"Collection action is done to handle various challenges at the regional level," he said during the 22nd ASEAN Economic Community Council Meeting Plenary Session.
These include geopolitical tension, climate change, supply chain disturbance, and increasing concern about food and energy security, which made the global community, including the ASEAN economy, have to be careful.
It is very important to discuss the appropriate response so that the ASEAN Economic Community (MEA) can stay relevant and effective within the coming years, he said.
Within the last few years, the ASEAN economy has experienced extraordinary growth, making the region a key player in the global economy.
ASEAN tried to be adaptive and agile, but it has to realize that the economic growth that it has achieved is not immune to global challenges.
Within this context, Hartarto underlined the ASEAN Economic Community's commitment to realize economic integration through inclusive development. ASEAN is expected to become a very competitive region with just, cohesive, and resilient economic development.
He stressed that the important capital to becoming a competitive region and having inclusive development is the will to handle and manage risks together.
Thus, it is important to underline ASEAN's centrality and connectivity principles to ensure that ASEAN is important, he noted.
The 22nd ASEAN Economic Community Council meeting was held here on May 7, 2023.
According to the official website, the council's membership comprises designated ministers in charge of economic-related affairs and is chaired by the appropriate minister from the ASEAN Member State that holds the ASEAN Chairmanship.
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Translator: M Baqir I A, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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