ASEAN and BRICS Expand Economic Cooperation
Partnerships across key sectors grow as nations move toward a sustainable economic network by 2035.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in International Trade
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Economic cooperation between ASEAN and BRICS countries is expanding, supported by growing foreign direct investment and shifting cross-border transaction methods. Nations including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam are serving as key hubs for these collaborative efforts.
Why it matters
The collaboration seeks to integrate regional economies through increased investment and the use of national currencies in transactions. However, significant logistical constraints like varying railway gauges and customs procedures continue to hinder progress.
ASEAN received US$243.9 billion in foreign direct investment in 2025, an increase from US$230 billion recorded in 2023. China currently stands as the third-largest source of foreign direct investment for the bloc.
The players
ASEAN
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is a regional intergovernmental organization promoting economic, political, and security cooperation.
BRICS
An intergovernmental organization comprising major emerging economies that seeks to foster collective economic growth and influence.
People's Bank of China
The central bank of the People's Republic of China, responsible for monetary policy and managing the nation's financial system.
The details
Infrastructure expansion of at least 50 percent is required to improve trade flow and overcome current logistical hurdles. The People's Bank of China is facilitating this integration by maintaining bilateral renminbi swap lines with various central banks across the ASEAN region.
Timeline
ASEAN recorded US$230 billion in foreign direct investment in 2023.
ASEAN recorded US$243.9 billion in foreign direct investment in 2025.
The target date for a sustainable ASEAN-BRICS economic network is 2035.
Market Dynamics
The expansion of ASEAN-BRICS ties follows the pattern set by the ASEAN Economic Community integration agenda, which seeks to unify regional markets. This effort extends those principles by incorporating external partners from the BRICS nations to scale regional capacity.
Retail and institutional investors should monitor the use of bilateral renminbi swap lines as they signal a diversification in regional currency risk management. Improved trade logistics remain a critical variable for long-term growth in the emerging markets of Southeast Asia.
The takeaway
Achieving a sustainable economic network by 2035 will depend heavily on the ability of member nations to standardize physical infrastructure and regulatory protocols. Businesses operating in these regions should prepare for potential shifts toward national currency usage in cross-border settlements.
Further reading
For more background on global trade trends, visit our International Trade section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Star.
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Do regional economic partnerships between major blocs significantly improve long-term trade benefits for member nations?
