Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia
May 27, 2025

Continuing his engagements at the 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. chaired the 16th Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia on May 27, 2025.

In his opening remarks, the President highlighted the progress made by the BIMP-EAGA in the past eight (8) years. “Together, we have laid down stronger foundations for inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-driven growth. Our joint initiatives in connectivity, trade and investment facilitation, food and energy security, ecotourism, and green development have advanced significantly, reinforcing our commitment to narrowing the development gap in our sub-region,” he said.

He called on his fellow Leaders from the sub-region to seize the opportunity to not only celebrate milestones but also to reaffirm the shared vision for a more integrated, prosperous and resilient BIMP-EAGA.

“The path ahead calls for even greater synergy, innovation, and political will. I am confident that through our cooperation, we will continue to transform these aspirations that we have held into lasting impacts for our peoples,” the Chief Executive continued in his message.

In 1994, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines embarked on an initiative to boost centuries-old trade ties and promote inclusive and sustainable development. These four (4) countries created the East ASEAN Growth Area or the BIMP-EAGA to boost growth in less developed areas that are far from national capitals.

After three (3) decades of cooperation, BIMP-EAGA has made notable progress and played a strategic role as a building block of ASEAN integration and community-building.

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