Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, ASEAN Secretary-General, delivered the opening remarks at the ASEAN Investment Forum (AIF) 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR, highlighting ASEAN’s commitment to connectivity, resilience, and investment opportunities.
On October 7, 2024, the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered the opening remarks at the ASEAN Investment Forum (AIF) 2024, held at the Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Dr. Kao was joined by distinguished officials, including H.E. Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR; H.E. Dr. Armida Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary of ESCAP; and Mr. Oudet Souvannavong, Chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council.
“ASEAN is also continuing to deepen economic ties with our partners, including through new or upgraded Free Trade Agreements such as the currently ongoing negotiations with Canada, China, and Hong Kong, alongside the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which is the world’s largest FTA,” says Dr. Kao.
The forum serves as a key platform to promote ASEAN as an attractive investment destination, fostering opportunities by linking potential investors with economies in the region. Dr. Kao emphasized the importance of inclusivity, sustainability, and digital transformation in shaping a resilient investment landscape.
During the event, the ASEAN Regional Investment Promotion Action Plan 2025-2030 was launched, a strategic roadmap designed to enhance collaboration among ASEAN Member States in promoting investments across the region. The plan focuses on building resilience through connectivity and expanding economic opportunities. Dr. Kao also highlighted ASEAN’s robust economic growth, with a 2023 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflow of nearly US$230 billion, positioning ASEAN as a top investment destination globally.
Source: ASEAN
