The Republic of Korea and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are poised to inaugurate their first joint think tank dialogue focusing on economic and trade policy, according to a statement released by Seoul’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on May 13 according to the Korea JoongAng Daily.

The forum, formally named the ASEAN-ROK Think Tank Dialogue on Economic and Trade Policy (AKTD), will be held on the southern Korean island of Jeju, drawing approximately 100 participants from leading think tanks across Korea and the ten ASEAN member states.

This initiative follows a significant diplomatic milestone achieved in October 2024 during a summit in Laos, where Korea and ASEAN agreed to upgrade their relationship to a “comprehensive strategic partnership” — the highest level of cooperation that ASEAN extends to its external dialogue partners. The move reflects the deepening of ties between the two sides, spanning diplomacy, security, technology, and now, economic policymaking the report continued.

“ASEAN is Korea’s third-largest trading partner and the second-largest destination for direct investment,” Korea’s Trade Minister, Cheong In-kyo, remarked during a briefing. He acknowledged the growing depth of economic ties but noted that cooperation had often unfolded in a “fragmented manner.”

“As Korea and ASEAN have grown into a comprehensive strategic partnership, I hope the AKTD will evolve into a signature policy cooperation channel that effectively identifies and carries out long-term cooperation initiatives,” he added.

ASEAN, comprising Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, has become an increasingly vital partner for Korea in recent years. Bilateral trade between ASEAN and Korea reached nearly $210bn in 2023, driven by robust exchanges in electronics, automobiles, semiconductors, and raw materials.

The AKTD is now expected to address pressing issues such as trade liberalisation, digital transformation, supply chain resilience, and sustainable development. Delegates will also explore opportunities to harmonise regulatory frameworks and jointly respond to global economic shifts.

This dialogue also serves as a key platform for aligning ASEAN’s regional integration efforts with Korea’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, which prioritises inclusive growth, multilateral engagement, and economic resilience.

Analysts already view the establishment of the AKTD as a timely step towards institutionalising policy dialogue and bolstering strategic trust between ASEAN and Korea. It is anticipated that this forum will not only strengthen economic links but also facilitate collaborative research, policy alignment, and joint responses to future global challenges.