Deeper integration for Asia-Pacific region urged

Deeper regional integration — especially in terms of trade, investment and migration — has been the key driver of growth in the Asia-Pacific region for the past 20 years, but such gains are being threatened by geopolitical tensions that constrain global trade, according to a report of the Asian Development Bank.

The Asian Economic Integration Report 2025, published on Monday, said that the degree of trade integration in Asia is comparable to that of the European Union plus the United Kingdom.

While financial integration has lagged, regional integration in foreign direct investment has advanced significantly, while that of "movement of people" — which covers migration, remittances and tourism — has remained steady, The report said.