Collecting samples for COVID-19 testing in Jakarta, Indonesia (Source: Xinhua/VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Australia said it will offer theAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) a 60-million-USD package underthe Partnerships for Recovery programme to support the region in COVID-19related health security, stability and economic recovery.
The package complements the funds already pivoted underAustralia’s existing aid programme to assist the region’s most pressingpriorities in response to COVID-19.
On health security, a new partnership will be established tohelp the Mekong sub-region enhance early COVID-19 detection using Australiantechnology to monitor wastewater.
New research to be funded under Partnerships for Recoverywill help inform how ASEAN’s COVID-19 recovery plans support the specific needsof women and girls. Australia will extend its funding for the Disability Rightsin ASEAN (DRiA) initiative and support development of the ASEAN EnablingMasterplan 2025. These measures will give boost to an inclusive approach toregional recovery, including for vulnerable people and communities.
A further investment in ASEAN’s economic integration anddigital, a successor to Australia’s flagship economic cooperation programmewith ASEAN (AADCPII), will support economic recovery through cooperation inconnectivity, digital transformation, responding to the fourth industrialrevolution, and private sector development.
In addition to the country’s commitment to support ASEAN-ledhealth responses at the Special ASEAN-Australia Foreign Ministers’ meeting onJune 30, Australia will contribute 1 million USD to ASEAN’s COVID-19 ResponseFund, to help ASEAN purchase medical supplies and equipment, support researchcooperation, and build capacity for frontline health professionals./.
VNA
