On 4 June, ASEANcham EU, in collaboration with the Thailand Embassy and the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), had the pleasure of organizing the ASEAN–EU Business Forum in Brussels, bringing together ambassadors, EU institutions, government representatives, and private sector leaders to exchange views on the future of EU–ASEAN trade and investment.
It was a privilege to gather in such a dynamic forum to explore the current status of the swiftly developing free trade agreement negotiations, encouraging perspectives of the EU towards ASEAN, the energetic motivation of ASEAN ambassadors to engage with the EU, plus the growing interest of European and Southeast Asian businesses in both regions.
One of the key highlights of the programme was the presentation by our Advisory Board Member, Müge Afacan Ural, who provided an insightful perspective on the implications of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) for ASEAN exporters and EU importers.
Her message highlighted a critical shift in global trade dynamics: carbon is becoming an integral part of the new trade order.
While CBAM introduces new compliance obligations and cost considerations for EU importers, it also places increasing importance on emissions transparency and data availability at the level of exporters.
The discussion also emphasized that ASEAN companies that proactively invest in decarbonisation strategies will be better positioned to maintain and strengthen their access to the EU market.
ASEANcham EU remains committed to fostering this dialogue and supporting its members in navigating the evolving trade and regulatory environment between ASEAN and the EU.
A heartfelt thank-you to our excellent speakers and panelists for their insights:
- Mr. Wouter Beke, EU MEP & Chair of the Delegation for relations with Southeast Asia & ASEAN
- Ms. Leila Stembridge-Fernandez, Head of Division, Southeast Asia & ASEAN (EEAS)
- H.E. Mr. Michael Matthiessen, former EU Ambassador and Vice-Chair of ASEANcham EU
- H.E. Mrs. Kanchana Patarachoke, Ambassador of Thailand
- H.E. Mr. Jaime Victor B. Ledda, Philippine Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the EU
- H.E. Mr. Andrew Jacobs, former EU Ambassador and Advisory Board member of ASEANcham EU
- Ms. Romrawee Chandrasen, Thailand Board of Investment (BOI)
- Ms. Magnolia M. Ashley, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Philippines
- Ms. Müge Afacan, Advisory Board member of ASEANcham EU
- Mr. Aitor Montesa Llorada, EU DG Trade
- Mr. Hibiki Kimura, Nishimura & Asahi Brussels
- Mr. Di-Ting Shih, CPF Europe
- Mr. TzeErn Liew, Sluys INTL
- Katrien Depauw and Ta-Fan Hwang, Thai Airways
- Mathieu Cleach, Pernod Ricard
- Enzo Bonvissuto, Lachaussée
We also give special thanks to our corporate member and host Thai Café for the delightful event hall in Wemmel and MC Mr. Sieb Hoogstra, Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) for anchoring the programme!
For more photos of the ASEAN – EU Business Forum & Networking lunch reception in Wemmel – 4 June 👉🏼https://bit.ly/4vFSzQI
