ASEAN proposes common digital COVID-19 vaccine certificate

Economic ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have proposed a common digital COVID-19 vaccine certificate to speed up the re-opening of hardest-hit sectors as tourism, according to Malaysia’s state-run news agency Bernama.
ASEAN proposes common digital COVID-19 vaccine certificate ảnh 1At Changi Airport of Singapore in January (Photo: Reuters)

Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Economic ministers ofthe Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have proposed a commondigital COVID-19 vaccine certificate to speed up the re-opening of hardest-hit sectorsas tourism, according to Malaysia’s state-runnews agency Bernama.

Bernama quoted Senior Minister cumInternational Trade and Industry Minister of Malaysia Mohamed Azmin Ali as sayingthat this is a new proposal informed by Brunei as Chairman of ASEAN this year.

Taking to reporters after the 27th ASEAN Economic Ministers Retreat (AEM27 Retreat) on March 3,  Mohamed said thatthere was no specific timeline set when the common digital vaccine certificatewould be introduced, as the matter would be brought up to a meeting of ASEAN healthministers.

He expressed his belief that the certificate will be finalised in thenear future and will definitely help facilitate movements among ASEAN memberstates.

At the AEM 27 Retreat, ministers discussed the progress of the ASEANComprehensive Recovery Framework implementation as the region’s recoverytool, he said.

They also pledged to work intensively to explore all avenues todeepen and broaden regional integration in various areas of mutual interestthat would contribute to the sustainability of livelihoods, as well as economicrecovery in ASEAN and beyond, he added.

Previously, Malaysian Health Minister Adham Baba said the country would issue acertificate to those who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 with theexpectation that this certification will meet international standards./.
VNA

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