Southeast Asia has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic as much of the rest of the world. In response, countries across the ASEAN bloc have issued various stimulus packages containing incentives and new regulations to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic. ASEAN Briefing magazine introduces the different incentives and measures issued by ASEAN’s largest economies from March to June 2020 to mitigate the economic impact of the virus

Some lawmakers who have grown disgruntled with Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy are adding to Myanmar's political landscape in a way that could give the dominant party something to think about ahead of elections scheduled to take place on Nov. 8. The NLD maintains a lead over military-affiliated and small ethnic parties but now also has to worry about its left flank as some pro-democracy politicians splinter away.

According to international analysts, the impact of the pandemic on global trade and foreign investment will be hard, and ASEAN countries will also see a decline in economic indicators and disruption of supply chains. The ASEAN Post analyses in depth the measures taken by South East Asian countries to support their economies, recalling the importance of regional cooperation and integration.

Japan’s government will start subsidizing some companies to invest in factories in Japan and South-East Asia as part of efforts to reduce reliance on manufacturing in China. According to the Japanese government's latest announcements, many companies ready to relocate to Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam will receive subsidies.