Cambodia calls for stronger regional ties

With nation chairing ASEAN, Hun Sen stresses unity for sustainable recovery

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen called for enhanced cooperation among countries in the region to achieve a sustainable economic recovery in a speech delivered on Sunday at a forum where experts also highlighted the benefits of green and digital transitions.

With geopolitical tensions rising, Hun Sen said the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations must be united and strengthen their partnerships in line with the bloc's theme of "ASEAN A.C.T.: Addressing Challenges Together", set by Cambodia as the chair of ASEAN in 2022.

"ASEAN must act as a role model and work together to ensure regional peace, stability and prosperity by strengthening ASEAN unity, centrality and strictly adhering to the partnership and multilateral mechanisms to address challenges," Cambodia's prime minister said.

At the opening ceremony of the 2022 ASEAN Leadership and Partnership Forum in Phnom Penh, Hun Sen said leadership and partnership are key factors that have enabled ASEAN to overcome obstacles and thrive.

He also announced the opening of the ASEAN Economic Club at the event, which was co-organized by Malaysia-based think tank the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific, the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, the Phnom Penh-based Asian Vision Institute and the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, with support from China Daily.

To achieve a sustainable and inclusive economic recovery, Hun Sen said ASEAN must continue to promote economic integration in order to become a dynamic trade and investment hub. He cited measures such as implementing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement signed between ASEAN and five trading partners including China.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said the entry into force of the RCEP this year is spurring economic growth, trade and foreign dynamic investment by creating opportunities for Asian countries.

"It comes at the right moment as the region and the world at large strive to recover from the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic," Prak Sokhonn told the forum.

Hun Sen said ASEAN also needs to promote economic security and seize opportunities arising from global trends such as the circular economy and digitalization. He reiterated a proposal to establish an ASEAN Green Deal for the region's transition to sustainable development.

In addition, the prime minister expressed his support at the forum for the establishment of the Cambodian Economic Development Fund, which will contribute to the digital transformation and technological development of the country, as well as the provision of skills and equipment for the workforce in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Hun Sen also welcomed the initiative by the KSI and the Asian Vision Institute to establish a green economic zone. "Cambodia is ready to host the very first green economic zone," he said.

"For every ASEAN chairmanship there are always challenges, but not the extent of Cambodia's chairmanship," said Sok Siphana, senior adviser to the Cambodian government and chairman of the board of directors of the Asian Vision Institute, referring to issues such as geopolitical rivalries, food and energy crises and supply chain disruptions.

Sok Siphana said people should remain optimistic about the outlook for ASEAN as it covers one of the most robust regions with a population of over 600 million.

Commenting on Cambodia's success in COVID-19 vaccinations, Michael Yeoh, president of the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific and also the forum's founder and chairman, said the governments of ASEAN have played a big role in promoting the post-pandemic recovery.

"Moving forward, ASEAN will need the 3Ts: tech, talent and trust," said Yeoh, adding it is important to facilitate the role of the private sector in accelerating this growth.

Cambodia will host the 54th ASEAN Economic Ministers' meeting and related meetings from Sept 14-18 in the cultural province of Siem Reap, Cambodian Minister of Commerce Pan Sorasak said.

"The meeting will discuss many important agendas concerning ASEAN economic integration, as well as consultation with our dialogue partners on various issues," said Pan Sorasak, adding that existing challenges cannot stop ASEAN from moving forward.

Delivering a speech on revitalizing agriculture, Zuraida Kamaruddin, Malaysia's minister of plantation industries and commodities, said the country has been working to ensure that the palm oil industry operates in accordance with environmental, social, and corporate governance criteria.

Yet Malaysia has been sanctioned by countries like the United States over allegations of forced labor. She said the claims are not true and that the ASEAN countries have the right to stop this kind of "bullying".

Under the theme "Partnership for a Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN", the forum brought together about 300 high-level delegates from the region and beyond to discuss major trends, major issues and business and investment opportunities in ASEAN.

Key topics also included ASEAN centrality and the new world order, digitalization, market connections and social enterprises.

YANG HAN in Phnom Penh