongoing economic cooperation milestones and expand private-sector involvement across all ten ASEAN member economies.
Did you know? Dr. Kao Kim Hourn played a key role in drafting the foundational ASEAN Charter as Cambodia’s representative to the High-Level Task Force prior to leading the Secretariat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current Secretary-General of ASEAN?
According to the ASEAN Secretariat, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn serves as the 15th Secretary-General of ASEAN, a position he assumed in January 2023.
What was the main focus of the September 2026 meeting at ASEAN Headquarters?
According to the ASEAN Secretariat, the meeting focused on public-private partnerships, the implementation of the AEC Strategic Plan 2026–2030, and preparations for ASEAN-BAC priorities under Singapore’s 2027 ASEAN Chairmanship.
What is the role of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC)?
According to the ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN-BAC acts as an official platform for the regional business community to contribute commercial perspectives and policy recommendations to ASEAN economic development initiatives.
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