Representatives of the 10 Asean member states have shared views on the Asean Economic Integration Policy ahead of the 30th Asean Economic Ministers Meeting (AEM Retreat), which Laos will host and chair next month.

High-level officials from the 10 Asean member states, Timor-Leste, and the Deputy Secretary-General of Asean link hands at the Asean economic integration meeting in Vientiane province.

The discussions took place at the 45th High-Level Officials Meeting on Asean Economic Integration held in Vangvieng district, Vientiane province, on February 20-21, chaired by Laos’ Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Dr Manothong Vongsay.

The meeting brought together the chief negotiators on Asean economic integration from the 10 member states, Timor-Leste (as an observer country), the Deputy Secretary-General of Asean, and delegations from various Asean bodies and committees.

The meeting reviewed the progress made in setting the Asean Economic Priorities Plan under Laos’ Asean chairmanship this year, which has three main components: integration and economic connectivity; creating a sustainable future for all parties involved; and transition to a digital future.

These areas comprise 14 roadmaps which will be presented to the Asean Economic Ministers for consideration and approval at the AEM Retreat.

The meeting also discussed the draft strategic plan for the Asean Community after 2025, which aims to enhance the bloc’s resilience, competitiveness and sustainability in the face of global challenges and opportunities.

The meeting reaffirmed Asean’s commitment to advancing economic integration in the region, both within and beyond Southeast Asia, amidst numerous uncertainties.

Asean has established six Asean Plus One trade agreements with China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia-New Zealand, and Hong Kong, and is working towards the conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) with these partners.

Asean economic integration will serve to promote goods and services, investment, labour migration, and capital mobilisation in the region.

As the chair of the meeting, Dr Manothong welcomed participants and informed them of the special attractions of Vangvieng, which is famed for its scenic location and is very popular with tourists.
He expressed gratitude for the support and cooperation of Asean member countries in ensuring that Laos’ hosting and chairmanship of the bloc throughout 2024 is successful and fruitful.