Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand will harmonise and expand their local currency transaction framework to boost cross-border trade and investment, their central banks said. The updated guidelines enhance efficiency and transparency while consolidating previous bilateral agreements. The expanded framework includes portfolio investments alongside trade in goods, services, and direct investments, allowing investors more opportunities to use local currencies while reducing exchange rate risks. The three central banks will also invite additional qualified commercial banks to support the initiative. Local currency transactions in bilateral trade have been rising since the framework’s implementation. The initiative aims to strengthen regional financial integration and promote local currency use in trade and investment, reinforcing economic cooperation among the three Southeast Asian economies.