The second edition of the Gateway to ASEAN Conference, brought to you by UOB on 11 October 2023, had business leaders converge to explore new opportunities in the dynamic ASEAN region. This year, we hosted the conference in Indonesia, a pivotal member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and a thriving nation of more than 275 million people. The conference delved into the immense potential of ASEAN, one of the world's fastest-growing trade blocs, with regional trade flows soaring beyond the US2.1 trillion mark in 2022.

Mr Wee Ee Cheong, Deputy Chairman and CEO of UOB, delivered the welcome address. With the event theme "ASEAN Forging Ahead," he shared three key factors propelling the region's growth: government policies that facilitate cross-border commerce, digital networks nurturing trade expansion, and industries that drive global sustainability. UOB's commitment to ASEAN's economic development and sustainable growth is evident through its extensive presence in major ASEAN nations and China; combined with its unique ability to simplify the complexities of border-free businesses in a locally relevant way.

Over the past decade, nearly 4,000 companies have benefited from UOB's Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) advisory services. The recently-launched 10th FDI Advisory Centre in Tokyo further underscores UOB's reputation as a trusted partner in helping companies venture into new markets. In Indonesia, we have supported about 100 companies to expand into the country in the past two years. These companies have pledged to invest about S$12 billion in the country, potentially creating 15,000 jobs.

The UOB Gateway to ASEAN Conference 2023 showcases the opportunities and innovations that are propelling ASEAN forward, with UOB leading the way as the ‘One Bank For ASEAN’ helping businesses thrive in this dynamic region.

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