History
The ASEAN Plus Business Alliance (APBA) formerly known as China-ASEAN Business Alliance was established in Singapore in 2013 and it serves as a platform to promote international business ties and collaboration for the ASEAN region.
Beyond business networking and collaboration opportunities, APBA also provides for business co-operation between ASEAN and other countries within the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).
APBA was established was established by the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs and founded by ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General S. Pushpanathan (2008-2011) in 2013 to reconcile the China-ASEAN chapters under a single alliance through Singapore. Since then, APBA has aspired to be the bridge across the region of 13 countries for trade and investment collaboration. This includes building its profile; linking itself with relevant dialogue and co-operation mechanisms; expanding its membership within the ASEAN countries; and promoting joint activities with the support of China-ASEAN Business Council (CABC) and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC).
APBA became an associate member of the East Asia Business Council (EABC).
CABA-Malaysia became the first entity to be established outside Singapore.
APBA was restructured as a company limited by guarantee (CLG).
APBA subsumed all the existing activities and membership and at the same time continue to strengthen its core areas in promoting trade and connecting businesses in the ASEAN and globally.
In the post-pandemic world and new economic environment in 2021, APBA has repositioned itself as the strategic advocate for the region, as well as a thought leader to provide insights to important regional issues and capability building to promote business issues such as infrastructure financing, sustainability, and digital capabilities.
Today, APBA serves a broader mandate aimed at addressing economic and political issues on bilateral trade and investment. Business leaders and industry experts share their insights and an ASEAN perspective on the trends that affect us at the annual RHT ASEAN Summit. The annual Summit continues to focus on recent global and regional economic developments through the insightful perspectives of business leaders, providing a conducive platform to facilitate in-depth discussions among sector specialists, industry practitioners and academics on the proper steps forward.
