Economic and investment ties between the EU and the Asia Pacific region are of critical importance for both sides and for the global economy. The EU is a major investor and trading partner for countries across the region, supporting economic growth, job creation, and innovation on both sides. The Asia-Pacific region accounts for nearly 60% of the world’s population and more than 40% of global GDP.
Maintaining open, rules-based trade and investment between the EU and Asia-Pacific is vital to addressing common challenges and securing a balanced global economic order, underpinning not only regional prosperity but also global peace and sustainable development.
Miljan Zivkovic/Shutterstock
The EU is accelerating negotiations for deep, sustainable and fair trade agreements with several countries in the region including India and Indonesia, and is fast advancing the implementation of existing agreements with Japan, South Korea, Singapore, or Vietnam.
The EU is also stepping up its strategic engagement with Asia-Pacific through Global Gateway – creating smart, clean, and secure links in digital, energy and transport sectors and strengthening resilience in climate change adaptation and mitigation, health, education, and research systems.
Working together to advance the green transition
Sustainable and inclusive growth means tackling together global challenges related to climate change and ensuring environmental protection.
Asia-Pacific is highly vulnerable to environmental risks such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and loss of biodiversity.
The EU actively cooperates on climate action with the region through technology sharing, sustainable energy projects, and multilateral efforts such as the Paris Agreement. Shared concerns over climate change provide a strong basis for innovation partnerships in green technology and renewable energy.