UK-ASEAN Business Forum - A Future Redefined

The UK-ASEAN Business Council and the Department for International Trade are delighted to present the UK-ASEAN Business Forum 2022. The Forum aims to bring together key figures from the UK and Southeast Asia to discuss the deepening UK-ASEAN relationship and to explore areas of focus for the year ahead.

Cambodia's theme for its Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2022 is 'ASEAN ACT' (Addressing Challenges Together) and will lead the region in addressing economic recovery and the geopolitical issues of the region. Covid-19 continues to pose significant challenges across Southeast Asia however as vaccines roll out, track and trace systems improve, and global economic demand picks up, ASEAN is seeing improved prospects for recovery. The Asian Development Bank projects economic growth in 2022 to be 5.2% noting however that the pandemic will continue to cause disruptions.

The pandemic has accelerated digital adoption and forced a rethink of business models and supply chain shifts. Last year, over 70 million people became digital consumers for the first time. As the future of work and consumption shifts, the digital economy along with cyber security and data management and governance are key opportunities for UK expertise.

Climate change continues to be a priority for Southeast Asia as the region seeks green growth to ensure a sustainable future. Innovative solutions using green finance to meet Southeast Asia's energy transition and economic growth need to be found to ensure a resilient future.

The UK-ASEAN Business Forum will take place in London and online, with participation from across the UK and Southeast Asia.

Further Reading

Asian Development Outlook Update, September 2021​. Asian Development Bank

Southeast Asia, The Home For Digital Transformation​. Facebook and Bain and Company

Cambodia officially takes over ASEAN chairmanship​. The Phnom Penh Post