PROSPECTS OF ECONOMIC INTERACTION OF UKRAINE WITH THE COUNTRIES OF THE SOUTHEAST ASIA

Introduction. Today, Ukraine is at the stage of actively searching for new economic partnerships, which is due to the global transformation of economic relations. The countries of the Pacific region, which demonstrate dynamic economic development, acquire the status of important strategic partners for Ukraine. Purpose. Goal. The purpose of the paper is to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the prospects of economic interaction of Ukraine with the countries of the Southeast Asia, to identify key opportunities for the development of bilateral and multilateral relations, as well as to identify strategic measures that can contribute to strengthening economic cooperation. Materials and methods. The following materials were used in the study: the regulatory and legal framework regulating economic relations between Ukraine and the countries of the Southeast Asia; scientific works of domestic and international authors, devoted to issues of economic integration and international cooperation; analytical materials highlighting the prospects and challenges of economic interaction; statistical data characterizing the export-import relations of Ukraine with the countries of the specified region. A number of scientific methods were used in the research process, in particular: analysis and synthesis, the method of theoretical generalization and systematization — for the study and interpretation of economic data; the method of comparative analysis — to assess the economic indicators and trends of Ukraine's cooperation with the countries of the Southeast Asia; system-structural analysis — to identify key factors influencing economic interaction; the method of logical generalization — for formulating conclusions and recommendations regarding the optimization of cooperation between Ukraine and the countries of the Southeast Asia. Results. The scientific paper analyzes the trade relations between Ukraine and the ASEAN countries in 2023, which revealed the significant role of the Southeast Asia for the Ukrainian economy, in particular in the export of agricultural products and the import of technological goods. It was found out that there is a noticeable imbalance between export and import, which indicates the need to develop a strategy for diversifying exports and stimulating trade in high-tech goods. It was determined that in order to achieve a more balanced trade with the ASEAN countries, Ukraine should: strengthen the export of products with high added value, simplify customs procedures, restore agricultural infrastructure, further use diplomatic institutions to promote exports, check the effectiveness of bilateral agreements, improve information resources, simplify export approval, develop preferential credit programs, create an ASEAN Committee in Ukraine, open a trade and economic mission in Southeast Asia, develop solutions for market openness, consider opening a Ukrainian House in Indonesia, and reach agreements on free trade zones with several countries in the region. Discussion. In further scientific research, it is advisable to focus attention on a detailed study of the mechanisms of economic interaction between Ukraine and the countries of the Southeast Asia, in particular, the analysis of the influence of foreign economic factors on trade relations. It was established that an important direction of further research is the assessment of the potential of cooperation in high-tech industries, which can contribute to the development of competitiveness in the international market, and it is also necessary to develop models for optimizing export strategies that take into account the specifics of the markets of Southeast Asia countries.