About
The EFTA States and ASEAN adopted a Joint Declaration on Economic Cooperation (JDC) at Vientiane, Lao PDR on 19 September 2024. On 20 September 2026, they convened in Manila, Philippines, and adopted the Work Plan 2026-2030 to implement the JDC. The Work Plan provides a framework for continued cooperation and engagement in trade-related areas of shared interest.
Information about agreement
Summary
The adoption of the JDC represents an important step in the relations between EFTA and ASEAN, deepening dialogue and cooperation on economic matters and serving as a stepping stone in enhancing trade and investment relations between the Parties.
Joint Declaration on Economic Cooperation
EFTA-ASEAN Work Plan 2026-2030
Statistics
Based on EFTA's statistics, total trade between EFTA and ASEAN expanded from EUR 10.9 billion in 2010 to EUR 34.4 billion in 2023, reflecting an overall increase of 216.9% in nominal terms. This corresponds to an impressive average annual growth rate of 9.3% between 2010 and 2023.
Imports into the EFTA States grew more rapidly than exports, with an annual growth rate of 10.4% for imports compared with 8.2% for exports. As a result, the trade surplus previously in favour of EFTA gradually diminished over this period. Between 2019 and 2023, ASEAN economies held a trade surplus in four of the five years. Imports and exports both peaked in 2022, with total trade largely surpassing EUR 40 billion between the two regions. Preliminary data for 2024 based on the first half of the year suggest a continued strong trade performance, in line with previous years.
