Le Luong Minh Secretary-General of ASEAN
Efforts for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Southeast Asia
ASEAN member countries are intensifying efforts to establish the ASEAN Community on December 31 to mark a transitional step in the bloc’s development. ASEAN has completed over 90% of set measures in the Community construction roadmap and boosted the realisation of other targets based on three pillars: the Political-Security Community, the Economic Community and the Socio-Cultural Community.
With determination and specified plans and priorities set for the end of the year, the most effective measures will surely be implemented on time. ASEAN is striving for a people-centric community in which people can contribute their ideas, and support and take part in the construction and implementation of measures affecting their daily life through consulting mechanisms. This is a priority in the bloc’s agenda.
ASEAN’s achievements are crucial, not only for the Community construction process, but also the bloc’s integration after 2015. In the 2016-2025 period, the association will continue efforts to ensure Southeast Asia as a peaceful, stable and prosperous region; better connect countries within the region, the region with the world in all facets of infrastructure, institutions and human linkages; and strengthen the shared community united in diversity. The Community in the 2016-2025 period should play a central role in regional institutions and be an active and reliable partner in the international arena.
Despite being on schedule in realising the Community’s establishment at the end of the year, ASEAN is facing many challenges to consolidate the Community after 2015. As a result, the bloc should focus on its internal operations with a common voice, reflecting the bloc’s spirit, enhancing mutual respect and practicing restraints in resolving tensions.
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak
ASEAN sees positive development
As ASEAN Chair in 2015, Malaysia has chosen “Our People, Our Community, Our Vision” as the theme for the year. The country has outlined eight priorities:
the official formation of a strong ASEAN Community; building a post-2015 vision with related guidelines and documents; steering ASEAN closer to the people; developing small and medium-sized enterprises; expanding intra-ASEAN trade and investment, strengthening ASEAN institutions; promoting regional peace and security; and enhancing the association’s role as a global player.
The outcome of the 26th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur last April was very positive. The ASEAN leaders were determined to foster the formation of the ASEAN Community at the end of the year. The summit was successful in helping shape the bloc’s vision and future.
The formation of the ASEAN Community at the end of this year take places as the region sees positive development, thanks to four factors: economic growth, a large work force, greater regional integration and free trade agreements coming into full force. ASEAN needs to build a people-centred community and these principles should continue to be the association’s focus in the coming years.
