Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, shares key outcomes of the 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits with Jakarta-based diplomatic corps and media

SECRETARY-GENERAL of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn (pictured left), addressed the Jakarta-based diplomatic corps and media organizations, providing a comprehensive overview of the key outcomes emerging from the 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. The briefing aimed to shed light on the significant discussions and agreements reached during the summit.

During the session, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn welcomed questions from the audience, fostering a productive dialogue and offering insights into the work and priorities of the ASEAN organization.

The 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits represent a crucial platform for ASEAN member states to collaborate, discuss regional challenges, and promote cooperation on various fronts.

In a separate report compiled by Mr Zhouchen Mao, Head of Research and Advisory at Asia House (an independent think tank based in London) he highlighted the key Summit outcomes in the areas of regional integration, digital economy and sustainable development. He wrote that ASEAN members achieved several deliverables that can have the potential to “transform the bloc and accelerate its drive to become an engine of growth regionally and globally.” These included:

  • If implemented, key initiatives to consolidate ASEAN’s integration through connected markets, the digital economy, and sustainable development, while at the same time bolstering its resilience in a changing international order.
  • A major development was the start of negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), with the ambitious goal of delivering greater regional interoperability by the end of 2025.
  • The Summit continued to push for the optimisation of a region-wide QR payment system to facilitate cross-border trade settlement, investment, and other economic activities.
  • The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to implement the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), a regional architecture initiative designed to maintain stability largely through economic cooperation.
  • A plan for a regional electric-vehicle ecosystem was also agreed.

For the full Asia House report visit here

For more on ASEAN matters visit the ASEAN Secretariat here