Connectivity in ASEAN - key to regional development: ASEAN chief
Jakarta (VNA) – Enhancing connectivity and
resilience are key priorities of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN) in 2024, according to Kao Kim Hourn, the bloc's Secretary-General.
As the world and the region continue to
witness multi-dimensional, complex and unpredictable developments in both
geopolitics and geo-economics, the bloc requires joint efforts and solidarity
of member countries to deal with challenges, he said in an interview with
Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Jakarta.
He noted that this is appropriate because ASEAN is in the
final stages of implementing the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025, which was approved in 2016.
The official emphasised that nine priorities of Laos for its
ASEAN Chairmanship 2024, including four on enhancing connectivity and five on
enhancing resilience, are key to the development of the region.
An ASEAN Leaders' Declaration on "Enhancing connectivity
and resilience" is scheduled to be issued at the 44th and 45th ASEAN
Summits in October 2024, he added.
ASEAN determines that economic cooperation and connection
will help the bloc strengthen its internal strength, aiming to develop a green
economy and tackle climate change, which are challenges to the region.
ASEAN is committed to sustainable development by
highlighting cross-cutting activities on circular economy and carbon
neutrality.
The ASEAN chief noted that the bloc has
undertaken more than 50 initiatives covering a range of fields, including
biotechnology, meteorology, microelectronics and space technology. To promote
green growth, a lot of initiatives have
been implemented such as establishing the ASEAN Network on Biology, Information
and Green Economy; developing climate change guidelines; transfering green technology to enterprises.
In the context that competition between major powers becomes
increasingly fierce and unpredictable, ASEAN advocates deepening the
relationship between ASEAN and its partners in a substantive and effective
manner to ensure the bloc’s centrality and promote regional development, he added.
The ASEAN leader said he strongly believes that with all
these factors, ASEAN will be able to promote its tradition of solidarity and
unity and overcome the above-mentioned challenges./.