ASEAN is committed to reducing development gaps in the region. It aims to develop small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through the ASEAN Blueprint for SME Development. It seeks to strengthen the implementation of technical assistance and capability building programmes for public and private sectors needing assistance in some ASEAN countries through the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI).

With the success of these initiatives, investors can expect strong participation of SMEs in the building of regional production network which in turn will provide businessmen with wider options for suppliers and partners from supporting industries. Investors can benefit from the Initiative for ASEAN Integration as beneficiary ASEAN governments will be more capable to develop and implement economic policies that would further boost the positive effects of the AEC.