BANGKOK — Southeast Asia is rapidly expanding its global trade by pursuing diplomatic neutrality and engaging with various economies in conflict over political and economic issues. The region’s external trade is projected to rise by $1.2 trillion from 2022 to 2032, marking the largest increase globally.

“Today, I offer our nation as the most neutral and nonaligned location,” Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said at the Semicon Southeast Asia 2024 trade show in Kuala Lumpur on May 28, unveiling the country’s business strategy.