Nay Pyi Taw, November 10, 2020
The Union Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations, U Thaung Tun participated in the 19th ASEAN Economic Community Council Meetingand the AEM Troika Open-ended Dialogue with Switzerland’s Trade Minister today via video conference.
During the meeting, the ministers discussed matters regarding ASEAN Economic Integration particularly the progress of Priority Economic Deliverables achieved during Viet Nam’s ASEAN Chairmanship, key findings of the Preliminary Report of the Mid-Term Review of the AEC Blueprint 2025 and the development of the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF) and its implementation plan.
Union Minister U Thaung Tun underscored the need for strengthened coordination,monitoring and evaluation mechanisms among the sectoral bodies responsible for ASEAN regional integration. Union Minister also noted how 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR)related technologies play a crucial role not only in our economic lives but also in our social lives, in health, in education and skills development. The Minister went on to emphasize the need todevelop comprehensive, consolidated and holistic 4IR strategies with due consideration to the effective and efficient integration of cross-sectoral and cross pillars.
ASEAN Economic Ministers and the Secretary-General of ASEAN then attended the signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Implementation of Non-tariff Measures (NTMs) on Essential Goodsunder the Hanoi Plan of Action on Strengthening ASEAN Economic Cooperation and Supply Chain Connectivity in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Upon signing the MoU, Union Minister U Thaung Tun expressed a belief that this MoU would contribute to the smooth flow of essential goods, including food, medicines, medical and other essential supplies for use in combating COVID-19 pandemic.
During the dialogue with Switzerland, Trade Minister of Switzerland exchanged views with ASEAN Economic Ministers regarding the current regional and global trend sand the current state of ASEAN-Switzerland relations, including topics such as COVID-19 responses and economic recovery efforts, digital economy development, MSMEs development, tourism and enhancing connectivity. Participants also discussed potential engagement between ASEAN and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
ASEAN Economic ministers also exchanged views on ASEAN approaches to responding to mitigating the adverse effects of COVID-19 and the need to ensure supply chain connectivity and a strong to achieve economic resilience beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Union Minister U Thaung Tun went on to share updates regarding Myanmar’s response to COVID-19 via the short-term COVID-19 Economic Relief Plan and the longer-term Myanmar Economic Resilience and Reform Plan (MERRP).
The meetings were attended by Economic Ministers, ASEAN Economic Community Council Ministers, Trade Minister of Switzerland, Senior Economic Officials (SEOM), the Secretary-General of ASEAN and officials.
