Siem Reap (FN), Sep. 14 – Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen said that while the world is facing many obstacles in development, ASEAN should continue attaching greater importance in maintaining the trading system on the basis of rule-of-law, globalization principle, multilateralism mechanism and other mechanisms.

The premier spoke at the 54th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Meeting and Related Meetings, held on Wednesday morning (Sep 14) at Siem Reap, Cambodia.

“Although we have achieved great success in the fight against COVID19 pandemic over the past two years, the building process of our economic community has continued to be hindered by the constant changes of regional and global economic-trade architecture caused by many complex and inter-connected issues, including: prolonged COVID19 pandemic, war in Ukraine, escalation of bloc division and multi-polar system, trade and technology war, and climate change, and more,” the premier underlined.

These factors have led to sharp rise in inflation, disruption in global value chains and productivity, and, in particular, significantly decelerated regional and global economic recovery.

“While the world is facing many obstacles in development, ASEAN should continue attaching greater importance in maintaining the trading system on the basis of rule-of-law, globalization principle, multilateralism mechanism as well as liberalization of trade and investment; anti-protectionism, fostering resilience of regional and global supply chains, connectivity and logistic, digital economy, environmental protection, clean energy, sustainable development and food security while continuing the fight against COVID19 pandemic as well as making stronger efforts to enhancing regional and global economic recovery with resiliency and sustainability,” the premier continued.

Samdech added, “In addition, ASEAN Vision Post 2025, in which ASEAN is developing, should strategically focus on addressing new emerging issues such as rapid development of digital economy and narrowing digital gap in the region, strengthening resilience of ASEAN against disasters and  pandemic, promoting the development of green economy, protecting migrant workers, building skilled-workforce, and developing small and medium enterprises."
=FRESH NEWS