The research identifies challenges for businesses, particularly women-led microenterprises, and suggests inclusive policies to foster growth and innovation.
The UK, in collaboration with the Centre for Strategy and Evaluation Services (CSES), has launched a groundbreaking research study titled "Regulatory Reform for Businesses and Consumers in ASEAN Countries - Understanding Potential Impacts on Gender Equality and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises" on 6th March 2025. This research, launched under the ASEAN-UK Economic Integration Programme's Regulatory Reform pillar, delves into the challenges faced by businesses, identifies opportunities for more inclusive policymaking, and reveals how regulatory reforms can better support women entrepreneurs and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the ASEAN region.
There are over 70 million MSMEs in ASEAN. The research findings, presented at a multi-stakeholder dialogue, highlight the complexity and cost of regulatory compliance -such as licensing, consumer product safety, intellectual property, and industry standards-which can hold back smaller enterprises. Across the region, MSMEs make up 99% of all businesses and 85% of employment, but only 18% of exports. Women lead most of the microenterprises, many of which remain in the informal sector, and they face additional barriers, including limited access to finance, digital tools, and regulatory information.
UK representatives, ASEAN policymakers, MSME support organisations, and business leaders discussed practical solutions to ensure that regulatory reforms promote growth while safeguarding business interests. The study emphasises the need for policies that consider the realities of smaller enterprises, ensuring they are not left behind in economic reforms.
Sarah Tiffin, UK Ambassador to ASEAN, said:
Women's empowerment is vital to society and their inclusion can drive business, innovation and economic resilience. We place women at the heart of our work with ASEAN. And we are committed to supporting ASEAN in accelerating inclusivity in business, which in turn will drive economic growth.
This research provides critical insights into the structural challenges that MSMEs and women entrepreneurs face and sets out recommendations on how to address them. By doing so, in all our countries, we can create a regulatory environment that fosters innovation and economic resilience. Women disproportionately run micro and small businesses across ASEAN, and their success is crucial to the region's economic future.
Sita Zimpel, Commission Manager of GIZ ASEAN SME II said that:
As key drivers for ASEAN economies, MSMEs need to understand regulatory requirements, such as product safety, to trade domestically and across borders successfully.
In cooperation with ASEAN and other partners, such as the UK, GIZ is committed to strengthening MSMEs and women entrepreneurs in the region. With funding from the German Government, this includes supporting the ASEAN Access platform that connects businesses with networks and new opportunities in ASEAN and foreign markets.
The UK remains committed to supporting ASEAN's efforts in regulatory reform, ensuring businesses of all sizes-especially those led by women-can thrive in an increasingly competitive and digital economy. The study's recommendations will help shape future policy discussions, paving the way for more inclusive and effective regulatory frameworks.
Read the study here: Regulatory reform for businesses and consumers in ASEAN countries
