There needs to be a strong commitment among ASEAN member states to discuss ASEAN's strategic issues in the future.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia pushed for an economic revival in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region during the 41st Meeting of the High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Economic Integration (HLFT-EI).

To achieve that end, integration is needed to rebuild and determine the post-2025 ASEAN vision, the economic coordinating minister's special staff for strengthening international economic cooperation, Rizal Affandi Lukman, said while chairing the meeting.

"There needs to be a strong commitment among ASEAN member states to discuss ASEAN's strategic issues in the future," he observed, according to an official statement received here on Saturday.

The 41st HLFT-EI started with a discussion on Priority Economic Deliverables (PED) under Cambodia's ASEAN chairmanship in 2022, which has received full support from ASEAN member states to promote digital transformation, economic innovation, and regional economic recovery, he said.

All ASEAN member states also support the accelerated implementation of the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF), particularly to encourage the operation of the ASEAN Travel Corridor Arrangement Framework (ATCAF) and Consolidated Strategy on the Fourth Industrial Revolution for ASEAN that is expected to have a significant impact on the regional digital economy through the application of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).

Regarding sustainable development, he said that ASEAN member states have warmly welcomed the plan to implement the circular economy framework and conceive the ‘Concept Note on Carbon Neutrality.’

"These initiatives are a milestone for creating a conducive ecosystem for circular transition and contribute to the transition to a low carbon economy," he added.

Related news: Just solution for Myanmar people cannot be delayed: President Jokowi

Regarding the blueprint for ASEAN Community 2025, he said the High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Community Post-2025 has been set up to shape the post-2025 ASEAN vision.

"This has been done since a picture of the post-2025 ASEAN future is needed to maintain sustainable economic integration and regional relevancy. Meanwhile, HLTF-EI, as an ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) body, is ready to contribute to formulating the vision in the ASEAN Economic Pillar," he added.

The meeting also highlighted support for Indonesia's G20 Presidency in 2022 for boosting ASEAN's involvement in and its synergy with G20, particularly in relation to economic recovery, digital transformation, and sustainable economic development.

Related news: Cross-border QR code bolsters financial integration in ASEAN region





Translator: Sanya Dinda S, Suharto
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2022