KUALA LUMPUR: An artificial intelligence-driven global platform to help businesses resolve disputes and access new markets will be launched in ASEAN as the bloc intensifies efforts to spur cross-border trade and investment.
International Chamber of Commerce Secretary-General John Denton AO said the rollout is planned for the first quarter of ASEAN’s next chairmanship.
He stated the platform is designed to reduce commercial barriers that hold back companies from expanding into regional markets.
“We have developed tools that can enable businesses to get market access across borders,” he said during a panel discussion at the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum 2025.
Denton was speaking at the forum held in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
“We are developing an artificial intelligence-driven global platform that we will be launching in ASEAN,” he added.
He noted that persistent uncertainty is causing companies to hesitate in making investment and hiring decisions.
This hesitation weighs on regional economic activity even as ASEAN continues to deliver very appealing numbers.
Denton observed that while ASEAN has strong assets such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, usage remains largely concentrated among larger businesses.
Complex rules of origin cause smaller firms to struggle with navigating these trade agreements.
He said the ICC is also working to simplify trade rules and develop a reliable global certificate of origin.
These efforts could further unlock value from regional agreements particularly for ASEAN exporters.
Australia’s Special Envoy for Southeast Asia Nicholas Moore said the region has become central to Canberra’s economic strategy.
He identified a 20 billion US dollar pipeline of business opportunities to grow two-way investments.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese mentioned the idea of deal-setters having people on the ground in all of the region’s capitals.
These individuals would possess skills to develop projects and business opportunities for Australian companies.
“As well as that, in terms of removing blockages, the architecture is very good,” Moore said.
He noted Australia entered into an upgraded ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area in March.
This agreement further reduces trade barriers between the participating nations.
Moore added that Australia is also repurposing its export finance instruments to support regional trade.
The country is deploying deal teams across ASEAN capitals and expanding landing pads to assist companies entering the region. – Bernama
