ASEAN-Germany Development Partnership Marks 10 Years of Cooperation
This year, ASEAN and Germany commemorate 10 years of Development Partnership, marking a decade of cooperation in support of regional integration, sustainability, and resilience across Southeast Asia.
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the ASEAN-Germany Development Partnership, ASEAN and Germany are presenting the exhibition under the theme “Growing Together” at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta from 11–25 May 2026. The exhibition opened on 11 May, highlighting ASEAN and Germany's shared commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and dialogue.
Established in 2016, the ASEAN–Germany Development Partnership has expanded steadily through cooperation with ASEAN institutions, ASEAN Member States, and regional partners. The partnership is guided by the Practical Cooperation Areas.
“2026 marks a milestone in ASEAN–Germany relations, commemorating 10 years since Germany became an ASEAN Development Partner in 2016. Built on shared values and mutual commitment, the partnership has continued to deepen across areas such as climate action, digital transformation, and inclusive growth. Over the past decade, ASEAN and Germany have delivered impactful cooperation across the three ASEAN Community pillars, contributing to regional peace, resilience, and prosperity. Moving forward, Germany remains a trusted partner in supporting the vision of ASEAN 2045: a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centred ASEAN.” - H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN.
ASEAN, home to more than 680 million people, is an important partner for Germany in the Indo-Pacific. ASEAN–Germany economic relations continue to grow, with two-way trade in goods reaching USD 67.2 billion in 2024, up more than 11 per cent from 2014. Between 2016 and 2026, ASEAN–Germany cooperation across implementing agencies has supported an estimated €175.7 million in ongoing, completed, and planned initiatives.
"Germany’s partnership with ASEAN is rooted in shared values, including multilateralism, mutual respect, and support for a rules-based international order. Beyond political dialogue, the cooperation delivers practical impact through initiatives in climate resilience, digital transformation, and institutional strengthening. This exhibition highlights a decade of ASEAN–Germany cooperation made possible through the contributions of implementing organisations such as GIZ, KfW, the Max Planck Institute, and PTB, together with many committed partners. Germany remains dedicated to deepening this partnership as ASEAN advances towards its Vision 2045." - H.E. Ralf Beste, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Indonesia, Timor-Leste and ASEAN
Through policy dialogue, technical cooperation, and capacity development, ASEAN and Germany work together to advance regional frameworks and support practical solutions to shared regional and global challenges.
The anniversary coincides with the 10th ASEAN Entities Forum, scheduled for 12–13 May 2026 at the ASEAN Secretariat. The forum brings together ASEAN-accredited entities and partners to exchange perspectives and strengthen collaboration in support of ASEAN Community-building efforts.
Looking ahead, ASEAN and Germany remain committed to strengthening collaboration based on trust, dialogue, and shared interests to support the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region.
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