Final Evaluation of ARISE Plus Regional Technical Assistance and ARISE Plus Grant (ASEAN Secretariat Capacity Development)

The present evaluation covers two interventions in the field of trade and regional development financed by the European Union (EU) which are part of the ASEAN Regional Integration Support from EU Plus (ARISE+) Programme, whose overall objective is to "support greater economic integration in ASEAN through the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025, and strengthen the ASEAN institutional capacity": ARISE Plus ASEAN Technical Assistance: 21 MEUR technical assistance project implemented by a private consortium led by AETS, focusing on ASEAN economic integration (including Trade Facilitation; Standards and Conformity Assessment; Customs and Transport, and ASEAN Economic Integration Monitoring and Statistics) ARISE Plus ASEAN Secretariat Capacity Development: 4 MEUR direct grant to the ASEAN Secretariat. The present project aims at carrying out the final evaluation of both interventions, and provide the EUD with An overall independent assessment of the performance of the ASEAN Regional Integration Support by the EU (ARISE PLUS) and the ARISE Plus Grant - ASEAN Secretariat Capacity Development, paying particular attention to its different levels of results measured against its expected objectives; and the reasons underpinning such results; and Key lessons learned, conclusions and related recommendations in order to improve future interventions. Specific areas of focus have been identified in the ToRs, and the evaluation should further serve two purposes: To inform the next phase of programming in the sector, namely the follow-up support to the current ARISE Plus programme under the upcoming EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package. The timeline for the official adoption of this package through the EC Decision is expected to be in May 2023, with contracting of the follow-up support programme expected in Q3 or Q4 2023. The recommendations by the evaluation team will be particularly useful to define the Description of the Action of the new programme; and To draw lessons that can be replicated in other EU interventions in the social and economic sectors of the countries in the ASEAN region.