Kuala lumpur: ASEAN is intensifying its efforts to enhance economic integration and regional connectivity, with a concentrated push to convert its plans and agreements into actionable outcomes, as stated by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He emphasized that more than 80 deliverables, including various memorandums of understanding (MoUs), are on the agenda for discussion and announcement at the 47th ASEAN Summit, underscoring the bloc's dedication to advancing its ASEAN Vision 2045.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamad Hasan highlighted that the primary objective for ASEAN is to ensure the realization of its 2045 vision, with Malaysia taking a leading role in overseeing this initiative. The ASEAN Vision 2045 agenda is structured in phases, with the first phase concentrating on connectivity and the second phase aimed at enhancing intra-ASEAN economic activities. Mohamad noted the current intra-ASEAN trade remains below 25 percent, and there is an aspiration to expand markets beyond traditional partners.
Mohamad further mentioned ASEAN's interest in engaging with emerging economic alliances like BRICS and resuming discussions under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which were last convened in 2020. Additionally, ASEAN plans to bolster its trade framework with China through the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) 3.0, with the goal of streamlining trade and investment between China and ASEAN member states to present a united front on the international stage.
In discussing ASEAN Vision 2045's theme of 'One Vision, One Identity, One Community,' Mohamad acknowledged inclusivity and sustainability as ongoing challenges, yet he noted the bloc's movement towards greater unity. The admission of Timor-Leste as ASEAN's 11th member during the summit marks a significant milestone, signifying a shift from a primarily political platform to one focused on economic cooperation.
Malaysia, which is chairing ASEAN this year under the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability,' will host the 47th ASEAN Summit from October 26 to October 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. This summit is anticipated to be one of the largest in the bloc's history, serving as a vital platform for fostering deeper collaboration and addressing both regional and global challenges cohesively and inclusively. Malaysia's chairmanship in 2023 marks its fifth since ASEAN's inception in 1967; the Philippines will assume the chairmanship in 2026.