Vietnam leads the 15th meeting of the IAI Task Force in partnership with ASEAN nations
The ASEAN Integration Initiative (IAI) is making significant strides in its mission to close development gaps within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The 15th Consultation Meeting of the IAI Task Force, held in Jakarta, Indonesia on August 11, 2025, marked a milestone in the initiative's progress.
The meeting, chaired by Ambassador Tôn Thị Ngọc Hương, the Permanent Representative of Việt Nam to ASEAN, brought together all ASEAN dialogue partners, sectoral and development partners. The gathering reaffirmed the commitment of ASEAN member states and partners to strengthen cooperation and accelerate the completion of the IAI Work Plan IV (2021-2025).
As of August 2025, the IAI Work Plan IV has a 70.8% completion rate. The plan encompasses 114 projects worth a total of US$24.8 million, with US$18.3 million supported by ASEAN dialogue and development partners. The projects cover all five strategic areas: food and agriculture, trade facilitation, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), education, and health and well-being.
The IAI focuses on promoting inclusive regional integration and enhancing the capacities of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Việt Nam (CLMV), and more recently, Timor-Leste. The inclusion of Timor-Leste as an IAI beneficiary was warmly welcomed. Partners expressed optimism that Timor-Leste’s participation would bolster its journey toward full ASEAN membership and help close development gaps with other member states.
In her opening remarks, Ambassador Hương stressed that the IAI has remained one of ASEAN's flagship initiatives for over 25 years. The initiative continues to promote inclusive regional integration and enhance the capacities of the CLMV countries and Timor-Leste. This helps address persistent development challenges and supports ASEAN’s vision of a more integrated and equitable community by 2045.
The IAI Task Force has thanked partners for their contributions to narrowing development gaps through the initiative. ASEAN partners have supported 28 projects valued at US$18.3 million. The meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm both ASEAN member states' and partners' commitment to strengthening cooperation and working together to realise the Work Plan IV before its scheduled conclusion later this year.
References:
[1] ASEAN Secretariat. (2025). 15th Consultation Meeting of the ASEAN Integration Initiative (IAI) Task Force-ASEAN Partners. Retrieved from https://asean.org/storage/2025/08/15th-Consultation-Meeting-of-the-ASEAN-Integration-Initiative-IAI-Task-Force-ASEAN-Partners-11-August-2025.pdf
[2] ASEAN Secretariat. (2025). ASEAN Integration Initiative (IAI) Work Plan IV (2021-2025). Retrieved from https://asean.org/asean-integration-initiative/
[3] ASEAN Secretariat. (2025). ASEAN Integration Initiative (IAI) Factsheet. Retrieved from https://asean.org/storage/2025/08/IAI-Factsheet.pdf
- The ASEAN Integration Initiative (IAI) has received support from partners in the realm of trade, aiding in the completion of projects aimed at facilitating trade within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
- In the field of education, the IAI Work Plan IV has overseen 114 projects, contributing significantly to the enhancement of the educational capacities of the CLMV countries and Timor-Leste.
- The IAI's focus on health and well-being has resulted in projects worth a total of US$24.8 million, with important advancements in health care systems and public health initiatives across the ASEAN region.
- As technology continues to advance, the IAI has recognized the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the general-news sector, and is working to promote its responsible use in enhancing the regional integration of ASEAN.
- In the midst of ongoing political and war-related issues, the IAI serves as a beacon of hope, promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding among the ASEAN member states, thereby fostering peace and unity within the region.
