ASEAN+3 leaders have agreed to undertake practical measures to effectively realise all agreements, particularly the ASEAN+3 Cooperation Work Plan.
The 13th ASEAN Plus Three (ASEAN+3) Summit chaired by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung took place in Hanoi on October 29, with the participation of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, Korean President Lee Myung-bak, and ASEAN leaders.
In his opening speech, PM Dung said since 1997, the ASEAN+3 cooperation process has been expanded in many areas, and has efficiently supported ASEAN+3 countries in dealing with common challenges, particularly overcoming the two economic-financial crises.
The ASEAN+3 process has been demonstrating itself as one of the most dynamic and effective mechanisms in strengthening cooperation in East Asia and has played a key role in building a community in East Asia, said Mr Dung.
The leaders were gratified at the important achievements in ASEAN+3 cooperation over the past year, especially the effective implementation of the second Joint Statement on East Asia Cooperation with cooperation activities covering 24 different areas.
They welcomed the validity of the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation (CMIM) in March 2010; the operation of the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO); the establishment of ASEAN+3 Bond Market Forum (ABMF) and the Credit Guarantee and Investment Facility (CGIF).
They also applauded the feasibility studies on an East Asia Free Trade Area (EAFTA) in parallel with the Comprehensive Economic Partnership in East Asia (CEPEA), and the setting-up of an ASEAN+3 Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) as a permanent mechanism to ensure food security in the region.
Regarding orientations for the ASEAN+3 process, ASEAN leaders agreed to undertake practical measures to effectively realise all agreements, particularly the ASEAN+3 Cooperation Work Plan, enhance cooperation on financial and currency issues as well as promote cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, transportation and infrastructure development through both bilateral and regional channels toward stronger economic linkages in the region.
They also agreed to increase cooperation in addressing emerging global challenges such as food and energy security, climate change, environmental degradation, natural disasters and infectious diseases while increasing cultural exchange, tourism and people-to-people contact for the strengthening and consolidation of trust, understanding and cohesion among people in the region to create a common identity and awareness for the region.
The leaders also discussed regional and international issues of common concern, including joint preparations for the ASEAN Chair’s participation in the forthcoming G-20 Summit in Seoul, the COP-16 on Climate Change in Mexico, and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.
In conclusion, a Chairman’s Statement on the outcomes and decisions of the 13th ASEAN+3 Summit was released.