Cambodian PM urges integration of ASEAN Community in new normal

Cambodia’s Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen.(Photo:AFP/VNA Photo)

Phnom Penh (VNA) – Cambodia’s Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen has highlighted the importance of promoting the integration of the ASEAN Community in the new normal, saying it was a necessary task to transform ASEAN into a resilient and competitive region.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the 27th ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting and Related Meetings via videoconference on November 11, Hun Sen said in addition to fighting against the spread of COVID-19 and developing strategies to revitalise and boost economic growth, the world is facing many common issues, such as geopolitics, trade wars and climate change.

He said that to address all of these issues for the benefit and prosperity of ASEAN, Cambodia understands that ASEAN must adhere to multilateralism and solidarity, in line with the theme, “We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper”.

“As a way forward, Cambodia views that promoting the integration of the ASEAN Community in the new normal is a necessary and appropriate task to create a great force aimed at transforming ASEAN as a whole into a resilient, competitive and inclusive region,” he said.

The Cambodian PM said that the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 will serve as a key plan that will ensure economic growth with minimal development gaps and seamless connectivity among the ASEAN member states and with the world.

The COVID-19 pandemic will continue to disrupt global transport operations and supply chains for a long term, he said, therefore, ASEAN transport ministers should continue to closely monitor and examine the process of carrying out the Implementation Plan of the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework by focusing on reinforcing regional connectivity to strengthen the potential of ASEAN markets and socio-economic resilience.

In this regard, promoting smooth and timely cross-border transport between ASEAN member states would contribute to the strengthening of strong and sustainable regional production chains, said the Cambodian PM.

He said the transport sector emits around 20 percent of carbon dioxide, which is a major cause of climate change. The Cambodian PM called on ASEAN to continue to strictly implement the ASEAN Transport Strategic Plan 2016-2025 and encourage the use of eco-friendly vehicles./.