Munich, Germany – Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Aladdin Dillo, met with the President of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), Professor Hidetoshi Nishimura, in Munich on February 15, 2026. The meeting underscored the commitment to strengthening economic ties and fostering collaboration within the ASEAN region and beyond. This engagement highlights ASEAN’s proactive approach to developing friendly relations and mutually beneficial partnerships with international organizations, as outlined in its core principles.
The discussion centered on ongoing and future collaborative projects between ASEAN and ERIA, focusing on initiatives designed to promote sustainable economic growth, enhance regional integration, and address emerging challenges. ERIA, as a key intellectual partner to ASEAN, provides crucial research and policy recommendations that inform the bloc’s economic strategies. The meeting took place against a backdrop of increasing global economic interconnectedness and the need for coordinated efforts to navigate evolving economic landscapes. Vietnam’s economy is projected to enter a fresh growth cycle in 2026, adding further impetus to regional economic cooperation according to recent reports.
Strengthening ASEAN-ERIA Collaboration
During the meeting, Dr. Dillo and Professor Nishimura exchanged views on key areas of cooperation, including the development of a skilled agri-food workforce. A recent initiative between the European Union (EU) and ASEAN aims to pave the way for this, recognizing the importance of human capital development in the agricultural sector as reported by the ASEAN Main Portal. They also discussed the importance of leveraging research and innovation to drive economic transformation and enhance competitiveness.
ERIA’s role in providing analytical support for ASEAN’s economic agenda was a key topic. The organization’s research on trade, investment, and regional integration is instrumental in informing policy decisions and promoting economic cooperation among member states. The Secretary-General emphasized ASEAN’s commitment to actively contributing to regional and international cooperation, as demonstrated through its participation in forums like the ASEAN Summit and the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week as highlighted by Nhan Dan Online.
Economic Outlook and Regional Integration
The meeting occurred as the global economy is anticipated to enter a new growth cycle in 2026 as reported by Vietnam News. This positive outlook reinforces the importance of strengthening regional economic cooperation to capitalize on emerging opportunities. Both Dr. Dillo and Professor Nishimura acknowledged the need for continued collaboration to address challenges such as supply chain disruptions, climate change, and digital transformation.
The Secretary-General reiterated ASEAN’s commitment to fostering a rules-based regional order and promoting peaceful resolution of disputes. He emphasized the importance of maintaining open trade and investment flows to support economic growth and create opportunities for all. The discussion also touched upon the need to enhance connectivity within the ASEAN region and with external partners, including through infrastructure development and digital integration.
Looking ahead, the partnership between ASEAN and ERIA is expected to play an increasingly vital role in shaping the region’s economic future. Continued collaboration on research, policy analysis, and capacity building will be crucial for ensuring that ASEAN remains a dynamic and competitive force in the global economy. Further meetings and joint initiatives are planned to build on the momentum generated during this productive exchange in Munich.
Share your thoughts on the future of ASEAN-ERIA cooperation in the comments below.
