Asean to boost partnerships for enhanced connectivity

The meeting connected stakeholders in recognising that their ownership and cooperation are crucial to the long-term success and sustainability of the Master Plan initiatives.
The meeting brought together various stakeholders, including the Asean Connectivity Coordinating Committee, Asean sectoral bodies, dialogue partners, international organisations, multilateral development banks and other invited guests to discuss ways to implement the Master Plan effectively.
In his opening remarks, Thongphane Savanphet, Laos’ deputy minister of foreign affairs, said it was important to leverage on the opportunities presented by the five strategic areas under the new Master Plan, namely sustainable infrastructure, digital innovation, seamless logistics, regulatory excellence, and population mobility.
This would include expertise and supported partnerships to achieve a seamlessly and comprehensively connected Asean that will promote competitiveness, inclusiveness and a greater sense of community.
The president of the Economic Research Institute for Asean and East Asia (ERIA), Professor Hidetoshi Nishimura, said that in order to be resilient to economic uncertainty and deepen economic integration within the Asean region, acceleration of infrastructure| development and improvement |of investment circumstances through the Master Plan was imperative.
“All relevant stakeholders need to be involved in the communication and cooperation of financial and human resources, to realise the implementation of the Master Plan led by the Asean Connectivity Coordinating Committee and government,” Nishimura said.
Adopted by Asean leaders earlier this year, the Master Plan on Asean Connectivity 2025 aims to realise a seamlessly and comprehensively connected and integrated Asean region, which brings improved infrastructure, enhanced technology, lower supply chain costs, and ease of travel for all Asean citizens.
This year, the Asean Connectivity Symposium was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos as chair of the Asean Connectivity Coordinating Committee, with the assistance of the Asean Secretariat and the support of ERIA. 
About 150 participants attended the symposium.