Forging a Dynamic and People-Centred ASEAN through Connectivity

LUANG PRABANG, 23 August 2024 - Today, Lao PDR hosted the 15th ASEAN Connectivity Symposium in Luang Prabang, under the theme Enhancing Connectivity for Resilient, Innovative, Dynamic, and People-Centred ASEAN in collaboration with the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) and the ASEAN Secretariat. This year's Symposium brought together over 70 participants from ASEAN and its partners, and a broad range of stakeholders.

The Symposium was opened with a keynote address by Thongphane Savanphet, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR where he highlighted the significance of connectivity in ASEAN, emphasising its role in fostering a shared sense of purpose and identity. Enhanced connectivity is crucial for unlocking economic potential, promoting resilience, and ensuring no one is left behind. Investing in both physical and digital infrastructure is key to overcoming geographical limitations and fostering inclusive growth. A well-connected ASEAN is a resilient ASEAN, better prepared to withstand shocks and adapt to a changing world.

In the opening remarks, Lim Chze Cheen, Director of ASEAN Connectivity Division of the ASEAN Secretariat emphasised that enhancing connectivity is crucial for building resilience, innovation, dynamism, and a people-centred ASEAN. This involves investing in sustainable and digital infrastructure, fostering innovation through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and public-private partnerships, facilitating trade and investment, promoting tourism, and prioritising the well-being of the people. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening regional institutions and frameworks, engaging with external partners, and working together to develop Post-2025 ASEAN Connectivity agenda.

Dr Aladdin D. Rillo, Managing Director for Policy Design and Operations delivered opening remarks for ERIA where he underscored that Connectivity is the backbone of ASEAN regional integration, but ASEAN connectivity is now at a critical junction. He also mentioned that two critical issues need to be addressed, which is a holistic approach to connectivity by implementing data-driven strategies and an effective infrastructure governance to enhance decision-making.

The Symposium featured discussions with distinguished panellists from governments, industry experts, the private sector, and think tanks. They explored a broad range of topics across three sessions covering economic integration and connectivity, inclusive, sustainable growth and a digital-ready future, and people-to-people connectivity.

Bovonethat Douangchak, Permanent Representative of the Lao PDR to ASEAN and the Chair of ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee 2024 addressed his closing remark that the 15th ASEAN Connectivity Symposium successfully brought together esteemed participants to explore strategies for enhancing connectivity within a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centered ASEAN. Key discussions focused on integrating economies, forging an inclusive and sustainable future, and enhancing people-to-people connectivity, all of which highlighted the vast potential of connectivity to drive economic growth and social progress. The insights and recommendations generated during the symposium will play a crucial role in shaping the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan and advancing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

The ASEAN Connectivity Symposium is an annual flagship event inaugurated in 2010, and it continues to serve as a platform to engage stakeholders to explore ways to advance the ASEAN Connectivity agenda, enhance the implementation of MPAC 2025 and identify future priorities for the post-2025 era.