EU-ASEAN businesses and cooperation agencies discussed the opportunities and challenges of ASEAN’s green transition in the Partners’ Dialogue forum with the Delegation of the European Union to ASEAN. 

Ambassador of the European Union to ASEAN Sujiro Seam delivers opening remarks at the dialogue held on October 1. Photos: EU Delegation to ASEAN

Hosted by Ambassador of the European Union (EU), Sujiro Seam, representatives of EU-ASEAN institutions, Member States, businesses, and cooperation agencies engaged in a knowledge and experience sharing on ASEAN’s green transition and the transformative impact of the Global Gateway strategy.

Launched in 2021, the Global Gateway strategy is the EU’s strategy to boost infrastructure investments in five key areas: digitalization, energy, transport, health, as well as education and research. It aims to support green and digital transitions worldwide to tackle global challenges such as climate change, global health security, sustainable development, and stronger supply chains.

Global Gateway aims to mobilize EUR300 billion (US$332 billion) worldwide, building on commitments from all Team Europe partners - the European Union, its member states, and finance institutions- and from the private sector. 

“This year, we launched a EUR 60 million package of new connectivity projects to support the enabling environment for quality and sustainable investments in the region. Under the umbrella of this package contributing to the Global Gateway in ASEAN, we have new projects planned or starting in areas such as investment, trade, higher education, transport, energy connectivity, and digitalization,” said Sujiro Seam, EU Ambassador to ASEAN.

“The EU has always recognized the importance of our partnership with the private sector. The EU and ASEAN are currently each other’s 3 rd largest trading partners, and the EU is also the 3rd external provider of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the ASEAN region,” Ambassador Seam added.

“The European Investment Bank plays a pivotal role in supporting ASEAN’s green transition. Through the Global Gateway strategy, the EIB reaffirms its commitment to financing sustainable infrastructure projects that drive digitalization, energy efficiency, and resilient transport systems. Our investments are designed to not only tackle climate change but also to stimulate economic growth and innovation across the region. By leveraging our financial expertise and resources, the EIB is dedicated to building a sustainable, more connected, and prosperous future for ASEAN,” said Sunita Lukkhoo, Head of the European Investment Bank (EIB) regional representation for Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

Delegates of the EU Delegation to ASEAN and its partners at the dialogue.