ACESP–ACSDSD Observes EU–ASEAN Workshop Supporting MSMEs on Sustainability Standards and Emerging Regulations

On 16 December 2025, Dr. Treesuvit Arriyavat (David), Senior Project Manager of the ASEAN Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ACESP) under the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue (ACSDSD), participated as an observer in the Workshop on Understanding and Implementing Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS): Emerging Trends, Sustainability Regulations & Tools, held in Bangkok, Thailand.

The workshop was implemented under the EU–ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package – Trade (SCOPE Trade) Project, pursuant to the Concept Note endorsed by the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on MSMEs (ACCMSME) in June 2025. The event brought together representatives from ASEAN Member States, ACCMSME, development partners, and technical experts to strengthen regional understanding of sustainability standards and regulatory preparedness for MSMEs.

Key sessions addressed the global and ASEAN sustainability landscape, the ITC–OECD Typology of Sustainability Initiatives, hands-on demonstrations of the ITC Standards Map.

and training on the ITC Sustainability Toolkit. The programme also covered major EU regulatory developments relevant to MSMEs and regional supply chains, including the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D), the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), and the Digital Product Passport (DPP), as well as ASEAN’s readiness and next steps.

Based on observations from the workshop sessions and analysis of the supporting materials, Dr. Treesuvit highlighted several practical tools that could support ACCMSME’s efforts to enhance MSME preparedness across ASEAN. These include the ITC Standards Map as an entry point for understanding and comparing sustainability standards, the ITC Sustainability Toolkit for step-by-step ESG self-assessment, and online diagnostic tools to help suppliers prepare for due diligence requirements under CS3D. He also emphasised the importance of integrating circular economy approaches to improve resource efficiency, reduce regulatory risks, and strengthen MSME competitiveness.

ACESP and ACSDSD recognise the important coordinating role of ACCMSME in advancing MSME-related sustainability agendas at the regional level, and reaffirm their commitment to supporting ACCMSME by translating technical knowledge and tools into accessible, practical guidance for MSMEs across ASEAN.