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ASEAN Connectivity

ASEAN Connectivity Connectivity in ASEAN refers to the physical, institutional, and people-to people linkages that can contribute towards a more competitive, inclusive, and cohesive ASEAN. Greater connectivity supports the political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars of an integrated ASEAN Community.

ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan (ACSP) 2026–2035 Following the completion of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, ASEAN will embark on the next phase in realising a resilient, innovative, dynamic and people-centered ASEAN Community by 2045 through the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
The ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan, covering the period of 2026-2035, is guided by key ASEAN instruments and documents, as well as lessons learned and best practices from the implementation of past connectivity strategies, particularly the MPAC 2025.
Cognisant of the rapidly evolving global environment, the implementation of the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan will require innovative, agile, responsive, inclusive, forward-looking and people-centered approach.
The ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan is envisaged to connect ASEAN by enhancing the physical, institutional, and people-to-people linkages across the region, and support the realisation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, through six Strategic Areas: Sustainable Infrastructure, Smart and Sustainable Urban Development, Digital Innovation, Seamless Logistics and Supply Chain, Regulatory Excellence and Cooperation, and People-to-People Connectivity.
The six Strategic Areas contain six Strategic Goals with corresponding 14 Objectives and their respective Strategic Measures.

ASEAN: Physical Connectivity, Institutional Connectivity, People to people Connectivity
  • Physical Connectivity

    Infrastructure that will support greater connectivity among and within member states

  • Institutional Connectivity

    Aspects which improve the regulatory environment which can enhance connectivity within member states

  • People to people Connectivity

    By promoting tourism, cultural and people-to-people exchange, ASEAN aims to enhance the “ASEAN identity” and to form the sense of “us” among citizens from member states.

Vision

A seamlessly integrated Community with enhanced linkages within and between ASEAN Member States,
connected through, among others, sustainable infrastructure, payments connectivity infrastructure,
continuous digital innovation, enhanced cybersecurity, regulatory excellence, efficient and resilient logistics and
supply chains, efficient cross border flow of information, and greater people-to-people connectivity throughout the region.
  • 6
    Strategic
    Areas
    Sustainable Infrastructure
    Smart and Sustainable Urban Development
    Digital Innovation
    Seamless Logistics and Supply Chain
    Regulatory Excellence and Cooperation
    People -to-People Connectivity
  • Strategic
    Objectives
    • Strengthened development and coordination of infrastructure within and between ASEAN Member States
    • Increased public and private infrastructure investment in ASEAN Member States
    • Advanced smart and sustainable urban and rural development
    • Strengthened rural development and empowerment of rural communities
    • Expanded and enhanced ASEAN's digital connectivity
    • Increased participation of people and businesses in the digital economy
    • Improved efficiency and competitiveness of ASEAN’s logistics and supply chain connectivity
    • Enhanced logistics and supply chain resilience against economic shocks and disruptions at the global and regional level
    • Elevated position of ASEAN in the global value chain
    • Strengthened implementation of good regulatory practices in regional trade and investment
    • Improved knowledge and capacity on the policies and regulations to facilitate cross-border trade, logistics, and investment
    • Enhanced regional sense of belonging
    • Enhanced cooperation in education and academic research and exchanges
    • Greater mobility of people across ASEAN
  • Strategic Measures
    • Enhance coordinated planning and development across transport (air, land, maritime) and digital sectors to strengthen connectivity and build resilient, inclusive infrastructure systems. (1.2, 1.4, 1.7)
    • Promote adoption of environmentally sustainable, climate and disaster- resilient, and carbon neutral infrastructure and transport solutions. (1.8)
    • Expand the ASEAN pipeline of infrastructure projects and advance major initiatives such as the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline (TAGP), and LNG infrastructure to attract investment. (1.1, 1.3)
    • Expand and strengthen submarine cable connectivity and promote greater public–private investment in sustainable, digitally integrated infrastructure (1.5, 1.6)
    • Promote integrated, data-driven, and innovation-driven urban and rural planning, encouraging industries and businesses to leverage technology while strengthening financial sustainability for smart, inclusive, and sustainable development. (2.1, 2.7, 2.9)
    • Improve housing quality, public safety, and essential services, and enhance governance and partnerships among multi-level governments, the private sector, and communities to foster inclusive and well-managed cities and rural areas. (2.2, 2.3, 2.8)
    • Advance climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable urban and rural systems through nature-based and ecosystem-based approaches, effective land use planning, and strengthened cooperation in climate adaptation, biodiversity, and disaster risk reduction. (2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.12)
    • Support collaboration among villages to accelerate rural transformation, enhance competitiveness, and expand access to wider markets through innovation. (2.10, 2.11)
    • Strengthen digital infrastructure through enhanced data governance, open data accessibility, and cybersecurity cooperation to ensure a safe, trusted, and connected digital ecosystem. (3.1, 3.2, 3.6)
    • Promote innovation, research, and digital talent mobility to bridge digital divides, foster digital literacy, and support the inclusive growth of ASEAN’s digital networks. (3.5, 3.7, 3.8)
    • Support the adoption of existing and emerging technologies by all people and businesses, with the focus on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), women, youth, and persons with disabilities to enhance competitiveness and productivity. (3.3)
    • Advance seamless regional payments connectivity. (3.4)
    • Enhance supply chain competitiveness, efficiency, and resilience through the adoption of advanced technologies and innovation to strengthen regional connectivity. (4.1, 4.3)
    • Foster collaboration between government and the private sector associations to strengthen supply chain connectivity, including human resources and skills development. (4.5)
    • Strengthen supply chain resilience by promoting sustainability and circular economy practices, and advancing multi-modal supply chain connectivity. (4.2, 4.4)
    • Promote inclusive participation of MSMEs in the global value chain. (4.6)
    • Promote adoption of good regulatory practices and social–environmental safeguards, particularly among MSMEs, to support the development of circular and green supply chains in the region. (5.2, 5.3)
    • Streamline cross-border trade and investment procedures to facilitate ease of doing business. (5.6)
    • Facilitate electronic exchange of trade-related documents through the ASEAN Single Window and promote digital solutions to improve efficiency in customs, immigration, and transport regulation processes. (5.1, 5.5)
    • Encourage mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) among interested parties for qualifications, standards, and certifications, including skills competency, to facilitate cross border trade and mobility. (5.4)
    • Amplify ASEAN awareness and foster a shared ASEAN Identity. (6.1)
    • Expand existing intra- and extra-ASEAN scholarship and other education opportunities and develop new scholarships to facilitate greater student mobility. (6.4)
    • Promote labour mobility and enhance the quality of internships across ASEAN by leveraging digital transformation to expand accessibility, inclusivity, and skills development in education and workforce training. (6.5, 6.7)
    • Promote mobility of people across ASEAN by advancing tourism, creative economy, and sports collaboration; positioning Southeast Asia as a leading destination through enhanced travel facilitation, human resource development, and the use of advanced technologies. (6.2, 6.3, 6.6)