By Nurunnasihah Ahmad Rashid and Siti Noor Afera Abu
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- ASEAN remains united and forward-looking, with member states focused on deepening cooperation and pushing through key regional initiatives, despite mounting global economic headwinds, ahead of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October.
In an exclusive interview with Bernama, ASEAN secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn said no major concerns were raised during the past three-day discussions held on the sidelines of the 57th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Meeting and Related Meetings.
“We are looking at how we can take our economic cooperation to the next level. I think this is a very positive development, despite a challenging economic environment,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kao said among the major achievements expected at the October summit is the signing of the upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and the substantial conclusion of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).
ATIGA and DEFA are two cornerstone initiatives aimed at strengthening economic integration and future-proofing the regional bloc.
While specific details on DEFA were not disclosed, Kao described both developments as ‘major achievements’, underscoring ASEAN’s commitment to building a seamless and digitally connected economic community.
On the 18 Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs), the ASEAN secretary-general expressed confidence that everything is on track for completion by the end of this year.
He noted that while there is still plenty of time, the crunch period usually drives greater progress.
“We are confident that we will get it done. The PEDs are very much focused on what can be delivered and momentum has been building since the beginning of the year. We have been working together to achieve these goals.
“So, let’s wait until the summit to reassess, but I have a lot of confidence that Malaysia will be able to achieve a lot,” he added.
Asked about his thoughts on the suggestion regarding ASEAN chairmanship term to be extended to two years or more, Kao shut down the idea and reaffirmed that the region operates on long-standing principles of ‘policy, practice, and protocol’ which include the annual rotational chairmanship.
“I don't think this has ever come to the official discussion.
“We give every ASEAN member state a chance to lead, to chair, to convene the rest of the meetings,” he added.
--- BERNAMA
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