Foreign
CAMBODIAN Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn has emphasised the need to enhance Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) connectivity.
The minister made the remarks during the 13th ASEAN Connectivity Symposium in Phnom Penh which was taken part by over 160 participants.
The participants include ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC) members, representatives from ASEAN sectoral bodies, dialogue partners and other external partners, multilateral organisations, and the private sector.
According to the minister, a well-connected region is crucial to building an inclusive, sustainable and resilient ASEAN Community.
He said the future of this region will depend on its regional competitiveness, which can only come from a well-connected region that acts in unison.
“Our regional supply chains need to remain efficient and resilient, and ASEAN has to engage with her development partners to initiate various connectivity initiatives and cooperation projects all across our region,” he added.
Sokhonn, who is also a Cambodian deputy prime minister, also underlined that the entry into force of the mega free trade Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will drive the region’s economy.
At the event, ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi highlighted the need for ASEAN to be resilient, adaptable, and responsive to ever-changing needs.
“While we continue to plan for the future, we need to build a dynamic link between thinking about the future and taking actions in the present,” he said.
Hidetoshi Nishimura, president of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), accentuated the importance of digital connection in the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025. (Xinhua/NAN)
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Tags: ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC) Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
