CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT OF THE 22nd ASEAN SUMMIT, “Our People, Our Future Together”

Realising the ASEAN Community: Moving Forward

2. While encouraged by the progress in the implementation of the ASEAN Charter and the Roadmap for an ASEAN Community, we agreed to further intensify our work to realise an ASEAN Community that is politically cohesive, economically integrated and socially responsible in order to take advantage of current and future opportunities, and effectively respond to regional and international challenges.

3. Recalling the adoption of the Bali Concord III Plan of Action (2013-2017) in Phnom Penh in November 2012, we reaffirmed our commitment to its implementation, and welcomed the support of our Dialogue Partners, which will facilitate the region’s efforts in addressing global issues of common interest. We also recalled the Phnom Penh Agenda for ASEAN Community Building and Phnom Penh Declaration on ASEAN: One Community One Destiny adopted at the 20th  ASEAN Summit and encouraged the relevant Ministers to continue their implementation.

4. We reiterated our commitment to narrowing the development gaps by implementing the IAI Work Plan II (2009-2015) and the ASEAN Roadmap towards realising the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with special focus on achievable goals and possible scenarios and priorities  beyond  2015.  We  encouraged  all  relevant  ASEAN  sectoral  bodies  to  continue working together in addressing cross-cutting issues of the MDGs. We also tasked the relevant Ministers to undertake a mid-term evaluation of the IAI Work Plan II in order to identify proper ways of moving forward in its second phase (2013-2015).

5. Acknowledging  the  importance  of  the  various  ASEAN  organs  in  helping  ASEAN Member States to fully implement their commitments to realise the ASEAN Community, and to better prepare ASEAN to meet the challenges of the future, we noted the establishment of a High-Level  Task  Force  to  review  and  make  recommendations  on  ways  to  strengthen  all ASEAN organs.

6. Noting  that  ASEAN  will  face  an  increasingly  complex  geopolitical  situation,  the Leaders tasked the ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) to review ASEAN’s processes and institutions in order to safeguard ASEAN centrality in the regional architecture, and provide recommendations by the 23rd ASEAN Summit.

7. Recalling the Bali Declaration on ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations (Bali Concord III), recognising the target date to realise an ASEAN Community is fast approaching and the need to consider the next stages of ASEAN’s integration efforts as well as how to continue strategically positioning ASEAN in the evolving regional architecture, we tasked the ASEAN Community Councils to initiate work on a post-2015 vision and we looked forward to further discussions on this issue at the 23rd ASEAN Summit.

ASEAN Political-Security Community

8. We acknowledged the progress and achievements made in the implementation of the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Blueprint and we commended our Ministers for their efforts to enhance peace and security in the region through the APSC Council and its sectoral bodies.

9. We underlined the importance of promoting greater transparency, confidence and understanding of regional defence polices and security perceptions among ASEAN Member States and its regional partners. In this regard, we looked forward to the first publication of the ASEAN Security Outlook (ASO) in 2013. We also looked forward to the launching of the Commemorative Publication for the 20th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

10. We reaffirmed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) as the key code of conduct governing inter-state relations in the region and a foundation for the maintenance of regional peace and stability. In this regard, we looked forward to the accession of Norway to the TAC in June 2013.

11. We commended the shared commitment and collective responsibility of our Defence Ministers and armed forces in enhancing regional peace and security, including by moving forward the five priority areas of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) process. We also welcomed the ADMM-Plus Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief and Military Medicine Exercise (ADMM-Plus HADR & MM Ex) to be held in Brunei Darussalam on 17-20 June 2013 as a significant contribution to cooperation amongst the ADMM-Plus countries in their efforts to enhance confidence building and regional capacity in addressing non-traditional security challenges, in particular disaster management. We looked forward to the convening of the 2nd ADMM Plus in August 2013.

12. We   encouraged   cross-sectoral   coordination   and   multi-stakeholder   participation, including greater civil-military coordination in emergency response operations. We also encouraged the various mechanisms related to disaster management in ASEAN to synchronise their activities and policies using the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) as the common platform for disaster management. In this regard, we looked forward to the convening of the ARF Disaster Relief Exercise (DiREx) in Thailand on 7-11 May 2013, the Mentawai Megathrust Exercise 2013-2014 in Indonesia, involving the East Asia Summit (EAS) Participating Countries, and the Disaster Emergency Response Exercise (ARDEX), in Viet Nam in October 2013.

13. We reaffirmed our commitment to preserving Southeast Asia as a nuclear weapon-free zone and free of all other weapons of mass destruction. We looked forward to the signing of the Protocol to the Treaty on Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) and its related documents without reservations as early as possible. We also looked forward to the extension of the Plan of Action to Strengthen the Implementation of the Treaty on the SEANWFZ for another five years (2013-2017).

14. We are determined to strengthen cooperation in addressing the issue of terrorism and transnational crime in the region. In this regard, we encouraged the relevant sectoral bodies to re-double their work in implementing their respective Work Plans and Work Programmes related  to  the  priority  areas  of  transnational  crime  as  well  as  in  effectively  tackling  the increasing non-traditional security threats in the region. In this regard, we looked forward to the outcome of the 9th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) to be held in September 2013 in Lao PDR. We re-emphasised the importance of the Declaration on Drug- Free ASEAN 2015 and looked forward to the outcome of the 2nd ASEAN Special Ministerial Meeting on Drug Matters to be convened in September 2013 in Brunei Darussalam.

15. We welcomed the progress made in considering the development of a Regional Plan of Action on Combating Trafficking in Persons (RPA) and an ASEAN Convention on Trafficking in Persons (ACTIP), which reflects the need to urgently combat trafficking in persons in the region.

16. We recognised that maritime security, including maritime safety, is crucial to a vibrant, peaceful, stable and resilient Southeast Asia, and therefore encouraged the strengthening of regional cooperation in maritime security through, inter alia, capacity building, exchanging of experiences and sharing of best practices by utilising existing ASEAN frameworks, including the ASEAN Maritime Forum (AMF) and the Expanded AMF.  

17. We looked forward to the full and effective operationalisation of the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (AIPR) in Jakarta as early as possible, which would promote research activities on peace, conflict management and conflict resolution in the region.

18. We acknowledged that the presence of landmines and other explosive remnants of war in  the  soil  poses  constant  threats  to  the  safety  of  the  people  and  hinders  national  socio- economic development and aggravates humanitarian problems in many countries in the region. In this regard, encouraged our Ministers to conclude the Terms of Reference on the modalities of an ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC) in order to enable its early establishment.

19. We acknowledged that the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD) is a milestone in ASEAN’s efforts in the promotion and protection of human rights in the region and encouraged  the  ASEAN  Intergovernmental  Commission  on  Human  Rights  (AICHR)  to enhance its activities, including the implementation of the AHRD, in close coordination with the various ASEAN sectoral bodies.

ASEAN Economic Community

20. We are pleased with the progress of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), where 259 measures or 77.54% of the AEC Blueprint have been implemented. We took note that since the adoption of the AEC Blueprint in November 2007, per capita income in the region had risen from US$2,267 to US$3,759 in 2012.  The total trade of ASEAN grew by 16.8%, from US$2.05 trillion in 2010 to US$2.4 trillion in 2011, as intra-ASEAN trade reached US$598 billion from US$520 billion, an increase of 15.1%, over the same period. ASEAN also continued to attract foreign investors, generating a record US$114 billion FDI inflows in 2011, a 23% increase from US$92 billion in 2010.

21. Given the current regional and global economic landscape, we recognised the need to enhance ASEAN competitiveness by better facilitating trade and investment, leveraging upon on-going work to establish the AEC, and therefore better position ASEAN strategically. Therefore, we tasked our Ministers to develop a roadmap that will set out initiatives to ease the way of doing business, address investment impediments, institutionalise discussions on regulatory improvement and incorporate innovation policies into ASEAN’s efforts.

22. We also looked forward to further progressing our work for trade and investment facilitation  including  the  development  of  the  Work  Programme  on  ASEAN  Non-Tariff Measures  (NTMs)  and  realising  the  ASEAN  Single  Window,  ASEAN  Customs  Transit System, as well as strengthening the Protocol on Enhanced Dispute Settlement Mechanism, which will bring in line relevant ASEAN economic agreements with the principle of ASEAN as a rules-based community. We further encouraged the setting up of an inter-agency body in each ASEAN Member State to undertake further work in addressing non-tariff barriers.

23. To  further  supplement  these  facilitation  efforts,  we  reiterated  the  need  for  the development of an ASEAN Business Travel Card to ease the movement of our business people and investors.

24. We recognised that to foster our small and medium enterprises (SMEs), it is critical to create job opportunities and promote social safety nets, in line with our goal to narrowing development gaps in the region. In this regard, we encouraged the relevant Ministers to empower SMEs, especially in the Priority Integration Sectors, through training, advisory and financial support, to take advantage of our integration efforts. We also called on business organisations to lend support to this endeavour and tasked the relevant Ministers to look into ways to provide a strategic regional platform for long-term SME development cooperation.

25. We are encouraged by the rapid expansion of our tourism sectors and commended the joint efforts of the public and private sectors to facilitate and enhance the travel experiences of tourists. We appreciate the continuing efforts for further integration, such as the signing of the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) on Tourism Professionals and the establishment of a Regional Secretariat for ASEAN Tourism Professionals. We encouraged our Ministers to support the establishment of both visa-free travel in ASEAN countries for ASEAN nationals, and ASEAN immigration lanes. In addition, we acknowledged the continued efforts in considering the proposal for an ASEAN Common Visa for non-ASEAN nationals that will facilitate business mobility and tourism.

26. We  are  pleased  with  the  implementation  of  the  ASEAN  Integrated  Food  Security Framework (AIFS) and the Strategic Plan of Action on ASEAN Food Security (SPA-FS) 2009- 2013 which will further promote food security in the region. We recognised the importance of private sector and civil society engagement in addressing regional food security and urged them to strengthen collaboration and partnership with other government agencies, Dialogue Partners and international institutions to implement and monitor the progress of the AIFS Framework and SPA-FS.

27. We are determined to enhance ASEAN energy cooperation in order to address major energy challenges and thus to ensure a secure and reliable energy supply to the ASEAN region. We aimed to strengthen coordinating efforts between ASEAN Member States to accelerate the implementation of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation 2010-2015.

28. We commended the efforts of the ASEAN Transport Ministers on the progress made in land, sea and air transport in supporting ASEAN Connectivity. We noted the completion of the Master Plan and Feasibility Study on the Establishment of an ASEAN Roll-On Roll-Off Shipping Network and Short Sea Shipping and we looked forward to the signing of Protocol 7 on ASEAN Customs Transit System by the ASEAN Finance Ministers. In supporting the establishment of the ASEAN Single Aviation Market, we acknowledged the endorsement of the vision and objectives of the Air Traffic Management Harmonisation that envisage ASEAN airspace as a seamless block of airspaces in Asia-Pacific.

29. We noted that industries such as automotives, electrical appliances and textile and garments industries in the region are increasingly operating in ASEAN as a single market. Recalling the objective to realise the opportunities and business complementarities towards making ASEAN a more dynamic and stronger segment of the global supply chain and the world economy, we recognised the need to undertake the above-mentioned facilitation efforts particularly for the priority sectors.

30. We  welcomed  the  progress  made  towards  realising  the  Regional  Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).  We noted that the negotiations will commence in May 2013 in Brunei Darussalam, with a view to completing them by 2015. We looked forward to the broadening  and  deepening  of  existing  ASEAN+1  FTAs  and  envision  the  RCEP  to  be  a platform for future trade and investment integration in Asia and the rest of the world.

31. We welcome the decision of the ASEAN Economic Ministers to engage Hong Kong on a bilateral basis for an ASEAN-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement that will be mutually beneficial for our people.

32. We welcomed the initiatives to strengthen and enhance the effectiveness of the regional safety net, Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation and looked forward to the institutionalisation of the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) as an international organisation to effectively conduct regional surveillance in identifying risks and vulnerabilities in the region. We are also pleased with the progress of the Asian Bond Market Initiative in deepening the region’s capital market.

33. Acknowledging the importance of financial literacy in the daily lives of our people, we welcomed Brunei Darussalam’s initiative to convene an ASEAN Conference on Financial Literacy in 2013. The conference seeks to provide a platform for policymakers, academics as well as other relevant stakeholders to share experiences and understanding on best practices in effectively promoting financial literacy in the region.

34. We continued to encourage our Ministers to enhance private sector engagement at various levels in efforts to support the AEC integration initiatives. We further called on the ASEAN Business Advisory Council and other business associations to take an active role in undertaking communications activities on the benefits of the AEC aimed at stakeholders within as well as outside the region.

35. We reaffirmed the importance of the sub-regional initiatives of BIMP-EAGA, IMT-GT, ACMECS, GMS, CLMV and CLV Triangle Development to supplement the efforts under the AEC in realising the vast business opportunities and achieve economic wellbeing for our people. In this regard, we encouraged stronger collaboration between ASEAN and these sub- regional groupings.

36. We welcomed the initial progress in the realisation of the ASEAN Framework for Equitable Economic Development (AFEED). Recognising the need to accelerate efforts in promoting the third pillar of the AEC, we encouraged the development of a comprehensive work plan with concrete activities to effectively implement AFEED. We also stressed the importance of synergising AFEED with other on-going efforts to support equitable economic development.

ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community

37. We reaffirmed the need to forge a common ASEAN identity and build a caring and sharing society. We recognised that the long-term goal is a people-centred and socially- responsible ASEAN Community that achieves enduring solidarity and unity among all nations and people in Southeast Asia.

38. We acknowledged the significance of the Mid-Term Review of the implementation of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Blueprint. In this regard, we expressed appreciation to Brunei Darussalam for its financial support to the regional-level analysis of the Blueprint  Implementation as  announced  in  March  2013.  We  encouraged  ASEAN  sectoral bodies  and  ASCC  national  focal  points  to  closely  collaborate  in  the  mid-term  evaluation exercise. We looked forward to receiving a report of the Review at the 23rd ASEAN Summit.

39. We acknowledged the key role our young people will play in ensuring the development and sustainability of the region. We also expressed our strong support for initiatives that instil a sense of community including the establishment of an ASEAN Youth Volunteer Programme (AYVP) and a regional youth volunteer initiative. We recognised that young professionals are in a unique position to boost ASEAN solidarity by offering voluntary community services in areas such as rural development, disaster relief, health, education and the environment as well as supporting vulnerable groups, including people who are differently-abled, and fostering entrepreneurial skills.

40. We recognised the importance of nurturing the role of the youth in promoting economic development to benefit the next generation. Thus, we encouraged the private sector to engage young entrepreneurs in raising ASEAN awareness. In this regard, we looked forward to the 1st ASEAN Youth Entrepreneur Seminar and Expo, which will be held back-to-back with the 8th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Youth (AMMY) in May 2013, and the early implementation of the ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Festival adopted at the 7th  AMMY in Viet Nam in 2011, which serves as a platform for young leaders to actively participate in exploring economic opportunities in the region.

41. We welcomed the inclusion of sports as a priority, with 2013 designated as the ASEAN Sports Industry Year. We agreed that cooperation with the private sector in sports and related activities will not only promote healthier lifestyles among our people as we move towards the ASEAN Community in 2015 but also further contribute to building a stronger regional identity. In addition, we welcomed Myanmar’s hosting of the 27th  Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in December 2013.

42. Recognising the contribution of women to the overall ASEAN community building efforts, we welcomed the on-going initiatives of the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC) to promote public awareness through an annual public campaign to stop violence against women and children, and the drafting of an ASEAN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children.

43. We acknowledged the significance of prioritising our efforts to address climate change and disaster management in 2013. We recognised that the human impact of climate change is related to adaptation issues that are directly linked to the Socio-Cultural Pillar of the ASEAN Community. We encouraged efforts to develop an ASEAN Climate Change Initiative (ACCI) and to consider an ASEAN Action Plan on Joint Response to Climate Change.

44. We agreed that disaster preparedness is crucial as ASEAN Member States continue to face challenges of increasing global temperatures, more severe floods and droughts, as well as rising sea levels. We welcomed the progress in the implementation of the first phase of the AADMER Work Programme during 2010-2012 and committed to support the launching of the second phase of the Work Programme for 2013-2015.

45. We welcomed Thailand’s hosting of the 2nd Asia-Pacific Water Summit entitled “Water Security and Water-related Disaster Challenges: Leadership and Commitment”, in May 2013, which will provide an opportunity to exchange views on how to address challenges regarding water resources management.

46. We noted that transboundary haze pollution remains a concern in the region. In this regard, we agreed to further intensify regional and international cooperation including those under  the  ASEAN  Agreement  on  Transboundary  Haze  Pollution,  particularly  to  promote efforts among ASEAN Member States to ensure the full and effective implementation of the zero burning techniques in land clearing.

47. We noted with satisfaction the various regional activities undertaken by the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Social Welfare and Development (SOMSWD) to implement the Bali Declaration on the Enhancement of the Role and Participation of Persons with Disabilities in the ASEAN Community and the ASEAN Decade of Persons with Disabilities (2011-2020).

48. We emphasised the importance of promoting the health of the people of ASEAN, and encouraged the continued strengthening of regional capacities to monitor and address the potential for communicable disease outbreaks originating from within or outside of our region. We recognised that the promotion of healthy lifestyles and increasing access to health services will ensure the mitigation of the ill-effects of non-communicable diseases.

49. Recognising the need to promote greater awareness of ASEAN and build a common identity among the youth, we encouraged more initiatives to utilise the ASEAN Curriculum Sourcebook in 2012. We also encouraged ASEAN Member States to identify innovative ways to utilise the Sourcebook, such as its translation into local languages and incorporating the material into national school curricula to emphasise ASEAN studies in our schools.

50. We expressed strong commitment to further strengthen human resource development in the region. We acknowledged the importance of education cooperation in improving regional productivity and prosperity and welcomed cooperative projects underway. We welcomed progress made on the ASEAN Credit Transfer System (ACTS) and the Technical and Vocational  Education  and  Training  (TVET)  Quality  Assurance  Framework  to  accelerate student mobility and human resource empowerment in the region.

51. We recognised the need to engage non-governmental organisations, private sectors, and other stakeholders in ASEAN’s community building process. In this regard, we were pleased to note the efforts undertaken by ASEAN sectoral bodies.

52. We noted the on-going drafting process of the ASEAN instrument on the protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers under the ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting (ALMM) and looked forward to deliberations on the Instrument to be concluded according to the agreed timeline.

ASEAN Connectivity

53. We noted the progress in realising the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) and emphasised the importance of increasing its implementation rate, particularly through more effective coordination, communication and resource mobilisation towards our vision of an ASEAN Community by 2015. We recognised the importance of mobilising financial and technical resources, utilisation of the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund (AIF), and the promotion of public-private partnership (PPP). In this connection, we took note of the 4th ASEAN Connectivity Symposium entitled “Partnering Private Sector for ASEAN Connectivity” to be held  in  August  2013  and  Thailand’s  initiative  to  host  the  Workshop  on  “Enhancing Connectivity through Multi-layered Regional Frameworks: The Roles of Dialogue Partners” in July 2013. We welcomed all ASEAN Dialogue Partners, external parties as well as the private sector in assisting ASEAN in the implementation of the MPAC.

Timor-Leste’s Official Application for ASEAN Membership

54. We  were  encouraged  by  the  progress  in  discussions  of  the  ASEAN  Coordinating Council (ACC), and the ACC Working Group (ACCWG), on all relevant aspects related to the application by Timor-Leste, as well as its possible implications on ASEAN, and agreed to explore the possibility of Timor-Leste’s participation in ASEAN activities within the context of its need for capacity building.

ASEAN Awareness

55. Acknowledging the importance of promoting greater awareness of our work in ASEAN for our peoples in order to connect them beyond their borders, to bridge the cultural gap, and to articulate the benefits of regional integration, we tasked all the ASEAN Community Councils to  give  emphasis  on  communicating  their  efforts  to  the  relevant  sectors,  people  and stakeholders, including, through the use of various media such as traditional, mainstream and new media. In this regard, we looked forward to the early finalisation of the ASEAN Communication Master Plan.

External Relations

56. We  reiterated  the  importance  of  ASEAN’s  central  role  in  the  evolving  regional architecture and reaffirmed our commitment to work closely with all our partners through various  ASEAN-led  mechanisms,  including  the  ASEAN  Plus  One, ASEAN  Plus  Three, ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ADMM-Plus and East Asia Summit (EAS).

57. We welcomed interest from our external partners to enhance their cooperation with ASEAN and in this regard, we tasked our Ministers to continue their work on reviewing the mechanisms for engaging our external partners.

58. We  noted  with  satisfaction  the  progress  of  ASEAN’s  relations  with  its  Dialogue Partners and external parties, including their positive contributions to ASEAN’s community building. We therefore encouraged our Ministers to further enhance these relations through ASEAN’s various mechanisms to ensure the maintenance of peace, security, stability and prosperity in the region.


Regional and International Issues

South China Sea

59. We discussed the situation in the South China Sea and reaffirmed the importance of peace, stability, and maritime security in the region. We underscored the importance of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), ASEAN’s Six-Point Principles on the South China Sea, and the Joint Statement of the 10th Anniversary of the DOC. In this regard, we reaffirmed the collective commitments under the DOC to ensuring the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, without resorting to the threat or use of force, while exercising self-restraint in the conduct of activities.

60. We looked forward to continued engagement with China in implementing the DOC in a full and effective manner, including through mutually agreed joint cooperative activities and projects. Taking into account the importance of the 10th  anniversary of the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership in 2013; and the positive momentum following the 19th  ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Consultations, we tasked our Ministers to continue to work actively with China on the way forward for the early conclusion of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) on the basis of consensus.

Situation in the Middle East

61. We reaffirmed our support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people for an independent state of Palestine and a two-state solution where both countries and peoples can live side by side in peace. We called on all parties to make efforts for the resumption of peace talks and remove obstacles related thereto, in particular the construction of illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Developments on the Korean Peninsula

62. We expressed concern over the recent developments in the Korean Peninsula. We encouraged the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to comply fully with its obligations under all relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions and to its commitments under the 19 September 2005 Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks. We reaffirmed our full support for all efforts to bring about the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner as well as the early resumption of the Six-Party Talks. We emphasised the importance of dialogue aimed at promoting mutual understanding and confidence among all parties concerned with ensuring peace, security and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Group of Twenty (G20)

63. Acknowledging the importance of continuing the participation of the ASEAN Chair in the G20 Summits, we appreciated the invitation by the Russian Federation to the G20 St. Petersburg Summit in September 2013, and in other related G20 meetings throughout 2013. In this regard, we tasked officials to develop the ASEAN Position Paper for the G20 Summit to reflect ASEAN’s views on the G20 agenda, as well as on global and regional issues.

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)

64. We underscored the important role that the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) plays in the Asia Pacific region, in particular in promoting the Bogor Goals of open and free trade and investment, in strengthening capacity building, as well as in building human security in the region. In this regard, we fully support the APEC 2013 chairmanship of Indonesia in playing a leading role to further these objectives, through its three priorities of ‘Attaining the Bogor Goals’, ‘Achieving Sustainable Growth with Equity’ and ‘Promoting Connectivity’.

World Trade Organisation (WTO)

65. We align ourselves to the APEC Ministers’ call, during the recent APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade held in Surabaya on 20-21 April 2013, to expeditiously and effectively advance the WTO Members’ engagement in preparing for MC9 in Bali in December this year. The  Bali  outcomes  should  include  agreements  covering  trade  facilitation,  elements  of agriculture and development, as well as issues of interest to least developed countries. We therefore, give our full support and cooperation to Indonesia to help bridge the gaps for the adoption of a Bali package that works for all.