OPENING REMARKS (AEM’s CHAIR) : 22nd AEM-ROK CONSULTATIONS
24 SEPTEMBER 2025 (WEDNESDAY)
0930 - 1100
BALLROOM, LEVEL 3
MITEC
OPENING REMARKS BY AEM’s CHAIR
Excellency H.E. Yeo Han-Koo,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of ASEAN, it is my great pleasure to welcome you and your delegation to Kuala Lumpur and I look forward to another meaningful and constructive exchange today.
The Republic of Korea is not only one of ASEAN’s closest partners – it is a valued strategic partner with whom our economic ties continue to deepen rapidly. In 2024, trade between ASEAN and the ROK reached USD 208.11 billion, representing a strong 5.7% increase from 2023, and making the ROK ASEAN’s fifth-largest trading partner.
Investment trends are equally encouraging. In 2024, ROK’s foreign direct investment into ASEAN more than doubled to USD 7.6 billion – a remarkable 103% increase year-on-year. This surge is more than just capital flows – it is a strong vote of confidence in ASEAN’s dynamism and in the opportunities that our region continues to offer.
Our partnership is also enriched by strong people-to-people ties. Millions of Koreans travel, study, and do business across ASEAN each year, building bridges that go beyond numbers and policies. These connections strengthen the trust and understanding that underpin our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Indeed, the launch of the ASEAN–ROK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in October 2024 has ushered in a new era in our relations. This framework provides us the direction to work more closely in emerging areas such as the digital economy, green transition, and resilient supply chains, ensuring that our cooperation remains relevant, future-ready, and mutually beneficial.
Our discussions today build on this strong foundation. We will explore new initiatives to expand trade and investment, while also exchanging views on the broader challenges shaping the global economy. Together, ASEAN and the ROK are well-placed to chart a path towards shared prosperity, sustainable growth and resilience. Let us continue building on what we already share: a commitment to openness, inclusivity, and growth that benefits all our peoples.
With that, I once again warmly welcome the ROK delegation. Thank you for being here with us today, and I look forward to a fruitful and constructive dialogue.
It is now my honour to invite H.E. Yeo Han-Koo to deliver the opening remarks. Excellency, the floor is yours.
After ROK’s Opening Remarks
Thank you, Excellency.
Before we begin with the first agenda item, I would like to invite Excellencies to come forward for a group photo session.
--BERNAMA