Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand beef up cooperation

Deputy for Coordination of International Economic Cooperation of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Edi Prio Pambudi (left) during the Strategic Planning Meeting IMT-GT in Bangkok, Thailand, on March 21, 2023. (Photo: ANTARA)

Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesian Deputy for Coordination of International Economic Cooperation of the Coordinating Economic Affairs Ministry, Edi Prio Pambudi highlighted that the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) cooperation should be strengthened to generate broader benefits for each country.

Speaking at the IMT-GT Strategic Planning Meeting, Pambudi said IMT-GT cooperation needs to take into account risks and opportunities from global dynamics and megatrends to realise the IMT-GT Vision 2036.

During the meeting, delegates from IMT-GT member countries discussed eight areas of cooperation, including agriculture, tourism, halal products, digital transformation, trade and investment, environment, connectivity, and human resource development.

In addition, the development of cooperation between academics and business actors was discussed.

Furthermore, a series of priority agendas have been planned for 2023, including the 15th IMT-GT Summit that will take place on the sidelines of the 42nd ASEAN Summit in May, the 30th anniversary of the IMT-GT, and the 2023-2025 IMT-GT Visit Year.

Pambudi drew attention to several important issues to be considered in the future, including boosting connectivity to facilitate the flow of goods, people, and capital.

In addition, the adoption of digital technology, including for the development of MSMEs, accelerating energy transition, and increasing the benefits of IMT-GT strategic commodities in trade, are perceived as being of concern.

In particular, Pambudi also conveyed directions related to food security, sustainability of the agricultural sector, increasing various stakeholders in reopening tourist attractions, and digitising sub-regions./.