Cambodia’s Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen.(Photo:AFP/VNA Photo) Phnom Penh (VNA) – Cambodia’s Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Senhas highlighted the importance of promoting the integration of the ASEAN Communityin the new normal, saying it was a necessary task to transform ASEAN into a resilientand competitive region.
Addressingthe opening ceremony of the 27th ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting and RelatedMeetings via videoconference on November 11, Hun Sen said in addition to fightingagainst the spread of COVID-19 and developing strategies to revitalise andboost economic growth, the world is facing many common issues, such asgeopolitics, trade wars and climate change.
He said that toaddress all of these issues for the benefit and prosperity of ASEAN, Cambodiaunderstands that ASEAN must adhere to multilateralism and solidarity, in linewith the theme, “We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper”.
“As a wayforward, Cambodia views that promoting the integration of the ASEAN Communityin the new normal is a necessary and appropriate task to create a great forceaimed at transforming ASEAN as a whole into a resilient, competitive andinclusive region,” he said.
The Cambodian PMsaid that the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 will serve as a key planthat will ensure economic growth with minimal development gaps and seamlessconnectivity among the ASEAN member states and with the world.
TheCOVID-19 pandemic will continue to disrupt global transport operations andsupply chains for a long term, he said, therefore, ASEAN transport ministersshould continue to closely monitor and examine the process of carrying out theImplementation Plan of the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework by focusingon reinforcing regional connectivity to strengthen the potential of ASEANmarkets and socio-economic resilience.
Inthis regard, promoting smooth and timely cross-border transport between ASEANmember states would contribute to the strengthening of strong and sustainableregional production chains, said the Cambodian PM.
Hesaid the transport sector emits around 20 percent of carbon dioxide, which is amajor cause of climate change. TheCambodian PM called on ASEAN to continue to strictly implement the ASEANTransport Strategic Plan 2016-2025 and encourage the use of eco-friendlyvehicles./.
