Asean remains focus on pandemic, economic recovery

Last updated on May 18th, 2021 at 05:27 am

Asean leaders on Friday collectively agrees to seek measures that could ease the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and eventually give way to economic recovery in the region.

Asean Business Advisory Council (Asean BAC) held video conference during their 17th Dialogue last Friday to discuss the key role that the private sector will play to help the region recover amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Asean chair Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc expressed his gratitude to Asean BAC for giving recommendations and Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery Plan with the support from the joint business councils and various sectors.

Asean BAC chair Dr Doan Duy Khuong urged Asean High-Level Special Commission on Covid-19 to help and provide support to the commision.

Phuc was pleased with the recommendations that he felt can bring back trust in business operations.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan o Cha highlighted the importance of the region’s response to future health emergencies as well as utilisation of existing free trade agreements to make Asean an investment hub.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on the other hand, calls for the urgency to improve the regional supply chain and intra-Asean trade through elimination of remaining tariff barriers.

Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto reiterates the the importance of a “Digital Asean” for sustainable development.

Malaysia’s Senior International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali fully supported the establishment of the High-Level Special Commission saying the finalisation of a concerted Economic Recovery Plan is crucial for the Economic Recovery Plan and must be anchored with the Hanoi Plan of Action. The Asean chair, in closing said that the determination of the governments, with the dynamism and flexibility of Asean businesses will overcome the current challenges and making Asean an attractive new destination for investors.