Asian Economic Integration Report 2026

Leveraging Regional Cooperation and Integration to Navigate Global Uncertainties

Asia and the Pacific continues to deepen economic integration amid global uncertainty. Trade remains the strongest driver, with economies adapting to shifting policies and supply chains. Intraregional investment is resilient, supported by rapid digital growth and rising opportunities from artificial intelligence. Financial integration progresses slowly, highlighting the need for stronger infrastructure, better risk management, and improved cross‑border payments. Remittances and tourism remain robust, though high‑skilled migration is concentrated outside the region. This report presents the latest trends and policy priorities to strengthen resilience and advance inclusive, sustainable regional integration.

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  • Regional integration across Asia and the Pacific has deepened over recent decades, with trade as the primary driver of regional integration.

  • Asian economies have shown strong resilience in trade amid global uncertainties, but they remain exposed to vulnerabilities in supply chains.

  • While economic uncertainties have slowed global investment, digital transformation continues to drive strong investor interest, especially in Asia and the Pacific.

  • Steady nonresident portfolio inflows to Asia and the Pacific have helped maintain regional financial market resilience amid global economic and policy uncertainties.

  • Remittance inflows to Asia remain resilient, supported by greater use of digital remittances and continued migration from the region.

  • Strategic policies and greater regional cooperation can boost tourism and sustain its economic benefits.

Contents:

Cover and highlights

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Overview

  • Introduction
  • Trends in Regional Integration in Asia and the Pacific
  • Asia-Pacific Regional Cooperation and Integration Index on Subregional Initiatives
  • Subregional Cooperation Initiatives in Asia and the Pacific
  • Policy Recommendations
  • References
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Trade and Global Value Chains

  • Introduction
  • Recent Developments in Trade and Global Value Chains in Asia
  • Uncertainty, Trade, and Global Value Chains
  • Mitigating the Effects of Policy Uncertainty on Trade
  • Trade Agreements
  • Policy Responses to Evolving GVC Dynamics and Rising Uncertainty
  • References
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Cross-Border Investment

  • Key Trends in Foreign Direct Investment
  • Special Topic: Recent Developments in Foreign Investment in the Digital Economy
  • FDI Policy Developments in Digital Sectors
  • Cross-Border Investment and Digital Technology Adoption
  • Employment and FDI in Digital Sectors
  • References
  • Annex 3A: Sector Correspondence—Digital Economy
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Financial Integration

  • Financial Resilience and Integration Amid Global Uncertainties
  • Geopolitical Risks and Investment Flows
  • Strengthening Financial Safety Nets
  • Multilayered Regional Responses Safeguard Stability
  • Regional Financial Cooperation: A Cornerstone of Financial Stability and Resilience
  • References
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Movement of People

  • Cross-Border Migration from Asia and the Pacific Continues to Increase
  • Policy Ways Forward and Implications for Regional Cooperation and Integration
  • Despite Global Uncertainties, Remittances Continue to Demonstrate Resilience
  • The Stubborn Cost of Remittances
  • Bridging the Gap Between Financial Literacy and Digital Financial Literacy
  • Policy Implications and Conclusions
  • Tourism Remains a Bright Spot for Economic Growth
  • Determinants of International Tourism Flows: Push-Pull Factors
  • A Regional Competitiveness Snapshot
  • Recommendations for Advancing Tourism Competitiveness in Asia
  • References
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Statistical Appendix

  • Regional Groupings
  • Table Descriptions
  • Technical Note: Inclusion of Türkiye as a Regional Member of ADB
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