Building Regional Strength Through Smarter Fiscal and Trade Policies
How can cross-border cooperation and innovative policies chart a more sustainable path forward?
Southeast Asia stands at a pivotal moment in its economic development. As regional integration deepens and cross-border commerce accelerates, the design and implementation of fiscal and trade policies will play a defining role in shaping the region’s future. Modern taxation, harmonised trade frameworks and targeted innovation are essential tools to unlock growth, attract investment and build resilient economies.
Yet the promise of prosperity is undermined by the persistent challenge of illicit trade. From counterfeit goods to tax evasion and smuggling, illicit activity distorts markets, erodes government revenues, and threatens public safety. According to the OECD, illicit trade alone accounts for hundreds of billions of dollars annually, posing a direct challenge to legitimate business and state capacity.
This high-level briefing from the Financial Times, supported by PMI, examines how modern policy design, targeted innovation and differentiated taxation can catalyse growth, build more resilient economies, tackle illicit trade and shape economic prosperity. It will consider lessons from the past, where prohibition and excessive taxation drove unintended consequences, and explore how cross-border cooperation and innovative policies can chart a more sustainable path forward.
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Key Discussion Points
Fiscal and trade policy innovation for a stronger ASEAN
How can smarter, regionally aligned fiscal and trade policies both drive sustainable growth and curb illicit flows?
From prohibition to prosperity
Can evidence-based reform turn illicit challenges into engines of growth?
Mobilising business
in the fight against
illicit trade
What would it take to deepen private-sector engagement without creating excessive compliance burdens?
"Congratulations. This event was truly interesting and insightful."
Attendee at Combatting Illicit Trade in Southeast Asia, August 2025
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Courtney Fingar
courtney.fingar@ft.com
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