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The report finds that there is no single 'good practice' model for investment laws in ASEAN, as their functions vary significantly by country—ranging from managing entry approvals to granting incentives. Some members, such as Singapore, have no specific investment law, relying instead on general and sector-specific legislation. A key distinction is made between national investment laws and investment treaties; the report notes that ASEAN investment laws generally lack the vague, broad investor rights (such as 'fair and equitable treatment') and the general consent to investor-state arbitration typically found in treaties. The author argues that investment laws cannot be evaluated in isolation and must be understood as part of a broader national regulatory regime.

The document examines the intersection of gender equality and renewable energy in the Lower Mekong region and other ASEAN states. It notes that while hydropower and solar energy are growing due to private sector investment, biomass and wind power are lagging. Although national governments have established gender equality plans and long-term renewable energy targets, these two policy areas remain separate, leaving it unclear how women will be integrated into energy transition efforts.

The Gender Mainstreaming Strategy for USAID Clean Power Asia provides a framework to address gender disparities in the renewable energy sector of Southeast Asia. It identifies key gender issues, such as the male-dominated nature of energy institutions and limited female access to resources, and proposes a 'twin-track approach' that combines gender mainstreaming across the project cycle with targeted activities to foster 'gender champions.' The strategy includes specific action points for leadership, planning, policy, investments, and communication, alongside a checklist to ensure gender-sensitive design, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and equitable benefit sharing.

The 5th ASEAN Energy Outlook (AEO5) analyzes energy trajectories for 10 ASEAN Member States through 2040. It compares a Business-as-Usual (BAU) scenario with two target-based scenarios: the AMS Targets Scenario (ATS) and the ASEAN Progressive Scenario (APS). The report finds that while the region is on track to meet energy intensity targets, achieving the 23% renewable energy share by 2025 requires significantly more ambition than current national targets provide. It highlights a continuing heavy reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal in the power sector, and projects increasing import dependency for natural gas and crude oil. The report recommends strengthening energy efficiency and renewable energy policies, including the use of auctions and expanding renewables beyond the power sector, to improve energy security and reduce CO2 emissions.

This research paper explores the potential for establishing regional automotive value chains within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) by drawing lessons from the ASEAN Industrial Cooperation (AICO) scheme. It analyzes the current state of the automotive sector in Southern Africa, the barriers to integration, and potential strategies for enhancing regional competitiveness.

The document examines the AICO scheme's role in developing the ASEAN automotive sector and assesses whether a similar model could work in SADC. It identifies South Africa as the regional automotive leader but notes that integration is currently one-sided. Key barriers in SADC include low market demand, infrastructure bottlenecks, and a lack of indigenous industry outside South Africa. The author suggests that SADC can move toward integration by leveraging South Africa's expertise, focusing on specific vehicle segments, and developing aftermarket production as a starting point.

The document evaluates the 'adaptation readiness' of ASEAN countries, categorizing them based on their policy engagement and institutional frameworks. It identifies the Philippines and Vietnam as pioneers, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Myanmar as emerging champions, and Laos, Malaysia, and Thailand as 'wait-and-see' adaptors. The analysis highlights critical gaps in funding, sub-national engagement, and the failure to address structural inequalities and the specific needs of smallholders. It recommends a regional agenda for smallholder adaptation, increased direct engagement with rural populations, and the establishment of regional knowledge-sharing and monitoring systems.

The report analyzes the integration of SACU countries—Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Swaziland—into global and regional value chains. It finds that while the region is generally at the margins of GVCs, there are significant opportunities in the automotive and apparel sectors. The authors argue that South Africa can serve as a 'gateway' for the region, linking smaller member states to global networks through advanced services and infrastructure. Key barriers identified include geographical remoteness, small market scale, restrictive trade policies (particularly in agribusiness), and gaps in technical skills. The report concludes that GVC participation positively correlates with labor productivity, especially through backward linkages (imported inputs), and suggests a policy framework focused on economic densification, skills upgrading, and open regionalism.

The document addresses the limited utilization of ASEAN-led free trade agreements (FTAs) by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and seeks to provide recommendations to improve their access to these commercial pacts.

The document analyzes the gap between current and ideal governance practices for sustainable development in Asia-Pacific, focusing on multistakeholder processes, vertical and horizontal integration, and monitoring and evaluation. It identifies a prevalence of 'silo' approaches where sustainable development is managed primarily by environment ministries and recommends a comprehensive capacity-building agenda to improve long-term strategic planning, data quality, and subnational implementation.

The report analyzes the Myanmar–Japan Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), signed December 15, 2013. It finds that the treaty provides more expansive protections to Japanese investors than Myanmar's recent ASEAN treaties, the EU, or the US. Key concerns include the 'fair and equitable treatment' (FET) clause and an 'umbrella clause' that could make Myanmar liable for contractual changes. The report also notes inconsistencies between the BIT's liberalization commitments and Myanmar's national laws, particularly in the tourism and seed sectors, and warns that these obligations are enforceable through investor-state arbitration.

The report examines why MSMEs in the ASEAN region have low utilization rates of free trade agreements despite their significant contribution to regional GDP and employment. It identifies key barriers, including lack of information, complex Rules of Origin (RoO), and limited access to finance. The document compares ASEAN's experience with other regions and proposes a coordinated information campaign, financial infrastructure improvements, and the simplification of certification processes to better integrate MSMEs into regional and global value chains.

The text outlines how ASEAN's free trade agreements (FTAs) can help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expand markets and promote sustainable development. It also addresses the UK's accession to the CPTPP, arguing that the deal poses a threat to public health and requires a health impact assessment.

The document serves as a comprehensive resource for SMEs in ASEAN member states to navigate the complexities of free trade agreements (FTAs). It details the specific requirements, documentation, and support facilities available in various member countries, while explaining the mechanics of regional and international trade pacts.

The research identifies non-tariff barriers (NTBs) as critical constraints to trade in the SADC region, often undermining the benefits of tariff liberalisation. Key barriers include cumbersome customs procedures, transit issues, and corruption, with agricultural products being disproportionately affected. The paper highlights the high cost of compliance for retailers like Shoprite and Woolworths and argues that SADC lacks a coordinated action plan similar to those in the EU or ASEAN. It recommends a 'vertical' approach to prioritising 'low hanging fruit' barriers and the adoption of a 'naming and shaming' mechanism to enforce reforms.

The document explores the nexus between services trade liberalization and food security in ASEAN, focusing specifically on financial and logistics services. It argues that while liberalization alone is insufficient to overcome structural barriers—such as the reluctance of banks to lend to smallholder farmers or poor infrastructure in least-developed member states—strategic reforms in these sectors could reduce food costs, improve supply chain efficiency, and enhance rural financial access. The authors highlight a correlation between poor logistics infrastructure and high food insecurity in countries like Indonesia, Cambodia, and the Philippines, and suggest that food security should be more prominently integrated into regional logistics and financial policy debates.

The report examines how Indonesia can optimize its role in global value chains (GVCs) to move toward higher value-adding activities. It identifies key internal governance factors, such as market diversification and standards compliance, and external factors, including labour market stability, connectivity, and contract enforceability. The author argues that GVC participation does not automatically lead to economic or social upgrading and requires a coherent strategy involving R&D, innovation systems, and the reduction of regulatory inconsistencies to ensure sustainable growth.

The paper examines the politicized nature of the rice sector in Southeast Asia, where domestic priorities and protectionism often lead to market volatility. It highlights how the 2007–2008 food price crisis drove countries toward insular strategies and 'rice sovereignty'. The authors propose that ASEAN can improve food security by enhancing the ASEAN Food Security Information System (AFSIS) for better transparency and fully actuating the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve. The document suggests that these cooperative mechanisms can build trust and stability in the international market, providing a more effective alternative to myopic domestic focuses.

The report details a forum held in Kampala, Uganda, where negotiators from 40 developing countries discussed the risks of traditional Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) and the need for regulatory space to pursue sustainable development. Key discussions focused on the 'African Mining Vision', the dangers of 'land grabbing' in agriculture, and the systemic biases of investor-state arbitration. Participants advocated for a shift toward regional cooperation, the use of 'police powers' exceptions in treaties to protect public interest, and the implementation of domestic laws that prioritize national economic policies over investor demands.

The document analyzes the growth and modification of International Investment Agreements (IIAs), noting a trend toward more precise treaty language to preserve state regulatory space, particularly regarding environmental and labor standards. It also details the rise in investor-State disputes, highlighting that while states and investors have similar win rates in concluded cases, the financial stakes and costs of defense are increasing, with developing countries frequently appearing as respondents.