In a notable display of growing international cooperation, Qatar’s relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been steadily advancing, with an annual trade volume approximating $9 billion, according to Ambassador Wong Chow Ming of Singapore, who currently chairs the ASEAN Committee in Doha (ACD).
Addressing attendees at the 57th anniversary event of ASEAN, organized by the Singapore Embassy in Doha, Ambassador Wong highlighted the breadth and depth of Qatar’s investment in the ASEAN region. “Qatar’s economic engagement with ASEAN is robust, with significant investments across diverse sectors such as energy, financial services, real estate, telecommunications, agribusiness, hospitality, and healthcare,” he noted.
The anniversary event, held yesterday, was marked by a flag-raising ceremony and featured a distinguished assembly of diplomats, including H.E. Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro, Director of the Protocol Department at Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and ambassadors from Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Ambassador Wong pointed out that the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) has established its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Singapore, with Qatari investments in Singapore alone estimated at around $3 billion. These investments primarily target the energy, financial, insurance, and real estate sectors.
QatarEnergy has also expanded its regional footprint by setting up a liaison office in Thailand, enhancing its collaboration within the ASEAN market. Furthermore, prominent Qatari firms like Ooredoo, Nebras Power, and QNB Group have established a significant presence in Indonesia, while Qatari investors are exploring expansion opportunities in the Philippines.
In reciprocation, ASEAN member states have steadily increased their investments in Qatar, spanning sectors such as oil and gas, hospitality, ICT, construction, and retail. Additionally, ASEAN countries play a critical role in supporting Qatar’s food security efforts, aligning with Qatar’s National Vision 2030.
Ambassador Wong expressed enthusiasm about the high-level exchanges between Qatar and ASEAN leaders, and highlighted the ASEAN-GCC Framework of Cooperation 2024-2028 as a significant avenue for enhancing Qatar’s engagement with the ASEAN bloc. He also anticipated the upcoming ASEAN-GCC Summit in 2025 with optimism.
This year marks the 57th anniversary of ASEAN, which was originally founded by Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Since its inception, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia have joined the organization. The current theme under Laos’ chairmanship, “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,” underscores the bloc’s commitment to strengthening regional ties and building resilience amidst global uncertainties.
Ambassador Wong stressed that the theme is particularly pertinent given the rising global challenges of populism, protectionism, and geopolitical tensions. “ASEAN’s long-standing principles of free trade, economic integration, and globalization are facing unprecedented challenges. It is crucial for ASEAN to bolster its resilience and connectivity to foster greater growth,” he remarked.
The ACD chair emphasized the vast potential for Qatar and ASEAN to deepen their cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, climate change, sustainable development, agribusiness, education, financial services, ICT, sports, transport, tourism, and hospitality.
He also highlighted ASEAN’s dynamic nature, with a population of over 670 million, 60% of whom are under 35. This demographic dividend, coupled with a combined GDP of $3.6 trillion in 2022—projected to double within the next two decades—positions ASEAN as a rapidly growing global economic powerhouse, on track to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2030.
Under Laos’ leadership, ASEAN focuses on three key pillars: enhancing regional cooperation and people-to-people ties; forging an inclusive and sustainable future; and advancing digital transformation. Notable initiatives include the ASEAN Strategy for Carbon Neutrality and the ongoing negotiations for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which aims to triple the region’s digital economy by 2030 and support a transition to an inclusive and sustainable digital economy.
As ASEAN navigates an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, Ambassador Wong’s remarks underscore a shared vision for a resilient, cooperative, and forward-looking partnership between Qatar and ASEAN.
