A panel at the 9th World Investment Forum in Doha examined opportunities to enhance economic cooperation and investment ties between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The discussion, titled “The ASEAN Dialogue: Regional Integration and Investment Nexus,” focused on the factors driving ASEAN’s investment growth and its capacity to adapt to global challenges, while exploring new avenues for regional and inter-regional collaboration aimed at fostering sustainable development and connectivity.
Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs at Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the strategic importance of ASEAN for both Qatar and the broader GCC region. He noted that ASEAN comprises around 700 million people, with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) nearing $4 trillion. The bloc attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows exceeding $240 billion in 2025, underscoring its appeal as a destination for investment. Dr. Al Sayed pointed to the growing role of Gulf sovereign wealth funds investing in ASEAN countries and praised the region’s advancements in human capital development. He expressed a commitment to bolstering bilateral and multilateral strategies to increase both domestic and foreign investment over the long term between the two regions.
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi outlined the broader context shaping global economic dynamics, noting ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, evolving supply chains, and shifting investment trends. He stressed that regional integration transcends market expansion, focusing instead on building a more resilient and competitive economic environment that attracts investment.
The session underscored the potential for deeper collaboration between ASEAN and the GCC, reflecting a shared interest in leveraging complementary strengths to promote sustained economic growth and connectivity amid a rapidly changing global landscape.