ASEAN
In September 2020, Italy obtained the status of Development Partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), strengthening dialogue and cooperation with the Organization in the areas of political and security affairs, economic and socio-cultural development, connectivity, and the reduction of development gaps, in line with the Practical Cooperation Areas of the Italy-ASEAN Partnership.
With a population of over 670 million and a combined gross domestic product of approximately USD 3.8 trillion, ASEAN is one of the most dynamic economic regions in the world. The Association promotes regional integration, political stability, and sustainable growth, while addressing persistent economic and social disparities among its Member States.
In May 2024, AICS Hanoi established a Project Office in Jakarta, home to the ASEAN Secretariat, in implementation of the guidelines set by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI). The objective is to strengthen the Italy-ASEAN Development Partnership and consolidate the presence of Italian Development Cooperation in the region.
AICS’s action is aligned with ASEAN’s agenda for the transition towards a low-carbon economy and contributes to the achievement of the goals outlined in the regional ASEAN Strategy for Carbon Neutrality through initiatives aimed at promoting innovative and sustainable solutions in the fields of agriculture, food security, fisheries and aquaculture, circular economy, and energy transition.
At present, Italian Cooperation supports two regional initiatives targeting ASEAN countries, both launched in 2025: COOPMEC – Cooperation Mechanism for the Competitive Development of Aquaculture and Artisanal Fisheries in ASEAN, implemented by CIHEAM Bari; and 3S – Scientific and Technical Support for Sustainable Agriculture in ASEAN Countries, implemented by a consortium comprising the University of Milan, the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT. Both initiatives promote climate-resilient approaches and foster dialogue among institutions, research centers, and ASEAN technical bodies.
Since 2024, the AICS Office in Hanoi has participated, together with the Embassy of Italy in Jakarta, in the annual meetings of the ASEAN-Italy Development Partnership Committee, presenting the progress of the initiatives, the results achieved, and the future outlook of Italian Development Cooperation within the framework of the Italy-ASEAN Partnership.
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