Amidst ongoing geopolitical tussles between major world powers that is threatening to erode global trade and financial links, a raging war in Ukraine launched by Russia that not only has impacted global food and energy supplies but also is setting an example to countries with similar ill intentions, rising inflation, and the increasing extraterritorial reach of the EU’s ESG rules, it is more important than ever for businesses to understand the risks and opportunities presented by these developments.

Businesses operating in Southeast Asia face a unique set of issues – countries in the region risk becoming pawns in the US-China clash, given the superpowers’ strategic interests in the geography and economy of the region. Representing 10 Southeast Asian countries, ASEAN has developed an Indo-Pacific strategy that aims to preserve the region’s autonomy. The Strategy envisions ASEAN Centrality as the underlying principle for promoting cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, using ASEAN-led mechanisms like the East Asia Summit as platforms for dialogue.

ASEAN’s centrality was among the key issues discussed at this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue. In this in-person breakfast briefing by Member of the European Parliament Reinhard Buetikofer​ and Hans Vriens of Vriens and Partners​ – held fresh on the heels of the SLD – we will dig deeper into key issues which could have significant impact on trade and investment and the de-risking of supply chains, particularly for European businesses, and hopefully ascertain a greater understanding how geopolitical tensions might develop moving forwards.

Only 40 seats available, so register now!