BIMP-EAGA Launches Vision 2035 To Strengthen Development in Underserved Regions
Regional Leaders Aim To Improve Connectivity, Infrastructure and Economic Growth by 2035
MANILA — Leaders of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) have approved a new 10-year development roadmap known as BIMP-EAGA Vision 2035 (BEV 2035) aimed at accelerating economic growth and development in underserved areas across the subregion.
The approval was reached during the Special BIMP-EAGA Summit held alongside the 48th ASEAN Summit and related ASEAN meetings in Cebu.
Chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Leo Tereso Magno, described the roadmap as a major step toward strengthening regional cooperation among Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
According to him, the new vision was created to ensure regions that have historically received less development attention will gain broader economic and infrastructure benefits.
He said areas such as Mindanao and Palawan in the Philippines, along with selected regions in Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, will continue to receive priority under the initiative.
“The leaders of the four countries have approved the new direction for BIMP-EAGA through Vision 2035, which remains aligned with the original objectives behind this regional cooperation,” he said during a press conference in Cebu.
He added that the roadmap will build on the achievements of BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025 while introducing new development goals through 2035.
Four strategic priorities have been identified, including climate-smart agro-industry and fisheries, sustainable tourism, stronger regional production networks and the development of a more skilled future-ready workforce.
Leo Tereso Magno said infrastructure development remains one of the most important pillars of the initiative.
According to him, the number of priority infrastructure projects under BIMP-EAGA has increased significantly from just 57 projects in 2015 to 265 projects this year.
He said the combined estimated value of the projects currently stands at approximately US$174.6 billion.
During the summit, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stressed that regional development must deliver direct benefits to ordinary people rather than focusing solely on economic targets.
According to him, sustainable development should be reflected in the daily lives of communities, particularly in underserved regions.
“This vision is not merely an economic integration roadmap, but a commitment that development must create real impact for the people,” he said.
He also called for stronger collaboration between governments and the private sector to accelerate development efforts within BIMP-EAGA areas including Mindanao.
In addition, member countries agreed to align BIMP-EAGA initiatives with ASEAN priorities while strengthening cooperation with international development partners such as China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and the European Union.
BIMP-EAGA is also targeting a contribution of at least 12 per cent to the overall ASEAN economy by 2035.
-wilayah.com.my
