The Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) aims to achieve prosperity for all member nations through cooperation. Among the various shared goals at the centre of this philosophy is the idea of cross-border and regional connectivity initiatives. ASEAN’s initiatives for improving cross border regional connectivity are guided primarily by the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 (MPAC 2025), which aims to create a seamlessly and comprehensively connected community. This plan builds on the progress made under the earlier MPAC 2010 and focuses on enhancing physical, institutional and people-to-people linkages to promote competitiveness, inclusiveness and a stronger sense of community among all ASEAN member states.
Focus on regional economic corridors and integration
The MPAC 2025 supports the development of regional economic corridors such as the Mekong-India Economic Corridor and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), enhancing trade and investment flows. Initiatives under MPAC 2025 align with subregional frameworks like the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMPEAGA), which promote cross-border cooperation and infrastructure development.
Efforts are under way to improve logistical efficiency by addressing bottlenecks in cross-border transport, customs procedures and regulatory frameworks. ASEAN countries are working on harmonising standards and regulations to facilitate smoother movement of goods and services across borders.
Region-wise flagship projects and initiatives
Singapore has a focus on maintaining and upgrading its highly efficient transport infrastructure, including roads, ports and air hubs. It is often an active participant in regional connectivity projects like the Singapore-Kunming Rail Link (SKRL), which is focusing on developing a trans-ASEAN railway from Singapore through Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam to Kunming, China. It is also focusing on the development of smart logistics hubs and digital infrastructure to enhance seamless freight and passenger movement through initiatives like the ASEAN Smart Logistics Network (ASLN).
Malaysia is focusing on major upgrades to the Pan-Borneo Highway, improving connectivity in East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak). Additionally, it has focused on the expansion of road and rail infrastructure to support cross-border trade and regional integration. Parallel to this, it also hosts regional workshops (e.g., April 2025 in Putrajaya) to advance ASEAN infrastructure project pipelines, and is actively involved in the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund (AIF) financing and in collaborating with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) to accelerate sustainable infrastructure investments.
Vietnam is working on the construction of the North-South Expressway to enhance internal connectivity and to support economic zones to develop multimodal logistics centres, such as the Vinh Phuc Inland Container Depot Logistics Centre under the ASLN. It is also participating actively in the completion of the ASEAN Highway Network and SKRL projects.
Brunei has prioritised engagement in BIMP-EAGA initiatives to enhance regional trade and infrastructure. It is focusing on improving road networks and port facilities, along with collaboration with regional partners on sustainable infrastructure financing and capacity building.
Thailand has launched the Pacific-to-Indian Ocean Land Bridge, a THB 1 trillion project starting construction in late 2025 to link deep-sea ports on both coasts. It is also focusing on upgrading national highways that form part of the ASEAN Highway Network. They have made strides in the Thailand-China high speed rail project as well, with Phase 1 (Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima) expected to open by 2030 and progress in the design and environmental assessments for Phase 2 (Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai).
Cambodia has been focusing on the development of logistics hubs such as the Phnom Penh Logistics Complex under the ASLN, and in participating in cross-border rail and road projects to enhance regional freight movement. It also makes constant efforts to upgrade road infrastructure to meet the ASEAN Highway Network standards.
Laos is working on the completion and operation of the Laos-China Railway (Boten-Vientiane section), which is a key part of the SKRL. It is also making efforts to secure funding and develop missing rail links to neighbouring countries, infrastructure projects focusing on improving rural road access and cross-border connectivity.
Indonesia is expanding its toll road networks connecting industrial zones to major ports, facilitating efficient goods movement across the archipelago. The development of key ports, such as Tanjung Priok and Belawan, are in the works to boost maritime trade. They also have active participation in BIMP-EAGA initiatives to enhance infrastructure and economic cooperation.
Myanmar plays a crucial role as a land bridge in the Asian Highway Network, with efforts to improve road and rail links to neighbouring countries. It often engages in regional initiatives to improve freight transport and logistics efficiency. However, challenges remain in infrastructure development due to political and funding constraints, but ongoing projects aim to constantly enhance connectivity.
In the Philippines, infrastructure projects focus on improving road networks and port facilities to support and improve regional trade. It also actively participates in BIMP-EAGA to strengthen cross-border connectivity with neighbouring ASEAN countries. Government initiatives focus on attracting foreign investment for infrastructure development aligned to ASEAN connectivity goals.
ASEAN Infrastructure Fund
The AIF has launched its Action Plan 2025-2028 to mobilise investments in high-impact infrastructure projects. The collaboration between the AIIB, ADB and AIF is significantly shaping new infrastructure projects across ASEAN by pooling their financial resources, technical expertise and strategic frameworks. In April 2025, the three institutions formalised their partnership through a letter of intent that establishes a comprehensive framework for cooperation in financing and implementing high-impact infrastructure projects in the region.
The partnership also emphasises knowledge sharing, technical cooperation and joint project origination and structuring to enhance project bankability and impact. This includes the pooling of AIIB’s and ADB’s technical assistance resources to improve project preparation and implementation. Furthermore, the collaboration seeks to foster regulatory harmonisation and innovative financing mechanisms, such as blended finance and concessional loans, to support projects that meet stringent environmental and social standards.
In sum
Overall, ASEAN’s cross-border and regional connectivity initiatives as of 2025 reflect a comprehensive approach that integrates transport, digital networks, regulatory frameworks and financial systems to build a more integrated and competitive regional community. ASEAN countries have improved transportation and connectivity through upgraded highways, new railway links and enhanced ports. Digitalisation and policy harmonisation are streamlining cross-border trade. These efforts strengthen regional integration and economic growth as well. The Southeast Asian region is prospering through cooperation and is a growing and developing market, making it more attractive to investors as well.
