Jokowi points out economic benefits arising from 43rd ASEAN Summit
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) pointed out the economic benefits arising from the 43rd ASEAN Summit’s implementation for Indonesia and the region, including encouragement for a sustainable electric vehicle ecosystem, cross-border payments, and increasing local currency transactions.
At a press conference of the 43rd ASEAN Summit here on Thursday, he said that the East Asia Summit (EAS) Leaders’ Joint Statement on the epicentrum of growth is a tangible benefit of the ASEAN Summit.
Indonesia’s chairmanship this year raised the theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth” to reflect its goal of making the region more inclusive and sustainable, especially in terms of economic growth and contributing to the prosperity of the 680 million people living in the region.
“There are many agreements that have been made, including the EAS declaration on the epicentrum of growth, then the development of the electric vehicle (EV) battery ecosystem, the acceleration of the regional cross-border payment system, and local currency transactions,” Widodo said.
He also highlighted the implementation of the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF), which resulted in 93 projects worth US$38.2 billion.
“The (AIPF) resulted in 93 concrete projects worth US$38.2 billion. This is once again concrete cooperation that is beneficial for the people,” he said.
AIPF was the flagship event of the 43rd ASEAN Summit. Through AIPF, Indonesia sought to capitalize on the region’s potential market and realize investment opportunities.
In addition to the 93 projects, the support and contribution of ASEAN and its partner countries also resulted in 73 potential projects worth US$17.8 billion.
The 43rd ASEAN Summit from September 5–7, 2023, was also attended by representatives of dialogue partner countries, namely Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, Canada, the United States, Russia, and India.
Two invited countries, Bangladesh, which is chairing the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) this year, and the Cook Islands, which is leading the Pacific Island Forum (PIF), also took part in the summit.
