On 6 September 2016, the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Symposium was held during the ASEAN Business & Investment Summit, the theme of which was “Global Megatrends and Regional Integration”. ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) Secretary-General H.E. Mme. Yang Xiuping, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN H.E. Mr. Lim Hong Him, Australian Ambassador to ASEAN H.E. Simon Merrifield, former Indonesian Minister of Trade, Tourism and Creation and professor of University of Indonesia Ms. Mari Elka Pangestu, Chairman of Singapore Institute of International Affairs Mr. Simon Tay, Executive Vice President of Japan External Trade Organization Dr. Yuri Sato, and about 300 participants from business, think tanks and media attended the Symposium.
Former Indonesian Minister of Trade, Tourism and Creation and professor of University of Indonesia Ms. Mari Elka Pangestu said that global megatrends such as internet, connectivity and technological innovation were profoundly affecting the way people live and work. ASEAN countries shall strive for more free of flow of goods, investment, service, and skillful laborers, and to ensure the less developed countries could benefit from globalization and regional economic integration. ASEAN countries shall accelerate structural reform, facilitate the harmonized standards, attach importance to intellectual property rights, establish cross-sectoral policies, and create fair business environment. National policies and regional cooperation shall complement each other so as to realize a dynamic and high efficient ASEAN.
Chairman Simon Tay said that private sector was the important driving force for ASEAN growth. Governments shall offer more support to private sector so as to boost the engine for growth.
The participants held intensive discussions on issues including the AEC sustainable development, digital economy, MSMEs development, youth and women entrepreneurship role, and were of the view that policy makers and business community shall make joint efforts and capitalize on opportunities brought about by the global megatrends, and turn them into new impetus for economic growth.
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