• Over 2011 to 2019, carbon emissions per unit of gross domestic product (GDP, in US$) either stabilised or declined in most AMS, indicating lower emissions from production. However, the demand side shows the opposite picture as emissions per capita continue to rise in the AMS, except for Brunei Darussalam and Singapore where emissions per capita dropped.

• Circular economy is still a relatively new programme area for ASEAN, particularly in the ASEAN Economic Community. There is need for thoughtful and deliberate action on the development of appropriate frameworks and mechanisms, as well as giving due consideration to spread awareness and improve capacity in the region.

• Circular economy will be part of ASEAN’s journey towards achieving a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable development. It will be a long-term multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder process that will need the strong support of the private sector and the wider stakeholders. At the regional level, strategic measures have to be broad and flexible to cover the diverse priorities and levels of development of Member States; practical enough for the private sector to adopt; and relatable to the public.