ASEAN's Strategic Advantage: Leveraging RCEP and BRICS for Economic Growth

ASEAN's Economic Future: Navigating the Rise of RCEP and BRICS Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – May 26, 2025 – The global economic landscape is shifting, with the emergence of new economic powerhouses challenging the traditional dominance of Western nations. ASEAN, according to experts, finds itself in a strategically advantageous position to capitalize on this change. Prof. Madya Dr. Irwan Shah Zainal Abidin of ECOFI, a leading expert in economics and finance, emphasizes ASEAN's unique ability to leverage both the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which focuses on regional trade integration, and the BRICS alliance, which is actively reshaping the global economic order. "ASEAN is uniquely positioned to benefit from both these powerful economic forces," explains Prof. Abidin. The video highlights the potential benefits for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), through reduced costs and increased revenue. The potential for growth within ASEAN is significant, and the strategic partnerships with RCEP and BRICS offer pathways to further development. Beyond economic opportunities, ASEAN's engagement with BRICS reflects a pragmatic approach to international relations, prioritizing collaboration over confrontation. This approach is crucial as ASEAN navigates the complexities of the evolving global economic system. The 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur further underscores the importance of these partnerships and ASEAN's commitment to a bold, open, and mutually beneficial regional strategy.