"The UK has given its support to two of Indonesia's PED through the preparation of studies. The first, which PED UK supports, is ASEAN Industrial Project-Based Initiatives. Second, the Roadmap of the ASEAN Harmonized Standard for Supporting the Implementation of SDGs," Hasan said in Semarang on Sunday.
The ASEAN-UK Forum on Regional Industrial Integration was part of the series of the 55th ASEAN Economy Ministers (AEM) and Related Meetings, which are being held from August 17–22, 2023, in Semarang, Central Java.
Hasan explained that ASEAN economic ministers and UK Minister of State for International Trade Nigel Huddleston discussed potential in key sectors in ASEAN regional industrial projects, challenges in the project implementation, and facilitation needed for the projects.
According to Hasan, industrial cooperation can be a strategy to promote economic cooperation at the regional level, as the industrial sector is essential for most ASEAN member countries.
"The industrial sector is vital for most ASEAN member countries. ASEAN and UK business actors can take advantage of this forum to discuss various potentials for cooperation based on industry in ASEAN," he said.
Furthermore, he explained that the regional and global economic landscape has changed dramatically in recent decades.
For instance, he said, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global economic activities, including the manufacturing industry.
He hoped that the ASEAN-UK Forum on Regional Industrial Integration could enhance cooperation between ASEAN and UK industries and accelerate investment growth in ASEAN.
The results of the 55th AEM Meeting and Related Meetings will be delivered to the 43rd ASEAN Summit, which will be attended by ASEAN heads of state in Jakarta in September 2023.
Indonesia is chairing the ASEAN Chairmanship this year, cooperating with other ASEAN member countries to ensure that ASEAN remains relevant to the world.
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Translator: Indra P, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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