VISION 2036
“A Shared Vision for an Integrated, Innovative, Inclusive, and Sustainable Subregion by 2036.”
IMT-GT’s Vision 2036 sets out a long-term strategy to build a subregion that is economically integrated, innovative, inclusive, and sustainable. With people at the heart of all development efforts, the vision seeks to promote balanced growth, strengthen regional economic links, and conserve natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
The twenty-year vision allows IMT-GT to pursue bold and transformative strategies that address structural challenges, strengthen its industrial base, and enhance competitiveness. As one of Southeast Asia’s more advanced subregional groupings, IMT-GT aims to set the pace for future ASEAN Economic Community building process.
Guiding Framework
The Vision 2036 Guiding Framework illustrates IMT-GT’s strategic alignment between its vision, goals, approaches, and implementation mechanisms.
OBJECTIVES BY 2036
Real GDP increases to US$ 694 billion
Real GDP increases to US$ 694 billion
Intra-IMT-GT trade increases to 28%
Average annual FDI inflows to IMT-GT increase to US$ 24 billion
Average annual international visitor arrivals increase to 109 million people
400 cross-border projects with direct MSMEs and social enterprises’ participation implemented by IMT-GT Project Implementation Team and Joint Business Council
40 cities in IMT-GT implement Green City Action Plan
GOALS
Sustainable, inclusive & innovative agriculture sector
Competitive, innovative & advance industrial base
Sustainable, inclusive & competitive cross-border tourism
APPROACHES
Project-centric approach towards greater regional integration
Project & location-specific regulatory
Spatial or corridor approach to regional development
MAINSTREAMING PRIVATE SECTOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
IMT-GT places the private sector and local governments at the centre of its efforts to accelerate subregional economic and social development. As key drivers and beneficiaries of IMT-GT initiatives, their active participation ensures that projects remain relevant, inclusive, and impactful.
At the project level, IMT-GT adopts a bottom-up approach, encouraging project ideas and proposals from businesses and local governments to address real needs on the ground. Institutionally, IMT-GT is strengthening the Joint Business Council (JBC) by formalising its structure to enhance policy advocacy, expand membership, and improve collaboration with regional and international partners.
To further empower local governments, IMT-GT is introducing measures to improve communication channels, establish subnational secretariats as in-country focal points, and deliver targeted capacity-building programmes. These initiatives aim to equip local authorities with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to advocate effectively, manage projects, and drive bottom-up development across the subregion.
This inclusive approach ensures that IMT-GT’s growth remains people-centred, locally driven, and regionally connected.
SUPPORTED BY EIGHT STRATEGIC PILLARS
Vision 2036 is supported by seven strategic pillars that drive cooperation and create a balanced foundation for growth.
Lead Focus Area
- Agriculture and Agro-based Industry
- Tourism
- Halal Products and Services
Enablers
- Transport and ICT Connectivity
- Trade and Investment Facilitation
- Environment
- Human Resource Development
IMT-GT’s cooperation and integration efforts over the next two decades are driven by three Lead Focus Areas: Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, Tourism, and Halal Products and Services. These sectors were identified through a comprehensive review of the IMT-GT Strategy, recognising the subregion’s unique comparative and competitive advantages.
Supporting these are five Enablers: Transport and ICT Connectivity, Trade and Investment Facilitation, Environment, Human Resource Development and Education and Culture.
Together, they create the enabling conditions for growth by enhancing connectivity, improving policy coordination, and addressing regulatory and technical barriers to cross-border trade, investment, and mobility.
IMT-GT has a strong institutional structure that brings together leaders, governments, and partners to ensure that Vision 2036 is effectively implemented across the subregion.
The IMT-GT institutional framework ensures coordination from policy to implementation through the Leaders’ Summit, Ministerial Meeting, Chief Ministers and Governors’ Forum, Senior Officials’ Meeting, National Secretariats, and Working Groups. CIMT acts as the subregional secretariat, coordinating efforts and ensuring progress across all focus areas.
Partnerships are central to IMT-GT’s success. Close cooperation with the ASEAN Secretariat ensures that IMT-GT’s strategies complement ASEAN’s priorities. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) continues to play a key role as IMT-GT’s Regional Development Partner and Advisor, providing technical expertise and support. IMT-GT also seeks new partnerships with institutions and development organisations to further strengthen the implementation of Vision 2036.
IMT-GT is strengthening its communication efforts to raise awareness of Vision 2036 among stakeholders and communities. The aim is to foster ownership, highlight opportunities, and inspire participation across all levels. A clear and strategic communication plan ensures that Vision 2036’s goals and benefits are widely understood and shared.
Vision 2036 is realised through a series of five-year Implementation Blueprints (IBs), each serving as a roadmap that translates long-term goals into concrete programmes and measurable actions across the IMT-GT subregion.
The four phases of the blueprint are:
- Implementation Blueprint I (2017–2021)
- Implementation Blueprint II (2022–2026) (Current)
- Implementation Blueprint III (2027–2031)
- Implementation Blueprint IV (2032–2036)
Each phase builds on the progress of the previous one, ensuring continuity, adaptability, and sustained impact. The blueprints are supported by Project Portfolios and Showcase Projects, which outline key initiatives, their implementation processes, and expected outcomes.
Centre for IMT-GT Subregional Cooperation (CIMT)
Office 3A, Level 3, Block C, Menara PjH, Precinct 2, 62100, Putrajaya, Malaysia
Indonesia
Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs (CMEA)
Malaysia
Ministry of Economy
Thailand Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC)
