"The transformative power of regional cooperation can drive the progress of the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific communities," Thohir noted at the ASEAN-Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF) here on Tuesday.
Indonesia is holding the AIPF on September 5-6, 2023, with the theme of "Implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP)."
AIPF was inspired by the AOIP initiative that was adopted by ASEAN member countries in 2019, and President Joko Widodo's leadership to make ASEAN the epicentrum of growth while maintaining peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
The AOIP initiative aims to strengthen an inclusive regional architecture, collaboration, and mutually beneficial cooperation as well as seize opportunities that exist in the Indo-Pacific region.
According to Thohir, in some instances of regional cooperation, the Indonesian government, through SOEs, actively collaborates with global partners to face increasingly complex global challenges and problems in various sectors.
The minister remarked that the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific communities can form a strategic alliance to build a battery value chain ecosystem, establish cooperation in expanding connectivity and increasing digitalization, and participate in regional infrastructure development.
Hence, he expressed hope that the AIPF would serve as a platform for discussions that inspire new partnerships, strengthen the existing ones, and produce innovative solutions within the ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific.
Moreover, AIPF is part of Indonesia's ASEAN Chairmanship this year. The AIPF serves as a platform for constructive dialogues and encourages inclusive and concrete collaboration between state-owned enterprises and the private sector.
Discussions at AIPF will focus on green infrastructure and resilient supply chain, digital transformation and creative economy, and sustainable and innovative financing.
Through the forum, the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific countries can unite and map out the direction of cooperation and inclusive growth in future.
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Translator: Imamatul S, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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