Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn has emphasised the need to enhance Asean connectivity, saying that a well-connected region is crucial to building an inclusive, sustainable and resilient Asean Community, according to a press statement.
Sokhonn made the remarks during the 13th Asean Connectivity Symposium in Phnom Penh, which was taken part by over 160 participants, including Asean Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC) members, representatives from Asean sectoral bodies, dialogue partners and other external partners, multilateral organisations, and the private sector.
“The future of this region will depend on our regional competitiveness, which can only come from a well-connected region that acts in unison,” he said.
“Our regional supply chains need to remain efficient and resilient, and Asean has to engage with her development partners to initiate various connectivity initiatives and cooperation projects all across our region,” he added.
He said for Asean, the approach is about getting maximum synergy from all the various existing connectivity initiatives to extract the necessary value added.
Sokhonn, who is also a Cambodian deputy prime minister, also underlined that the entry into force of the mega free trade Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will drive the region’s economy. — Xinhua
