28 Aug 

Union Minister for Commerce Dr Than Myint participated in the 2020 ASEAN Leadership & Partnership Forum via videoconferencing yesterday afternoon, saying that ASEAN nations need to be united, work together effectively in harmony, and strengthen business cohesion of ASEAN under the theme “Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN”. He said that all ASEAN member nations need to cooperatively and collectively resolve the challenges caused by rapid changes in the ASEAN region and the world. He urged the participants to resume focus on the Free Trade Agreements (FTA), which have been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to create new opportunities.

He highlighted the importance of digital technology in trying to make ASEAN a major digital economy in the world and in alleviating COVID-19 economic impacts. He said that the virtual forum is a milestone prior to further discussions between governments, privately-owned businesses, research organizations, civil society organizations, scholars and leaders from the media sector to make ASEAN a major digital economy.

He urged ASEAN nations to value diversity, and to take intense efforts to create a great environment for peace and development.

The forum was attended by Brunei Foreign Affairs Minister, Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Minister of Malaysia, Viet Nam ASEAN Business Advisory Council Chairman, Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vice Chairman, QI Group Executive Chairman, Malaysia’s Economic Club of Kuala Lumpur Chairman, Advisor from KSI Strategic Institute, KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific President and international business persons.

MNA (Translated by Maung Maung Swe)