US-ASEAN Business Council Hosts Meeting between ASEAN Leaders and U.S. Private Sector as part of U.S.-ASEAN Special Summit

(Washington, D.C.) - The US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, brought private sector executives together with U.S. and ASEAN government officials as part of the U.S.-ASEAN Special Summit on May 12.

The event featured key stakeholders from the U.S. government – such as U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change John Kerry, and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai – ASEAN heads of state, and an assortment of USABC member companies. Participants had the opportunity to discuss key economic challenges, particularly the region’s transition to green energy, blossoming digital economy, and support for SMEs and women entrepreneurs.

“Today, we witnessed a historic moment of cooperation in the U.S.-ASEAN relationship”, said US-ASEAN Business Council President & CEO Ambassador Ted Osius. ​ “There is a phenomenal set of opportunities to expand the relationship between the United States and Southeast Asia and today’s discussion on the digital economy, climate change, and more was a key steppingstone for both sides. We applaud the Biden Administration for facilitating this crucial Summit, even amid the crisis in Ukraine.”

“Since becoming Commerce Secretary last year, I’ve had the opportunity to speak to ministers throughout the Asia-Pacific region and we’ve discussed the U.S. commitment to ASEAN and our desire to achieve sustainable and inclusive economic growth together," said Secretary Raimondo. “We’re grateful for ASEAN nations’ valued partnerships with the United States and are excited to continue working to ensure all of our nations can succeed in the 21st century economy.”