Fact Check: Southeast Asia is increasingly engaging in south-south cooperation
What We Know
The claim that "Southeast Asia is increasingly engaging in south-south cooperation" reflects a growing trend in international relations, particularly among developing nations. South-South cooperation refers to the collaborative efforts between countries in the Global South, which includes regions like Southeast Asia and South Asia. According to a report by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, regional cooperation agreements have emerged in both South and Southeast Asia to promote integration, although the effectiveness and extent of these efforts vary significantly (source-1).
The report highlights that while Southeast Asia has established robust frameworks for regional cooperation, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), South Asia has lagged behind in terms of regional integration. Nevertheless, there are indications that South Asia is beginning to catch up through reforms and investments aimed at enhancing trade and cooperation with Southeast Asia (source-1).
Furthermore, a meeting of the Development Cooperation Forum in March 2025 emphasized the importance of South-South cooperation in fostering inclusive dialogue and collaborative strategies among member states (source-6).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is substantial, particularly in the context of recent developments in regional cooperation. The ISEAS report outlines that despite historical trade barriers, there is a noticeable increase in trade and investment ties between Southeast Asia and South Asia. For instance, the share of exports from BIMSTEC (which includes countries from both regions) to ASEAN has seen a gradual increase from 13.1% in 1993 to 15.0% in 2023 (source-1). This suggests a growing engagement in south-south cooperation.
However, the report also indicates that trade relations remain below potential, with many South Asian countries still not fully integrated into global supply chains, unlike their Southeast Asian counterparts. This disparity raises questions about the depth of cooperation and whether it is sufficient to be considered "increasing" (source-1).
The credibility of the sources used in this analysis is high. The ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute is a reputable think tank focused on Southeast Asian studies, and the insights from the Development Cooperation Forum are backed by the United Nations, which lends further authority to the claims made about south-south cooperation (source-6).
Conclusion
The claim that "Southeast Asia is increasingly engaging in south-south cooperation" is Partially True. While there is evidence of growing trade and cooperation between Southeast Asia and South Asia, the extent of this engagement is still limited compared to its potential. The historical context of trade barriers and the varying levels of integration into global supply chains indicate that while progress is being made, significant challenges remain. Therefore, the assertion holds some truth but requires a nuanced understanding of the ongoing dynamics.
