The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional intergovernmental organisation established in 1967, made up of 10 member states: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Located along key maritime routes like the Straits of Malacca and South China Sea, ASEAN plays a central role in global shipping, logistics, and trade integration.
Southeast Asia is one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors.
ASEAN member states:
• Operate major transshipment hubs (e.g. Singapore, Port Klang, Tanjung Pelepas)
• Export large volumes of electronics, palm oil, garments, and agricultural goods
• Are deeply integrated in regional and global supply chains
Maritime transport connects ASEAN both internally and with trading partners like China, Japan, the EU, and the U.S.
1. ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA)
2. ASEAN Single Window
3. Transport and Infrastructure Initiatives
4. Partnerships with Global Powers
ASEAN also addresses:
• Marine biodiversity and pollution
• Illegal fishing and maritime crime
• Disaster resilience for coastal cities and ports
• Green shipping standards
Through its working groups and dialogues, ASEAN encourages peaceful cooperation in disputed waters, while promoting sustainable growth for its maritime economies.
ASEAN’s diversity brings both richness and complexity.
• Infrastructure gaps exist between members
• Regulatory harmonisation is still evolving
• Maritime disputes occasionally strain unity
Still, ASEAN remains a powerful example of regional integration – and its ports, sea lanes, and policies are central to global maritime trade.
How does ASEAN’s regional cooperation improve the efficiency of maritime trade across Southeast Asia?
