September 21, 2026 | 07:59 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Southeast Asia proves to be a solid investment destination for the world, with countries in the region successfully attracting foreign investment of up to US$243.9 billion (Rp4.34 quadrillion) by 2025.
This adds to ASEAN's five-year streak to record investments worth over US$200 billion, while demonstrating investor confidence in the region's economy, said Philippine Undersecretary of Trade and Industry Ceferino S. Rodolfo.
“The message from ASEAN today is clear: ASEAN remains open for business, committed to regional cooperation, and determined to compete successfully in the industries of the future," Rodolfo said at a press conference, according to a written statement from the ASEAN Chairship 2026 on Monday.
The achievement came against the backdrop of trade tensions and global uncertainty that have made businesses increasingly hesitant to invest elsewhere.
"ASEAN continues to stand out as one of the world’s most dynamic and attractive investment destinations," he added.
According to Rodolfo, the majority of foreign investment in ASEAN by 2025 will go into the electronics manufacturing sector and the growing digital technology industry.
These investments help Southeast Asian governments develop clean energy and electricity grids and ensure more reliable digital networks and internet access for their communities, he said.
Highlighting his country's economic performance, Rodolfo said foreign investment in the Philippines throughout 2025 will help create jobs for at least 153,000 people that year.
He further highlighted the ASEAN Economic and Investment Ministerial Meeting held in Manila over the past week as a momentum to agree on joint measures to ensure a more sustainable regional economy.
"The meeting also highlighted the need to move beyond simply increasing investment volumes toward attracting investments that generate innovation, quality jobs, strengthen industrial capabilities and contribute to sustainable development," Rodolfo said.
The outcomes of the ministerial meeting will be considered by Southeast Asian leaders when they reconvene in Manila for the 49th ASEAN Summit in November.
Read: Prabowo: Indonesia Defense Budget Among Smallest in ASEAN
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Prabowo: Indonesia Defense Budget Among Smallest in ASEAN
3 hari lalu
Prabowo noted that Indonesia's defense spending has hovered around 0.9 percent of GDP for decades.
Indonesia Commits to ASEAN Mechanisms for Forest Fire Response
3 hari lalu
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Indonesia consistently adheres to ASEAN mechanisms in responding to forest fires and their impacts.
How El Nino Rings Food Inflation Alarms Across ASEAN
11 hari lalu
ASEAN countries are bracing for inflation as El Nino forces food prices higher.
Myanmar Seeks Closer Foreign Ties amid Global Isolation
11 hari lalu
Myanmar coup leader Min Aung Hlaing has been on a diplomatic offensive since becoming president in April.
Nearly Half of ASEAN Scam Cases Remain Unresolved
11 hari lalu
According to the GSMA ASEAN Consumer Scam Report 2026, 45 percent of the reported cases in the region remain unresolved.
Anwar Ibrahim Urges ASEAN Review of Transboundary Haze Rules
12 hari lalu
Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim calls on ASEAN to review its transboundary haze mechanism as hazardous air pollution impacts public health in Sarawak.
Indonesia Works with ASEAN Neighbors to Tackle Transboundary Haze
16 hari lalu
Indonesia ensures efforts to combat the transboundary effects of wildfires through close cooperation with ASEAN countries.
Putin Hails Indonesia as Russia's 'Trusted Friend' in ASEAN
18 hari lalu
Vladimir Putin hailed Indonesia as one of Russia's key partners in the Asia-Pacific region as well as a trusted friend in ASEAN.
Prabowo Apologizes for Missing Russia-ASEAN Summit
18 hari lalu
Prabowo was previously scheduled to go to Russia to attend the Russia-ASEAN Summit held in Kazan on June 17, 2026.
How ASEAN Tackles Growing Climate Disaster Risks
31 hari lalu
Climate change makes Southeast Asia more vulnerable to natural disasters. ASEAN strengthens regional cooperation through an emergency logistics system
