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Our Work

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How We Deliver

The EU-ABC conducts its activities through a series of Advocacy Groups, each focused on a particular industry sector. We target both industry-specific and cross-industry issues, engaging directly with ministers, policy leaders and key decision-makers across the ASEAN region.

Our Advocacy Groups are chaired by MNCs and draw from the expertise of our entire membership, including business corporations and European Chambers of Commerce in Southeast Asia. This broad-based approach ensures that we reflect the overall views and concerns of the European business community, allowing us to tackle issues that inhibit the ability of businesses to trade and invest in the region.

Browse our PublicationsOur Events

Photo: Panellists from Malaysia’s Trade Ministry (MITI), Housing & Local Government Ministry (KPKT), the Malaysian Recycling Alliance (MAREA), The Coca-Cola Company, Danone speaking at the EU-ABC’s launch event for our Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) paper.

Our Advocacy Groups

Agriculture

Anti-Illicit Trade & IP Rights

Brussels Liaison Group

Customs & Trade Facilitation

Digital / ICT

Energy

Financial Services

FMCG

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Sustainability

Transport & Mobility

What We Do

We connect you to decision-makers across all 10 ASEAN markets and in the EU. This is achieved through a three-level strategy:

Photo: EU-ABC delegates with then-Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra during a Business Mission to Thailand in 2025.

National Level

The EU-ABC regularly engages government officials and ministries from all 10 ASEAN countries, holding upwards of 50 meetings and roundtables each year. Members get exclusive access to high-level engagements.

  • Direct links with governments of ASEAN Member States (AMS)
  • Ministerial meetings
  • Business Missions to several AMS a year
  • Targeted advocacy efforts

ASEAN Level

The EU-ABC often receives invitations to attend ASEAN meetings, side events, consultations and more. Our Executive Director & Board Members represent the Council at these meetings, building connections and raising the Council’s profile across the ASEAN circuit.

  • Direct links to the ASEAN Secretariat
  • Engagements alongside high-level ASEAN meetings (e.g. ministers, senior officials)
  • Participation in ASEAN Working Groups & consultation sessions

Photo: Then-Cambodian Commerce Minister Pan Sorasak (left) with Philippines’ President Ferdinand Marcos Jr (second from left) and then-Thai PM Prayut Cha-o-cha (right) at the 10th ASEAN-EU Business Summit in 2022.

Photo: EU-ABC Chairman Jens Ruebbert (left) meeting EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic (right) in Singapore in 2025.

EU Level

The Council maintains strong links to the European Commission, and has over the years continuously advocated for greater EU engagement with ASEAN on trade and investment issues.

  • Direct links to the European Commission
  • Direct links to EU delegations across Southeast Asia
  • Direct links to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs)
  • Annual Business Mission to Brussels

Our Milestones

Reversed Sugar Tax

Successfully reversed sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) tax for infant formula milk in Malaysia through MOH.

Indonesia Customs Efficiency

Successfully advocated for policy changes to reduce bottlenecks on low value shipments at Jakarta Airport.

Informed Compliance

Successfully advocated for the development of dedicated webpage listing examples of informed compliance for shippers and traders across the ASEAN region.

Business Sentiment Survey

Results quoted by leaders including former Indonesia President Joko Widodo, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.; document often referred to by ASEAN and the EU.

ASEAN & EU Mentions

The EU-ABC is regularly referred to in ASEAN and EU documents as the trade association to work with in advancing EU-ASEAN relations.

ASEAN Regional Wins
  1. Recommendation to include sustainability principles in upgrade of ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) accepted by ASEAN.
  2. Recommendations on customs procedures and trade facilitation incorporated into the ATIGA upgrade.
  3. ASEAN agreed to establish database of guidelines and information to assist shippers and traders, which the EUABC has advocated for since 2020.
  4. Invited by ASEAN Customs Officials to conduct antiillicit trade training.

Join us today

And take EU-ASEAN business to the next level, alongside Europe's leading multinational companies and chambers.
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