The ASEAN region is poised to outpace global economic growth in 2025, with a projected GDP expansion of 4.7%, up from 4.2% in 2024, according to Malaysia’s Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.
Speaking at a press conference following the 25th ASEAN Economic Community Council Meeting, Tengku Zafrul said the growth outlook, shared by the ASEAN Secretariat, reflects confidence in the region’s export resilience and robust public capital spending, particularly in the bloc’s larger economies.
“The 4.7% forecast is stronger than the global average and signals ASEAN’s continued relevance as a key growth engine, but it’s not without downside risks stemming from an uncertain external environment,” he noted.
He also shared that the council also forecast a regional inflation rate of 3% for 2025, indicating stable price pressures despite global economic headwinds.
“ASEAN’s monetary and fiscal coordination, along with improving supply chains, are seen as contributing factors to the region’s inflation management,” he said.
Meanwhile, responding to the growing concerns over global trade tensions, particularly involving the US and its recent tariff actions, Tengku Zafrul reiterated ASEAN’s stance on neutrality and multilateralism.
“ASEAN will remain neutral and committed to multilateral engagement,” he said, adding that individual member states are encouraged to pursue bilateral engagement with the US in line with their national interests.
He said this position underscores ASEAN’s delicate balancing act as it navigates between competing global powers while maintaining regional cohesion and economic openness.
