The United States and ASEAN have sustained economic engagement for over four decades. We continue to find new ways to strengthen cooperation in the areas of energy, trade and investment, telecommunications and information, as well as science and technology. The United States and ASEAN are enduring strategic partners in ASEAN’s Comprehensive Recovery Strategy.
Enhancing Health Systems
The United States and ASEAN have sustained economic engagement for over four decades. We continue to find new ways to strengthen cooperation in the areas of energy, trade and investment, telecommunications and information, as well as science and technology. The United States and ASEAN are enduring strategic partners in ASEAN’s Comprehensive Recovery Strategy.
The United States is more committed than ever to health cooperation and assistance in ASEAN. The United States supports ASEAN in securing health gains and overcoming global health challenges in alignment with the first broad strategy of the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF). For example, the U.S.-ASEAN Health Futures initiative develops long-term partnerships to advance our shared goals of a healthy future, building on $3.5 billion in U.S. public health assistance to ASEAN over the last two decades. Additionally, the United States has provided more than $200 million to ASEAN countries to fight the COVID-19 crisis.
Learn more about Enhancing Health Systems here.
Developing Human Capital
The United States promotes policies and practices that secure ASEAN communities, develop human capital, and deepen people-to-people ties between U.S. and ASEAN citizens. Our cooperation with ASEAN supports the second broad strategy of the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Strategy, “Strengthening Human Security.” We reinforce human capital development as an essential part of the economic recovery effort and ASEAN’s transition to the digital economy.
By expanding educational opportunities and promoting sustainable and inclusive economic prosperity, especially for women and underrepresented communities, we ensure a balanced recovery that leaves no one behind. For example, the United States’ $5 million investment in the YSEALI Academy at Fulbright University Vietnam shows our commitment to educate the next generation of Southeast Asian leaders in technology, innovation, public policy, and entrepreneurship.
Learn more about Developing Human Capital here.
Maximizing Economic Integration
The United States and ASEAN cooperate to increase two-way trade and investment through efforts to reduce trade barriers, improve the business and investment climate, accelerate regional integration, and promote U.S. technologies and companies. For example, through the ASEAN Single Window (ASW), the United States works with ASEAN to implement a self-certified system to expedite select traders in securing government certificates of origin to qualify for lower tariff rates. Download USAID ASEAN Single Window Fact Sheet here.
Learn more about Maximizing Economic Integration here.
Accelerating Digital Transformation
The United States maximizes digital transformation, promotes connectivity, and assists ASEAN in developing the region’s future innovators, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. Our cooperation aligns with the fourth broad strategy of the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Strategy, “Accelerating Inclusive Digital Transformation.” Our work under this strategy focuses on activities that support ASEAN’s work in cybersecurity, eCommerce and micro-, small-, and medium enterprises, fintech and eFinance, digital innovation, and digital regulations.
The U.S. continues to bring more resources to bear in support of ASEAN’s digital transformation. For example, the U.S.-ASEAN Digital Economy Series and USAID IGNITE continue to advance U.S. best practices on digital economy regulation and cybersecurity within ASEAN.
Learn more about Accelerating Digital Transformation here.
Advancing Sustainable Recovery
The United States is committed to help ASEAN build back better through promoting sustainable energy and infrastructure, helping ASEAN adapt to, and mitigate against, the adverse effects of climate change, supporting conservation and marine sustainability efforts, and partnering on science, technology, and innovation. The United States efforts to advance sustainable recovery align with the fifth broad strategy of the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Strategy, “Advancing Toward a More Sustainable and Resilient Future.” Our collaboration promotes a sustainable and resilient recovery, including sustainable energy and infrastructure, climate change and conservation, maritime issues, and science, technology, and innovation.
One example of green recovery is the U.S. government’s clean energy programs that reduce dependence on conventional energy sources such as coal and large-scale hydropower and promote low-emissions power systems. For example, through Asia Enhancing Development and Growth through Energy (Asia EDGE), the United States is strengthening partnerships with the governments of Laos, the Philippines, and Vietnam to expand energy access, promote energy diversification, update energy policies, and accelerate clean energy deployment.
Learn more about Advancing Sustainable Recovery here.