U.S. - ASEAN Connect

U.S. - ASEAN Connect Type: Program Sponsor organization: partnership Creation Legislation: Announced by President Obama at the U.S.-ASEAN Summit Website: https://asean.usmission.gov/u-s-asean-connect/

Mission U.S. - ASEAN Connect aims to deepen economic cooperation between the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It seeks to enhance business connections, promote innovation, and support sustainable development within the region.

U.S. - ASEAN Connect (UAC) represents a strategic framework for the United States to engage economically with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It focuses on strengthening economic ties through various sectors.

Official Site

Goals

• Enhance trade and investment between the U.S. and ASEAN countries.
• Promote sustainable infrastructure development and connectivity.
• Foster innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in technology and clean energy.

Success is measured by increased bilateral trade volumes, investment projects, and the number of new business partnerships formed.

Organization

U.S. - ASEAN Connect is a collaborative effort led by the U.S. Department of State, with involvement from various U.S. government agencies like USAID, USTR, and Commerce, alongside private sector engagement through the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council. Funding comes from various government allocations, with implementation through a network of U.S. embassies in ASEAN countries.

Impact and Outcomes

- **Quantitative**: Significant growth in U.S. direct investment in ASEAN, with trade figures rising year over year. - **Qualitative**: Enhanced cooperation in digital economy, energy, and infrastructure, leading to policy reforms and business opportunities.

Challenges include navigating the diverse regulatory environments across ASEAN countries and ensuring equitable benefits distribution.

• United States Department of State
• U.S. Agency for International Development
• United States Trade Representative

Background and History

Launched in 2016 by President Barack Obama at the U.S.-ASEAN Leaders' Summit in Sunnylands, California, U.S. - ASEAN Connect was designed to capitalize on ASEAN's economic growth and demographic dividend. Over time, the initiative has expanded to include more focus on digital transformation, climate resilience, and health security. No specific end date is set, suggesting a long-term partnership.

• • Funding**:

- Funding details are not publicly specified per initiative but are part of broader U.S. foreign aid and economic engagement budgets. - Funding began with its announcement in 2016 and continues through various programs and initiatives.

Implementation

The program is implemented through four main pillars: Business Connect, Energy Connect, Innovation Connect, and Policy Connect. Each pillar addresses different aspects of economic engagement, from direct business support to policy advocacy. There is no defined end date, reflecting its ongoing nature.

• • Leadership**:

- The initiative doesn't have a single named leader but is coordinated by multiple U.S. government officials, including ambassadors and agency heads.

See Also

• ASEAN
• U.S.-ASEAN Business Council

External Links

• https://asean.usmission.gov/u-s-asean-connect/
• https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/09/05/fact-sheet-u-s-asean-comprehensive-strategic-partnership-one-year-on/

• • Wikipedia Article**:

- There is no specific Wikipedia article for U.S. - ASEAN Connect.

Social media

• No dedicated social media accounts for U.S. - ASEAN Connect were found.