Australia assists ASEAN’s post-pandemic recovery

Hanoi (VNA) – Australia said it will offer the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) a 60-million-USD package under the Partnerships for Recovery programme to support the region in COVID-19 related health security, stability and economic recovery.

The package complements the funds already pivoted under Australia’s existing aid programme to assist the region’s most pressing priorities in response to COVID-19.

On health security, a new partnership will be established to help the Mekong sub-region enhance early COVID-19 detection using Australian technology to monitor wastewater.

New research to be funded under Partnerships for Recovery will help inform how ASEAN’s COVID-19 recovery plans support the specific needs of women and girls. Australia will extend its funding for the Disability Rights in ASEAN (DRiA) initiative and support development of the ASEAN Enabling Masterplan 2025. These measures will give boost to an inclusive approach to regional recovery, including for vulnerable people and communities.

A further investment in ASEAN’s economic integration and digital, a successor to Australia’s flagship economic cooperation programme with ASEAN (AADCPII), will support economic recovery through cooperation in connectivity, digital transformation, responding to the fourth industrial revolution, and private sector development.

In addition to the country’s commitment to support ASEAN-led health responses at the Special ASEAN-Australia Foreign Ministers’ meeting on June 30, Australia will contribute 1 million USD to ASEAN’s COVID-19 Response Fund, to help ASEAN purchase medical supplies and equipment, support research cooperation, and build capacity for frontline health professionals./.