Phnom Penh: Prime Minister Hun Sen has assured that the Royal Government of Cambodia will continue to work to promote mechanisms that focus on strengthening practical joint activities based on openness, honesty, goodwill, solidarity and harmony in Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN to effectively resolve issues. This was his pledged as the kingdom prepares its ASEAN chairmanship on 2022. He delivered his message to the ASEAN people ahead of its 54th anniversary celebration on Sunday, 8 August. He says, “We have all come a long way and have made remarkable progress in aiming to drive the progress of this regional organization into a cohesive entity and a larger population. Over the past five decades, ASEAN has expanded its membership to include all but one country in the region and promoted political, economic and social integration among its member countries and partners.”
Next year will be the third time of ASEAN Chairmanship for Cambodia since joining the association in 1999. Prime Minister Hun Sen has emphasized that the common challenges that the entire region is facing are even more important. He added, “With the strong support and solidarity of ASEAN member countries and external partners, Cambodia will strive to ensure tangible benefits to the people in the region. The whole without leaving anyone behind.”
The Prime Minister has highlighted that the immediate priority at the moment is to ensure a more satisfactory outcome of ASEAN's efforts to emerge from the Covid-19 crisis with greater resilience. He says, “Our urgent task is to continue to strengthen cooperation in the implementation of measures under the five comprehensive strategies of the Restoration Framework. Re-integrate all aspects of ASEAN, including: (1) strengthening the health system, (2) strengthening human security, (3) expanding the potential of ASEAN markets and broader economic integration. (4) Accelerating digital information. By environment and (5) stepping towards a sustainable and resilient future.”
Prime Minister Hun Sen says that Cambodia aims to accelerate the process of building the ASEAN Community by focusing on achieving key goals and initiatives already agreed under the detailed plans of the three ASEAN communities by 2025, including the ASEAN Connectivity Master Plan 2025 and the work plan for the fourth phase of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration. At the same time, he said that the kingdom is committed to making ASEAN an important region for trade, investment and global supply chains by maximizing the benefits of existing free trade agreements and all-economic partnership agreements. Regional Corners (RCEP) recently signed.
He acknowledges that ASEAN has strengthened its prestige as one of the most dynamic and vibrant regional organizations in the world in terms of economic potential and comparative benefits. Prime Minister says, “This year, Brunei, the rotating chair of ASEAN, is committed to further moving the ASEAN process forward under the theme "We care, we are ready, we grow", which best fits with the acute geopolitical and Current socio-economics to achieve the ASEAN Community Vision 2025.”
Prime Minister has also said, “As we prepare the groundwork for the post-2025 ASEAN Community Vision, Cambodia will continue to push for a more vibrant and harmonious ASEAN Community. We will strive to enhance the protection of migrant workers and increase support for a green and inclusive development agenda, the transition to digital technology for small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and women's and youth entrepreneurship. Is an area that we need to focus on. Micro and small enterprises are the backbone of our local economy and represent 99% of all business entities, mostly owned by women (60% in Cambodia) and employ more than 80 people. % In ASEAN member countries. Therefore, supporting these sectors will not only help restore and promote sustainable economic growth, but also ensure that we do not fail to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.” He has also acknowledged the importance of women who have a role to play beyond socio-economic development.
