The ASEAN Investment Forum 2024 in Vientiane, Laos, brought together governments, global business leaders, and investors to unveil the ASEAN Investment Promotion Action Plan 2025-2030. This collaborative initiative aims to position ASEAN as a unified, thriving investment destination, leveraging regional ecosystems to capture the growing investor interest.
What a fantastic week! We were delighted to collaborate with United Nations ESCAP to organize and deliver the second edition of the ASEAN Investment Forum, held in Vientiane, Laos on the 7th of October. During the Forum the ASEAN Secretariat and the United Nations ESCAP unveiled the ASEAN Investment Promotion Action Plan 2025-2030, which was officially endorsed by ASEAN Economic Ministers.
This Action Plan marks a significant shift in promoting investment, presenting ASEAN as a unified investment destination across key sector value chains. This approach leverages growing investor interest in regional ecosystems rather than focusing on individual national markets.
KW Group APAC Advisory was proud to support the organization of AIF, program development, and delivery of this successful event. As part of the program, we supported site visits to key investment locations and special economic zones around Vientiane, providing investors and international governments with a direct understanding of opportunities available in Laos. The tours visited Thatluang Lake Special Economic Zone, Vientiane Logistics Park, and Saysettha Development Zone
With over 300 participants attending this year's forum, the program featured remarks from key officials, including the Deputy Prime Minister of Lao PDR, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations ESCAP and senior officials from ASEAN member states. The speakers and audience included regional governments, global business leaders, CEOs, investors, and industry experts who shared insights and expertise around the challenges and opportunities of sustainable FDI in ASEAN. The event also provided ASEAN officials with a platform to engage with potential investors.
I also had the pleasure of collaborating with Gavin Winbanks of White Hawk Green to lead a workshop on 'Investor-Ready Projects' for ASEAN and Mesoamerican IPAs, a critical session aimed at developing new strategic approaches to FDI and unlocking vital capital for the regions through proactively developing investor value propositions around key strategic projects.
United Nations ESCAP organized the ASEAN Investment Forum in partnership with the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Lao PDR, the ASEAN Secretariat, and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council. Special thanks to all of our sponsors and partners who made this edition such a huge success.
CONCLUSION
As someone deeply invested in ASEAN's growth and development, both professionally and personally, this year's ASEAN Investment Forum was a meaningful experience. The progress made since the first edition in Jakarta last year, particularly in fostering regional collaboration, truly highlights the commitment to driving investment into ASEAN. Looking ahead to the next edition in Kuala Lumpur in 2025, I feel optimistic about the momentum we’ve built together. This project was especially rewarding for Michelle and myself and the KW Group team, and we’re grateful to the UN ESCAP Trade, Investment & Innovation team for their trust and partnership. Ultimately, it’s the people and their shared vision that make initiatives like this truly special. 👍
Managing Partner, KW Group APAC FDI Advisory
Economic Development Consultant, Trade, Investment & Innovation Division, United Nations ESCAP
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