ASEAN Advances Services Trade Statistics Through Regional Cooperation
SEREMBAN, Sept 10 (VoM):ASEAN is stepping up efforts to enhance the quality, comparability, and timeliness of its international trade in services statistics through stronger regional collaboration under the 12th Working Group on Statistics of International Trade in Services (WGSITS12), held here on Sept 8–9.
Malaysia’s Chief Statistician and Chair of the 15th ASEAN Community Statistical System, Datuk Seri Dr. Mohd Uzir Mahidin, said credible and forward-looking statistics are vital in supporting ASEAN’s economic integration, policy formulation, and sustainable growth.
“In today’s fast-changing global economy, trade in services statistics must adapt to digitalization, new business models, and evolving investment flows. Through WGSITS, we ensure ASEAN’s statistical systems remain relevant, comparable, and trusted to drive evidence-based decisions and sustainable regional growth,” he said in a statement.
The meeting reviewed progress made in recent years and discussed a new five-year work plan (2026–2030) to align services trade statistics with ASEAN’s broader economic objectives. Delegates also exchanged views on strengthening cooperation through the ASEAN-Help-ASEAN framework and were updated on upcoming international guidelines that will influence the future of statistical work in this area.
ASEAN’s services trade performance in 2024 recorded strong growth, rising 12.2 percent to US$1.29 trillion. Exports surged 14 percent to US$667.9 billion, while imports increased 10.2 percent to US$618.5 billion, generating a US$49.3 billion surplus. Intra-ASEAN trade also strengthened, with exports up 13.1 percent to US$92 billion and imports climbing 13.3 percent to US$85.9 billion, accounting for nearly 14 percent of the region’s total services trade.
Dr. Mohd Uzir said the upward momentum reflected a recovery in tourism and transport services, alongside sustained growth in digital and business services.
As chair, Malaysia presented its national work plan, highlighting efforts to improve data quality and timeliness, integrate survey systems, collaborate with stakeholders, and introduce innovations to address compilation challenges.
“The outcomes of WGSITS12 will help align ASEAN’s statistical initiatives with the upcoming ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan 2026–2030 and the region’s post-2025 development vision,” he added.
The meeting brought together 22 participants from ASEAN member states and representatives of the ASEAN Secretariat.
@Voice of Malaysia News