The international economic landscape is undergoing profound transformation driven by geopolitical competition, technological innovation, supply-chain restructuring, climate change, and the emergence of new centres of economic growth. Recent developments including the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, disruptions in global trade, and rising protectionist policies have exposed vulnerabilities in the international economic system while accelerating efforts to diversify markets, strengthen regional production networks, and build resilient supply chains. As globalization enters a new phase, regional integration has become an increasingly important instrument for promoting sustainable growth, enhancing competitiveness, and strengthening economic resilience.[1]
Against this backdrop, Asia has emerged as the centre of global economic growth, with regional organizations and connectivity initiatives playing an increasingly important role in shaping the continent’s economic future. In this regards, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) represents one of the most successful models of regional integration. Since its establishment in 1967, ASEAN has evolved into a dynamic regional organization comprising ten member states with a combined population exceeding 690 million and a collective GDP reaching US$4 trillion.[2]
