One of the key drivers behind Southeast Asia's ascendancy is the unparalleled market access granted by multilateral trade agreements like the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA). This comprehensive pact, which covers all 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has significantly reduced tariffs and other barriers, facilitating the seamless flow of goods across the region.

The trade agreement has seen intra-ASEAN trade soar, as well as trade outside the region. EU imports from ASEAN countries grew from €79 billion in 2011 to an all-time high of €136 billion in 2021 – an increase of nearly three-quarters. And Southeast Asia’s merchandise exports grew over 10% annually on average between 2017 and 2021 – faster than the increase seen by the Asia Pacific region more broadly.

This is reflected in the growth we’re seeing as part of our significant presence in major ports like Laem Chabang, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila and Batangas, where we aim to provide integrated logistics solutions to customers across the region.

Growth has been particularly pronounced in sectors such as electronics, automotive and machinery, where Southeast Asian nations have emerged as major exporters.

Indonesia, for example, has seen its automotive industry develop significantly in recent years, emerging as a major production base for global automakers like Toyota, Honda and Suzuki. While much of this trade is with local partners, the country’s reach is expanding.

 

We are proud to partner with DP World on its issuance of the first corporate Blue Bond in the Middle East. This innovative transaction will mobilize capital towards UN SDG 14, Life Below Water, while providing an opportunity for attractive investment returns. We recognize UN SDG 14 as the most underfunded of all the sustainable development goals. We hope this transaction can be a model for other issuers and investors to support the blue economy. 

Rob Sharps,

Chairman of the company

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A BURGEONING HUB FOR SUSTAINABLE TRADE

One of the key drivers behind Southeast Asia's ascendancy is the unparalleled market access granted by multilateral trade agreements like the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA). This comprehensive pact, which covers all 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has significantly reduced tariffs and other barriers, facilitating the seamless flow of goods across the region.