C asean Forum 2023 discusses many important topics in Southeast Asia

C asean Forum 2023 (CaF 2023) took place in Bangkok on May 17, attracting many businesses from within and outside ASEAN to explore more about enhancing ASEAN connectivity to create opportunities for trade, investment and socio -economic development in the region.

Diễn đàn C asean Forum 2023 trao đổi nhiều chủ đề quan trọng ở khu vực Đông Nam Á

“It is time to think differently and creatively about the operations and changing requirements in delivering connectivity,” said Lim Chze Cheen, Head of ASEAN Connectivity.

The Forum has created a great opportunity for ASEAN to promote its participation in the global supply chain, and at the same time, build a strong and sustainable ASEAN community.

With the theme "Strategies for Transformation", inspired by the "Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025", the program focused on five main topics: Developing sustainable infrastructure; Enhancing digital innovation; Creating seamless transport systems; Ensuring regulatory excellence; and enhancing labor mobility. At the forum, representatives of 5 ASEAN member countries shared around the topic of transformation, investment and innovation to develop ASEAN as a unified entity.

Mr. Lim Chze Cheen

Lim Chze Cheen, Head of ASEAN Connectivity, Office of the ASEAN Secretary-General, highlighted the shift towards sustainable cities in ASEAN, with a focus from basic infrastructure to sustainable urbanization. ASEAN is supporting various cities in the region to develop sustainable urbanization.

Mr. Hun Saroeun

Cambodian Ambassador to Thailand Hun Saroeun spoke about Cambodia’s transformation and large-scale infrastructure projects such as the new seaport and airport. “Cambodia’s goal is to become an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income country by 2050,” he said.

Mr. Pham Quang Vinh

Mr. Pham Quang Vinh, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, former Head of ASEAN SOM Vietnam, Chairman of the Vietnam-US Association, noted that ASEAN is a unique strategic region. It is the center of development and vitality in the world and therefore, ASEAN must enhance its connectivity for development.

At the forum, he outlined the necessary elements to encourage stronger connectivity within ASEAN, including policy alignment and coordination, strengthening sub-regions, financial requirements from dialogue partners, and enhancing institutional connectivity within ASEAN.

Mr. Roongrote Rangsiyopash

Mr. Roongrote Rangsiyopash, President and CEO of Siam Cement Group (SCG), focused on enhancing logistics infrastructure and technology to enhance ASEAN’s competitiveness. The SCG President also proposed four factors to consider to improve regional logistics, including seamlessness, synchronization, digital technology and sustainability.

Mr. Tony Fernandes

Air Asia Co-Founder and CEO Tony Fernandes stressed the need for connectivity in the aviation industry in ASEAN. He also proposed expanding the number of aircraft in the region, opening airports to international flights, establishing an ASEAN aviation authority and improving ownership laws in the aviation industry.

More information about C asean

Since its establishment in 2015, C asean has partnered with various public and private organizations to enhance ASEAN connectivity. In the business sector, C asean aims to promote sustainable development activities at all levels of the economy, from young entrepreneurs to large corporations, including programs such as the Thailand Corporate Sustainability Conference, the Thailand Sustainability Forum, and the Sustainability Action Hero Photo Contest. The most important initiative under this pillar is Win Win WAR Thailand - the first television program dedicated to selecting and incubating social enterprises in Thailand.

In terms of talent development, C asean nurtures ASEAN’s future leaders through various talent and leadership development programs through key activities such as the ASEAN Youth Speech Contest, the ASEAN Youth Showcase, and collaboration with the U.S. Government’s youth champion program in the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Summit and the YSEALI Smart Cities Regional Workshop.

C asean also organises many ASEAN cultural and arts dialogue activities, considering it as a common language to create stronger bonds of mutual understanding and harmony. The signature program under this pillar is C asean Consonant, the only ASEAN traditional concert with 10 artists from 10 countries.

In June 2022, C asean opened its first branch outside Thailand with C asean Vietnam at Melia Hotel, Ly Thuong Kiet, Hanoi.

For more details, please visit: http://www.c-asean.org/

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