Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, met with Ms. Keiko Miwa, Division Director for Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Pacific Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), at the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta on Thursday, 11 June 2026.
The meeting focused on harnessing finance to support private sector development across Southeast Asia, with particular emphasis on digital payments connectivity, financial inclusion, micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) development, and sustainability initiatives. These sectors are critical for the regions ongoing economic recovery and growth trajectory following the global pandemic challenges.
The IFC, as a member of the World Bank Group, brings extensive experience in supporting sustainable private sector development in emerging markets. The collaboration with ASEAN through this engagement aims to strengthen regional capabilities in financial services infrastructure and expand access to capital for underserved communities throughout Southeast Asia.
Financial inclusion remains a key priority for ASEAN, as the region seeks to bridge gaps in access to formal banking and payment services. The discussion highlighted opportunities for regional cooperation frameworks that could benefit millions of small businesses and entrepreneurs across member states, particularly in rural and remote areas of the archipelagic nations.
MSME development is particularly crucial given that small businesses comprise the backbone of most ASEAN economies. The partnership with IFC could provide technical assistance and investment frameworks to help these enterprises integrate into regional supply chains and access digital financial services that have traditionally been out of reach for many operators.
The dialogue also covered innovative financing mechanisms that could accelerate digital transformation across the region. With Southeast Asias digital economy expanding rapidly, there is significant potential to leverage financial technology solutions for greater economic integration and inclusive growth among the ten member nations.
Sustainability considerations were also central to the dialogue, reflecting ASEANs commitment to advancing environmentally responsible development while maintaining economic competitiveness. Green finance mechanisms discussed could support climate resilience across the regions diverse economies and help member states achieve their sustainable development goals.
The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to explore concrete collaboration initiatives that align with ASEAN socio-economic priorities and the broader digital transformation agenda currently underway across Southeast Asia. Follow-up discussions will focus on implementing specific programs to support regional financial sector development.
These initiatives will support ASEANs broader economic integration goals, including the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025, which emphasizes inclusive business practices and sustainable finance. The collaboration represents a significant step toward strengthening financial resilience across the Southeast Asian region.
Sources: [asean.org]
