Asean expects trade boost after improvements in FTAs with East Asian economies
The upgrade of the agreements is expected to raise all related-party innovations and sustain the economic growth of the entire region and its partners.
The upgrade of the agreements is expected to raise all related-party innovations and sustain the economic growth of the entire region and its partners.
The virtual meeting, hosted by rotating ASEAN chair Indonesia, was attended for the first time by representatives of Timor-Leste, in its capacity as an observer.
The veteran top diplomat also said Asean has succeeded in creating strategic trust between countries whose past relations had been marked by tensions and animosity.
Chief Executive John Lee said that Asean is the second-largest trading partner of Hong Kong, with robust economic development and unlimited potential.
Experts say that all positive efforts made by China and Asean on negotiations for a code of conduct in the South China Sea should be welcomed.
Over the last decade, the region has seen an increase in economic growth, as reflected in the increase of foreign direct investment accepted by Asean member states.
He also said that India firmly supports Asean centrality and the Asean outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
The Asean ministers reiterated the importance of full compliance with all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and abiding by international law.
The inability to exert more influence over the junta has fed long-held doubts about ASEAN's effectiveness as a regional political bloc.
There can only be progress if the violence abates and inclusive national dialogue in Myanmar takes place,” said Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.