THE 49th Meeting of the High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Economic Integration, held in Iloilo, the Philippines, from 25 to 27 February, brought together regional representatives, including a Myanmar delegation led by Deputy Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations U Thant Sin Lwin.
Talks centred on tackling non-tariff trade barriers, strengthening regional economic security and shaping the post-2025 ASEAN Economic Community agenda. Delegates reviewed proposals to streamline trade, reinforce ASEAN centrality amid global economic uncertainty, and advance priorities under the Philippines’ 2026 chairmanship, as well as cooperation with the Asian Development Bank. — MNA/KZL