2016
ASEAN DOCUMENTS SERIES 2016
The ASEAN Secretariat Jakarta The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established on 8 August 1967. The Member States are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam. The ASEAN Secretariat is based in Jakarta, Indonesia.
For inquiries, contact: The ASEAN Secretariat Community Relations Division (CRD) 70A Jalan Sisingamangaraja Jakarta 12110, Indonesia Phone: (62 21) 724-3372, 726-2991 Fax: (62 21) 739-8234, 724-3504 E-mail: public@asean.org
ASEAN: A Community of Opportunities
Catalogue-in-Publication Data
ASEAN Documents Series 2016 Jakarta, ASEAN Secretariat, October 2017
341.026959 1. ASEAN – Treaties – Agreements 2. Meetings – Statements
ISBN 978-602-6392-53-4
The text of this publication may be freely quoted or reprinted, provided proper acknowledgement is given and a copy containing the reprinted material is sent to the Community Relations Division (CRD) of the ASEAN Secretariat, Jakarta.
General information on ASEAN appears online at the ASEAN Website: www.asean.org
Copyright Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2017. All rights reserved. TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. ASEAN SUMMIT DOCUMENTS
Pakse Declaration on ASEAN Roadmap for Strategic Development of Ecotourism Clusters and Tourism Corridors, Pakse, Champasak Province, Lao PDR, 22 June 2016 ...... 3
ASEAN Declaration on One ASEAN One Response: ASEAN Responding to Disasters as One in the Region and Outside the Region, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 6 September 2016 ...... 5
Vientiane Declaration on Reinforcing Cultural Heritage Cooperation in ASEAN, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 6 September 2016 ...... 7
ASEAN Declaration of Commitment on HIV and AIDS: Fast-Tracking and Sustaining HIV and AIDS Responses to End the AIDS Epidemic by 2030, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 6 September 2016 ...... 9
Vientiane Declaration on Transition from Informal Employment to Formal Employment towards Decent Work Promotion in ASEAN, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 6 September 2016 ...... 12
ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening Education for Out-of-School Children and Youth (OOSCY), Vientiane, Lao PDR, 6 September 2016 ...... 14
ASEAN Joint Statement on Climate Change to the 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP-22) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Vientiane, Lao PDR, 6 September 2016 ...... 18
ASEAN Joint Statement to the 13th Meeting of the Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 13), Vientiane, Lao PDR, 6 September 2016 ...... 20
Vientiane Declaration on the Adoption of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 ...... 22
Chairman’s Statement of the 28th and 29th ASEAN Summits – Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic ASEAN Community, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 6-7 September 2016 ...... 23
Joint Statement on the Application of the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea in the South China Sea, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 7 September 2016 ...... 41
Joint Leaders’ Statement on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Vientiane, Lao PDR, 8 September 2016 ...... 42
Vientiane Declaration on Promoting Infrastructure Development Cooperation in East Asia Vientiane, 8 September 2016 ...... 43
Vientiane Declaration on the Adoption of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan III, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 6 September 2016 (Link)...... 45
Joint Statement of the 8th Cambodia-Lao PDR-Myanmar-Viet Nam Cooperation Summit, Ha Noi, Viet Nam, 26 October 2016 ...... 46
Ha Noi Declaration of the 7th Ayeyawady – Chao Phraya – Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy Summit, Ha Noi, Viet Nam, 26 October 2016 ...... 49
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II. ASEAN POLITICAL-SECURITY COMMUNITY
ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM)
ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the Nuclear Test by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, 8 January 2016 ...... 56
Press Statement by the Chairman of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 27 February 2016 ...... 58
ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the Passing of H.E. Dr. Thanat Khoman, Former Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, 5 March 2016 ...... 58
ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on Lahore Bomb Attack, 31 March 2016 ...... 59
ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the Recent Earthquakes, 17 April 2016 ...... 59
ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the Mass Shooting Incident in Orlando, 14 June 2016 ...... 59
ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the Suicide Bomb Attacks in Istanbul, 30 June 2016 ...... 59
ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the Hostage Siege in Dhaka, 3 July 2016 ...... 60
ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the Lorry Attack in Nice, 16 July 2016 ...... 60
Joint Communique of the 49th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 24 July 2016 60
ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the Occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), Vientiane, Lao PDR, 24 July 2016 ...... 83
Joint Statement of the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN Member States on the Maintenance of Peace, Security, and Stability in the Region, 25 July 2016 ...... 84
Joint Statement of the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN Member States and China on the Full and Effective Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 25 July 2016 ...... 85
ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the Explosion in Davao, 4 September 2016 ...... 86
ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the Nuclear Test by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, 9 September 2016 ...... 86
Joint Press Release of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with the United Nations Secretary- General and the President of the 71st Session of the UN General Assembly, New York, United States, 22 September 2016 ...... 86
ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on ASEAN Cooperation on Sustainable Development, New York, United States, 24 September 2016 ...... 88
ASEAN Foreign Ministers Statement on the Earthquake in Aceh, Indonesia, 11 December 2016 ...... 89
ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the Assassination of Russian Ambassador to Turkey, 23 December 2016 ...... 89
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ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM)
Joint Declaration of the ASEAN Defence Ministers on Promoting Defence Cooperation for a Dynamic ASEAN Community, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 25 May 2016 ...... 89
ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Drug Matters (AMMD)
ASEAN Statement at the 59th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) Special Session on UNGASS Preparations, Vienna, Austria, 14 March 2016 ...... 93
ASEAN Statement at the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on the World Drug Problem, New York, United States., 19 April 2016 ...... 95
Chairman’s Statement of the 5th AMMD, Singapore, 20 October 2016 ...... 96
ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
Chairman’s Statement of the 23rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), Vientiane, Lao PDR, 26 July 2016 ...... 98
III. ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY
ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting (AEM)
Joint Media Statement of the 48th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Meeting, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 3 August 2016 ...... 108
Joint Media Statement of the 8th CLMV Economic Ministers’ Meeting, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 6 August 2016 ...... 116
Joint Media Statement of the 6th Session of the ASEAN Community Statistical System (ACSS) Committee, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 1-3 November 2016 ...... 117
Joint Media Statement of the 2nd Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Intersessional Ministerial Meeting, Cebu, Philippines, 3-4 November 2016 ...... 119
ASEAN Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Joint Meeting (AFMGM)
Joint Statement of the 2nd ASEAN Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting (AFMGM), Vientiane, Lao PDR, 4 April 2016...... 120
ASEAN Ministers Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF)
Joint Press Statement of the 38th ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (38th AMAF), Singapore, 6 October 2016 ...... 124
Agreement on the Establishment of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Animal Health and Zoonoses, 7 October 2016 ...... 126
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Module of ASEAN Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) Animal Welfare and Environmental Sustainability Module, Layers, Broilers and Ducks (2016) (Link) ...... 131
ASEAN Regional Plan of Action for the Management of Fishing Capacity (RPOA-Capacity)...... 131
Regional Guidelines on Traceability System for Aquaculture Products in the ASEAN Region (Link) ...... 147
Strategic Plan of Action (SPA) for the ASEAN Cooperation in Agricultural Cooperative (2016-2020)... 148
Strategic Plan of Action for ASEAN Cooperation on Crops (2016-2020) (Link)...... 155
Strategic Plan of Action for ASEAN Cooperation in Forestry (2016-2025) (Link)...... 155
Strategic Plan of Action of the ASEAN SPS Contact Points (SPA-ASCP) (2016-2020) (Link) ...... 155
ASEAN Strategic Plan of Action for Cooperation on Livestock (2016-2020) (Link)...... 155
Strategic Plan of Action on ASEAN Cooperation on Fisheries 2016-2020 (Link)...... 155
Plan of Action for the ASEAN Rabies Elimination Strategy (ARES) (Link)...... 155
Work Plan for Forest Law Enforcement and Governance (FLEG) in ASEAN, 2016-2025 (Link)...... 155
ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM)
Joint Ministerial Statement of the 34th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM), Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, 21 September 2016 ...... 156
ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology (AMMST)
Chairman’s Statement of the 9th Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology (IAMMST-9), Siem Reap, Cambodia, 29 October 2016 ...... 160
ASEAN Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministers Meeting (TELMIN)
Brunei Darussalam Declaration on Connected Innovative Community at the 16th ASEAN Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministers Meeting and Related Meetings, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, 26 November 2016...... 163
Joint Media Statement of the 16th ASEAN Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministers Meeting and Related Meetings, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, 26 November 2016 ...... 164
ASEAN ICT Masterplan 2020 (Link)...... 167
ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting (ATM)
Joint Ministerial Statement of the 22nd ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting (22nd ATM), Manila, Philippines, 17 November 2016 ...... 167
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Meeting of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers (M-ATM)
Joint Media Statement of the 19th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers, Manila, Philippines, 21 January 2016 ...... 170
ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan 2016-2025 (Link)...... 173
Joint Media Statement of the ASEAN Tourism Ministerial Roundtable Meeting on Ecotourism, Pakse, Lao PDR, 22 June 2016 ...... 173
Media Statement of the International Conference on Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Tourism Professionals (MRA-TP), Jakarta, Indonesia, 8-9 August 2016 ...... 174
IV. ASEAN SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMUNITY
ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council
Joint Ministerial Statement of the 15th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR, 4 June 2016 ...... 180
Joint Ministerial Statement of the 16th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 31 August 2016 ...... 181
ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI)
Joint Media Statement of the 13th Conference of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information and 4th Conference of ASEAN Plus Three Ministers Responsible for Information - “One ASEAN: Connectivity. Community. Opportunity”, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines, 17 March 2016 ...... 182
ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts (AMCA)
Bandar Seri Begawan Declaration on Culture and the Arts to Promote ASEAN’s Identity towards A Dynamic and Harmonious ASEAN Community, Brunei Darussalam, 24 August 2016 ...... 187
Joint Media Statement of the 7th Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, 24 August 2016 ...... 188
ASEAN Education Ministers Meeting (ASED)
Joint Statement of the 9th ASEAN Education Ministers Meeting (9th ASED), Selangor, Malaysia, 25 May 2016 ...... 191
ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management (AMMDM)
Joint Statement of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for the World Humanitarian Summit, Istanbul, Turkey, 23 May 2016 ...... 192
Joint Statement of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for the Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction 2016 (AMCDRR–2016), New Delhi, India, 3-4 November 2016 ...... 194
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ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment (AMME)
ASEAN Joint Statement to the 13th Meeting of the Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 13), Vientiane, Lao PDR, 6 September 2016 ...... 195
ASEAN Joint Statement on Climate Change to the 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP-22) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Vientiane, Lao PDR, 6 September 2016 ...... 197
Conference of the Parties to the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (COP)
Media Release of the 18th Meeting of the Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee (MSC) on Transboundary Haze Pollution, Singapore, 4 May 2016 ...... 199
Media Release of the 12th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 11 August 2016 ...... 201
ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting (AHMM)
ASEAN Declaration of Commitment on HIV and AIDS: Fast-Tracking and Sustaining HIV and AIDS Responses to End the AIDS Epidemic by 2030, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 6 September 2016 ...... 202
ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting (ALMM)
Joint Communique of the 24th ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting (24th ALMM), Vientiane, Lao PDR, 15 May 2016 ...... 205
ASEAN Guiding Principles for Quality Assurance and Recognition of Competency Certification System (Link)...... 208
ASEAN Guidelines for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on Labour...... 208
ASEAN Guidelines on Essential Workplace Action for Enterprises on the Prevention and Management of Hiv and AIDS in ASEAN Member States...... 211
ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Work Programme 2016-2020, Senior Labour Officials Meeting Working Group on Progressive Labour Practices to Enhance the Competitiveness of ASEAN (SLOM- WG) Work Plan 2016-2020, ASEAN Occupational Safety and Health Network (ASEAN-OSHNET) Work Plan 2016-2020 (Link) ...... 213
ASEAN Committee on the Implementation of the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers (ACMW) Work Plan 2016-2020...... 214
ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Social Welfare and Development (AMMSWD)
Joint Statement of the 9th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Social Welfare and Development (9th AMMSWD), Jakarta, Indonesia, 29 September 2016 ...... 219
Strategic Framework on Social Welfare and Development 2016-2020...... 221
Gender Sensitive Guideline forn Handling Women Victims of Trafficking in Persons (Link)...... 229
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Heads of Civil Service Meeting for the ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM)
ACCSM Work Plan 2016-2020 (Link)...... 229
ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports (AMMS)
Joint Statement of the Sports Ministers of ASEAN Member States on the Achievement of the ASEAN Athletes at the XXXI Olympic and the XV Paralympic Games held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in August and September 2016 ...... 229
V. EXTERNAL RELATIONS
PMC + 1
Chair’s Statement of the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) 10+1 Sessions with the Dialogue Partners, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 25 July 2016 ...... 234
ASEAN – Australia
Co-Chair’s Statement of the 28th ASEAN-Australia Forum, Canberra, Australia, 22 April 2016...... 247
Chairman’s Statement of the 1st ASEAN-Australia Biennial Summit – Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic ASEAN Community, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 7 September 2016 ...... 249
ASEAN-Australia Joint Declaration for Cooperation to Combat International Terrorism, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 7 September 2016 ...... 252
ASEAN – Canada
Joint Media Statement of the 5th AEM-Canada Consultations, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 4 August 2016..... 254
Overview of ASEAN-Canada Dialogue Relations...... 255
ASEAN – China
Joint Media Statement of the 15th AEM-MOFCOM Consultations, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 4 August 2016 ...... 259
Joint Media Statement of the 1st AEM-Hong Kong, China Consultations, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 6 August 2016...... 260
Chairman’s Statement of the 19th ASEAN-China Summit to Commemorate the 25th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations – Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic ASEAN Community, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 7 September 2016 ...... 261
Joint Statement of the 19th ASEAN-China Summit to Commemorate the 25th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 7 September 2016 ...... 264
Joint Statement on the Application of the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea in the South China Sea, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 7 September 2016 ...... 266
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Joint Press Statement of the 5th China-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (SPS Cooperation), Nanning, China, 10 September 2016 ...... 267
Joint Ministerial Statement of the 15th ASEAN and China Transport Ministers Meeting, Manila, Philippines, 17 November 2016 ...... 268
Joint Statement between ASEAN and China on Production Capacity Cooperation...... 269
ASEAN – European Union
Joint Press Statement of the 23rd ASEAN-EU Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) Meeting, Jakarta, Indonesia, 4 February 2016 ...... 270
Joint Media Statement of the 14th AEM-EU Trade Commissioner Consultations, Chiang Mai, Thailand, 3 March 2016 ...... 271
Bangkok Declaration on Promoting an ASEAN-EU Global Partnership for Shared Strategic Goals at the 21st ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting (AEMM), Bangkok, Thailand, 13-14 October 2016 ...... 273
ASEAN – India
Joint Media Statement of the 5th Meeting of ASEAN-India Tourism Ministers, Manila, Philippines, 22 January 2016 ...... 276
Joint Media Statement of the 13th AEM-India Consultations, Vientiane, Lao DPR, 6 August 2016...... 277
Chairman’s Statement of the 14th ASEAN-India Summit – Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic ASEAN Community, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 8 September 2016 ...... 278
ASEAN – Japan
Joint Media Statement of the 22nd AEM-METI Consultations, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 6 August 2016 ...... 281
Chairman’s Statement of the 19th ASEAN-Japan Summit, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 7 September 2016 .... 282
Joint Ministerial Statement of the 14th ASEAN and Japan Transport Ministers Meeting, Manila, Philippines, 18 November 2016 ...... 286
ASEAN – Republic of Korea
Joint Media Statement of the 13th AEM-ROK Consultations, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 4 August 2016...... 288
Chairman’s Statement of the 18th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Summit – Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic ASEAN Community, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 7 September 2016 ...... 289
Joint Ministerial Statement of the 7th ASEAN and Republic of Korea Transport Ministers Meeting (7th ATM+ROK), Manila, Philippines, 18 November 2016 ...... 291
ASEAN – Russian Federation
Sochi Declaration of the ASEAN-Russian Federation Commemorative Summit to Mark the 20th Anniversary of ASEAN-Russian Federation Dialogue Partnership, Sochi, Russia, 19-20 May 2016 ... 293
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Joint Statement of the Meeting of ASEAN-Russia Culture Ministers, Sochi, Russia, 19 May 2016 ...... 297
Comprehensive Plan of Action to Promote Cooperation Between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Russian Federation (2016-2020), Sochi, Russia, 20 May 2016 ...... 298
Joint Media Statement of the 5th AEM-Russia Consultations, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 5 August 2016...... 308
Moscow Joint Declaration of the ASEAN-Russia Transport Ministers Meeting, Moscow, Russia, 9 December 2016 ...... 309
ASEAN – United States
Joint Statement of the ASEAN-U.S. Special Leaders’ Summit: Sunnylands Declaration, California, United States, 15-16 February 2016 ...... 311
Joint Media Statement of the AEM-USTR Consultations, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 4 August 2016 ...... 312
Chairman’s Statement of the 4th ASEAN-United States Summit, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 8 September 2016 ...... 315
ASEAN Plus Three
Joint Media Statement of the 15th Meeting of ASEAN Plus Three (China, Japan and Republic of Korea) Tourism Ministers, Manila, Philippines, 22 January 2016 ...... 319
Joint Statement of the 19th ASEAN+3 Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting, Frankfurt, Germany, 3 May 2016 ...... 320
Joint Statement of the 9th ASEAN Plus Three Labour Ministers Meeting (9th ALMM+3), Vientiane, Lao PDR, 16 May 2016 ...... 323
Joint Statement of the 3rd ASEAN Plus Three Education Ministers Meeting, Selangor, Malaysia, 26 May 2016 ...... 324
Chairman’s Statement of the 17th ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 26 July 2016 ...... 325
Joint Media Statement of the 19th AEM Plus Three Consultations, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 4 August 2016 ...... 329
Chairman’s Statement of the 19th ASEAN Plus Three Summit – Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic ASEAN Community, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 7 September 2016 ...... 330
ASEAN Plus Three Statement on Active Ageing, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 7 September 2016 ...... 333
ASEAN Plus Three Leaders’ Statement on Promoting Sustainable Development Cooperation Vientiane, Lao PDR, 7 September 2016 ...... 335
Joint Ministerial Statement of the 13th ASEAN+3 (China, Japan and Korea) Ministers on Energy Meeting, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, 22 September 2016 ...... 338
Joint Statement of the 5th ASEAN Plus Three Ministerial Meeting on Social Welfare and Development (5th AMMSWD+3), Jakarta, Indonesia, 30 September 2016 ...... 341
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Joint Press Statement of the 16th Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministers of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (16th AMAF Plus Three), Singapore, 7 October 2016 ...... 342
ASEAN – CER (Australia and New Zealand)
Joint Media Statement of the 21st AEM-CER Consultations, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 4 August 2016 ...... 344
East Asia Summit
Joint Statement of the 3rd East Asia Summit Education Ministers Meeting, Selangor, Malaysia, 26 May 2016 ...... 345
Chairman’s Statement of the 6th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 26 July 2016 ...... 346
Joint Media Statement of the 4th EAS Economic Ministers’ Meeting, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 5 August 2016 ...... 349
Chairman’s Statement of the 11th East Asia Summit, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 8 September 2016 ...... 351
East Asia Summit Statement on Non-Proliferation, Vientiane, Lao DPR, 8 September 2016 ...... 355
Vientiane Declaration on Promoting Infrastructure Development Cooperation in East Asia, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 8 September 2016 ...... 357
East Asia Summit Declaration on Strengthening Responses to Migrants in Crisis and Trafficking in Persons, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 8 September 2016 ...... 359
Joint Ministerial Statement of the 10th East Asia Summit Energy Ministers Meeting (10th EAS EMM), Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, 22 September 2016 ...... 362
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ASEAN – United Nations
Chairman’s Statement of the 8th ASEAN-United Nations Summit, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 7 September 2016 ...... 364
Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Partnership between ASEAN and the United Nations (2016-2020)...... 367
OTHERS
Joint Statement of the 5th Dialogue between the ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting and the International Energy Agency (5th AMEM-IEA Dialogue), Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, 22 September 2016 ...... 378
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ASEAN Summit Documents
1
I. ASEAN SUMMIT DOCUMENTS
Pakse Declaration on ASEAN ACKNOWLEDGING the limitations of this consultative process to incorporate the input Roadmap for Strategic of related tourism and development bodies Development of Ecotourism and organisations, international development Clusters and Tourism Corridors assistance and funding organisations and regional financial institutions; Pakse, Champasak Province, RECOGNISING the potential complementary Lao PDR, 22 June 2016 roles and objectives of UNWTO, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), ASEAN centres, We, Tourism Ministers and Heads of Delegation dialogue partners, international civil societies, of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations institutions and organisations participating in the (ASEAN) attending the ASEAN Ecotourism Forum Forum, and in particular, ASEAN’s core mandate, 2016, in Pakse, Champasak Province, Lao PDR which includes fostering international and regional from 22nd to 25th June 2016 hosted by the Ministry cooperation; of Information, Culture and Tourism of Lao PDR; ACKNOWLEDGING the role of international REAFFIRMING the ideals and principles laid down tourism stakeholders who are developing multi- in the Charter of the ASEAN; national tour itineraries, touring routes and special interest tour programmes in the region; NOTING the United Nations declaration of International Year of Ecotourism 2002 as well as MINDFUL of the various principal, strategic plans, the World Ecotourism Summit 2002, producing agreements and declarations promoting regional the Quebec Declaration on Ecotourism; and the cooperation for tourism in the last decade: UN Resolution adopted in December 2010 on promotion of ecotourism for poverty eradication • Plan of Action for ASEAN Cooperation and environmental protection; in Tourism (1998), a strategic document, which includes but not limited to marketing NOTING the 1st World Ecotourism Conference the ASEAN region as a single tourist destination and Facilitating Seamless producing the Vientiane Declaration on Ecotourism Intra-ASEAN Travel; for Developing Countries (2009) endorsed by World Tourism Organisations (UNWTO); • ASEAN Tourism Agreement (2002);
• ASEAN Declaration on Heritage Parks RECOGNISING the leadership and commitment of (2003); the Government of Lao PDR, Chair of ASEAN 2016 and as host country of this ASEAN Ecotourism • ASEAN Declaration on Enhancing ASEAN Forum 2016 with the theme “ASEAN Without Tourism Cooperation (2004); Borders: Roadmap for Strategic Development of • Langkawi Declaration on Shifting Ecotourism Clusters and Tourism Corridors”; Paradigm, Prospering The Region by the ASEAN Tourism Ministers (2005); ACKNOWLEDGING that ecotourism is one of the sustainable forms of tourism that enables the • ASEAN Ecotourism Strategic Plan on tourists to experience and understand the nature policies, strategies and action plans to and rich biodiversity of the region and at the same improve the planning, management and operation of eco-tourism sites, products time generate the socio-economic benefits for the and services in ASEAN; local communities living in harmony with the nature especially in the remote and rural areas within the • ASEAN Multilateral Agreement on Air ASEAN region; Services;
3 ASEAN DOCUMENTS SERIES 2016
• ASEAN Multilateral Agreement on the Full reserves to experience the essence Liberalisation of Passenger Air; of ASEAN’s ecotourism products and services. • Services (MAFLPAS) and its Protocols facilitating and enhancing air services • Creating employment and uplifting connectivity within the region; communities, promoting wise approach to economic utilisation of natural resources • ASEAN Tourism Marketing Strategy and transforming impoverished rural (2012-2015) to support and build areas along the tourism corridors, worldwide recognition of ASEAN as a thereby unlocking economic opportunities tourism destination, in part by coordinating through ecotourism businesses including and leveraging the power and influence of community-driven enterprises such as a the ASEAN NTOs; small and medium accommodation, food and beverage as well as other tourism • ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (2011- services. 2015), a joint collaboration in further developing four main ASEAN tourism • Developing and improving the accessibility products, namely: nature, cultural and of ecotourism sites in ASEAN in its proper heritage, community, and cruise and river- context will further highlight the region to the based tourism; world and its contribution in the protection and safeguarding of natural resources and • ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (2016- biodiversity. 2025), which among others, supports the development of sub-regional destinations/ • Unlocking rural areas, empowering rural corridors targeting more inclusive tourism communities and expanding economic outcomes; and opportunities for tourism investors. • ASEAN Member States’ respective regulations, and/or policies towards DO HEREBY DECLARE the following affirmative Sustainable Tourism or Ecotourism actions: practices. • ESTABLISH, where relevant, a regional inventory of ecotourism sites within ASEAN RECOGNISING that this Declaration is in alignment including but not limited to protected areas, with the vision of the ASEAN Tourism Strategic national parks, and nature and wildlife Plan (2016-2025) where by 2025, ASEAN will be reserves; a quality tourism destination offering a unique, • IDENTIFY, plan and develop sustainably diverse ASEAN experience, and will be committed an inter-connected network of ecotourism to responsible, sustainable, inclusive and destinations and sites (ecotourism clusters) balanced tourism development, so as to contribute across ASEAN Member States, which are significantly to the socioeconomic well-being of linked to major overland roads, waterways, ASEAN people. sea or air routes (tourism corridors);
• ENCOURAGE concerted action for the And in pursuance of the following aspirations, balanced sustainable development of ecotourism, through partnerships between • Developing an ASEAN coordinated relevant stakeholders; roadmap to strategically identify, plan and develop a trans-regional network of • ENCOURAGE, where appropriate, the ecotourism sites which are linked to major possibility of making reference to the intra-ASEAN transportation routes including relevant programmes and frameworks of overland highways, waterways and inter- the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), islands connection (tourism corridors). the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the Global Sustainable Tourism Council • Developing a network of tourism corridors (GSTC), the International Union for that traverse the urban and rural areas of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) United ASEAN Member States, facilitating the Nations Development Programme accessibility as to enable tourists to travel (UNDP), the Wildlife Conservation Society to all ecotourism sites especially nature (WCS), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF),
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ASEAN Heritage Park (AHP) as well as INSPIRED by and united under One Vision, One ASEAN centres, organisations, financial Identity and One Caring and Sharing Community, institutions and countries outside the as enunciated in the ASEAN Charter; region to potentially cooperate in the field of ecotourism development in ASEAN; UNITED by a common desire and collective • ENCOURAGE establishing a high profile will to jointly respond to disasters in the ASEAN public-private partnership Regional region, as articulated in the ASEAN Agreement on Network under Chairmanship of Lao PDR, Disaster Management and Emergency Response with the participation of national, regional (MDMER); and international experts, and having the mandate to develop a Road Map laying the foundation for developing comprehensive CONVINCED of the critical role fulfilled by the and sustainable ecotourism clusters ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian and tourism corridors, a Conceptual and Assistance on disaster management (AHA Operational Strategy to undertake this Centre), which was launched on 17 November ambitious initiative; and an Action Plan 2011, through the Agreement on the Establishment for its practical implementation through of AHA Centre, to realise the unity of effort with integrated policies and actions; the spirit of One Vision, One Identity and One Community; • DEVELOP a comprehensive and informative ASEAN ecotourism under the existing ASEAN Tourism website ; and AFFIRMED that actions shall be in accordance with ASEAN’s principles of respect for the sovereignty • TASK relevant ASEAN Tourism Committees and territorial integrity of ASEAN Member States, to formulate action plans in order to and that ASEAN Member States shall contribute implement the Pakse Declaration. assets and capacities on a flexible, voluntary and non-binding basis with contributions remaining Adopted in Pakse, Champasak Province, Lao PDR under national command and control; on 22nd June 2016
*** COMPELLED by the devastation and loss of lives brought about by large-scale disasters, such as ASEAN Declaration on One 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, 2008 Cyclone Nargis ASEAN, One Response: ASEAN and 2013 Typhoon Haiyan, and the increasing frequency and scale of disasters that continue Responding to Disasters as One to threaten the wellbeing of our peoples and in the Region and Outside the communities; Region DETERMINED to harness the lessons and Vie nt ia ne , La o P D R , experiences arising from responses to these 6 September 2016 disasters to further strengthen our capacity and solidarity;
WE, the Heads of State/Government of the Member UPHOLDING the role of the Secretary-General of States of the Association of Southeast Asian ASEAN as the ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Nations (Here in After Referred to as “ASEAN”), Coordinator (SGAHAC), as entrusted by the namely Brunei Darussalam, the Kingdom of AS EAN Leaders at the 14th ASEAN Summit in Cambodia, the Republic of Indonesia, the Lao 2009 and in line with the Terms of Reference of People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the SG-AHAC approved by the ASEAN Coordinating Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Republic Council in May 2014; of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of Thailand, and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, met at the 28th ASEAN Summit in HIGHLIGHTING the ASEAN Declaration on Vientiane, Lao PDR on 6 September 2016; Enhancing Cooperation in Disaster Management, adopted by the ASEAN Leaders at the 23rd
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ASEAN Summit in Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei 5. Confirm that the ASEAN Standard Operating Darussalam in October 2013, whereby we tasked Procedure for Regional Standby Arrangements the relevant ASEAN ministerial bodies to allocate and Coordination of Joint Disaster Relief and an additional joint session in the respective Emergency Response Operations (SASOP) as ministerial meetings to promote dialogues among a protocol under AADMER is the main standard the relevant ASEAN ministerial bodies; operating procedure to be used for mobilisation of both civilian and military response in materialising One ASEAN, One Response; ENCOURAGED by the progress made by the ASEAN Joint Task Force on Humanitarian 6. Endorse the ASEAN-Emergency Response Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADA) to and Assessment Team (ERAT) as the official promote synergy and coordination among the resource of ASEAN under AADMER, managed relevant internal ASEAN mechanisms related and coordinated by the AHA Centre, and as to HADA, established through the 2013 ASEAN such, endeavour to mobilise ERAT members Declaration on Enhancing Cooperation in Disaster and provide resources for their deployment Management; upon request by the AHA Centre;
7. Earmark on a voluntary basis, both civilian RECALLING the East Asia Summit (EAS) and military assets, resources, capabilities Statement on Rapid Disaster Response, and capacities, which may be available for adopted by the EAS Leaders in November 2014, the ASEAN Standby Arrangements that can highlighting the readiness of EAS participating be mobilised immediately to disaster-affected countries to provide assistance rapidly, while areas through the coordination of the AHA affirming AADMER as the common platform and Centre; regional policy backbone for disaster management in ASEAN; 8. Support the use of both national and ASEAN flag and emblem in responding to disasters as part of the efforts to underscore that ASEAN is DO HEREBY: responding together as one;
1. Agree to materialise “One ASEAN, One 9. Realise the implementation of EAS Statement Response: ASEAN Responding to Disasters on Rapid Disaster Response, and, at the as One in the Region and Outside the Region” appropriate time, establish a coordination to achieve faster response, mobilise greater mechanism to respond to disasters in the resources and establish stronger coordination ASEAN region, bilaterally between the EAS to ensure ASEAN’s collective response to participating countries and through the AHA disasters; Centre, while maintaining ASEAN Centrality;
2. Confirm that AADMER is the main regional 10. Recognise the role of AHA Centre, at a later policy backbone and common platform for the stage, to enable ASEAN to respond to disasters implementation of One ASEAN, One Response; outside the region, where appropriate, in partnership with regional and international 3. Affirm that the AHA Centre is the primary agencies and centres; ASEAN regional coordinating agency on disaster WWmanagement and emergency 11. Agree to explore ways to increase the response and, where appropriate, will contributions to the ASEAN Disaster work in partnership with relevant regional Management and Emergency Relief (ADMER) and international agencies and centres to Fund and AHA Centre Fund to provide resources strengthen HADR efforts that include civilian for effective and sustainable implementation of and military coordination; One ASEAN, One Response;
4. Commit to strengthen the capacity and 12. Adopt the Terms of Reference of the Secretary enhance the sustainability of the AHA Centre to General of ASEAN as the ASEAN Humanitarian provide effective support in realising ASEAN’s Assistance Coordinator (AHAC), and underline collective response to disasters; the importance of his/her role in realising One ASEAN, One Response.
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We hereby pledge to bring One ASEAN, One For the Republic of Indonesia: Response into reality by 2020. For the above JOKO WIDODO purpose, we task: President; • the ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC), to ensure the successful implementation For the Lao People’s Democratic Republic: of One ASEAN, One Response, with THONGLOUN SISOULITH the support of the Secretary-General Prime Minister; of ASEAN, in view of his/her role as the ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator; For Malaysia DATO’ SRI MOHD RAJIB TUN ABDUL RAZAK • the Secretary-General of ASEAN to Prime Minister; regularly update on the progress on the implementation of One ASEAN, One For the Republic of the Union of Myanmar: Response at relevant ministerial meetings as well as ASEAN Summits; AUNG SAN SUU KYI State Counsellor; • the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management (AMMDM), For the Republic of the Philippines: AADMER Conference of the Parties (COP) and the ASEAN Committee RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE on Disaster Management (ACOM) to President; provide strategic guidance to the AHA Centre on operationalising One ASEAN, For the Republic of Singapore: One Response, including development LEE HSIEN LOONG of necessary protocols to prescribe Prime Minister; measures, procedures and standards as well as engagements with relevant sectors and stakeholders in ASEAN; and For the Kingdom of Thailand: GENERAL PRAYUT CHAN-0-CHA (RET.) • the Joint Task Force on HADR to continue Prime Minister;and to promote and maintain synergy and coordination among the relevant ASEAN mechanisms related to HADR, For the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam: including streamlining ASEAN-led HADR NGUYEN XUAN PHUC initiatives and exercises, to support the Prime Minister; implementation of One ASEAN, One Response. *** The AMMDM shall initiate a forum to promote Vientiane Declaration on dialogues among the relevant ASEAN ministerial bodies in realising this Declaration. Done at Reinforcing Cultural Heritage Vientiane, Lao PDR, this Sixth Day of September Cooperation in ASEAN in the Year Two Thousand and Sixteen, in a single original copy, in the English Language. Vi e n t i a n e , L a o P D R , For Brunei Darussalam: 6 September 2016 HAJI HASSANAL BOLKIAH Sultan of Brunei Darussalam; WE, the Heads of State/Government of the Member States of ASEAN on the occasion of the For the Kingdom of Cambodia: 28th ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Lao PDR on 6th SAMDECH AKKA MOHA SENA PADEI TECHO September 2016; HUN SEN Prime Minister; WELCOMING the establishment of the ASEAN Community in 2015, and RECOGNISING the aim of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and
7 ASEAN DOCUMENTS SERIES 2016 the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) DO HEREBY AGREE THAT THE FOLLOWING Blueprint 2025 to foster a dynamic and harmonious ACTIONS ARE NECESSARY IN REINFORCING Community that is aware and proud of its identity, ASEAN COOPERATION IN CULTURAL culture and heritage; HERITAGE
REAFFIRMING our commitment to the purposes 1. Advancing Tangible Cultural Heritage and principles enshrined in the ASEAN Declaration Cooperation on Cultural Heritage (Bangkok, 2000), Declaration on ASEAN Unity in Cultural Diversity: Towards 1.1. Protection of Cultural Heritage Strengthening ASEAN Community (Bali, 2011), Declaration on Culture for ASEAN Community’s • Continue to ensure the effectiveness Sustainable Development (Hue, 2014), Declaration of laws and policies protecting cultural on Culture and Arts to Promote AEAN’s Identity heritage from illicit trade and trafficking; Towards A Dynamic and Harmonious ASEAN • Strengthen efforts to exchange information Community (Bandar Seri Begawan, 2016) that on stolen or trafficked cultural artefacts; highlight the important role of culture in building a coherent and harmonious ASEAN Community and • Cooperate to return, seek the return, or pursue sustainable economic development; help facilitate the return, to their rightful owners of cultural property that have been stolen from a museum, site, or similar EXPRESSING concern about the increasing repositories; threats to tangible cultural heritage as a result of illicit trafficking in cultural property, natural • Explore collaboration with relevant sectors disasters, climate change, unsustainable tourism, to develop a cooperation framework to rapid urbanisation, including threats emanating mitigate the impacts of climate change, from poverty and marginalisation; rapid urbanization, environmental degradation, and natural disasters, such as with tourism and urban development on CONVINCED that strengthening regional creative solutions to protect heritage sites cooperation in the protection, preservation and from damaging commercialisation and promotion of tangible cultural heritage is a key to urbanisation; and with law enforcement in counter such threats; eliminating cross-border trade of cultural objects; RECOGNISING the 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), which 1.2. Preservation of Cultural Heritage highlights the significant role of culture in two • Continue the research on the synergy areas namely: (i) strengthening efforts to protect between cultural heritage and other and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural policies and programs related to cultural heritage and (ii) promoting a culture of peace and heritage preservation; non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to • Explore the possibility of region-wide effort sustainable development, both addressing tangible to assist ASEAN Member States where and intangible cultural heritage; cultural heritage are damaged by, or are facing deterioration from, natural and man-made disasters; WELCOMING the adoption of the Strategic Plan on Culture and Arts (2016-2025) and discussions • Explore cooperation among cultural of the ASEAN Ministers of Culture and Arts (AMCA) institutions, such as the United Nations on the development of heritage management Educational, Scientific and Cultural Office programs in ASEAN to place cultural heritage (UNESCO), and heritage networks to develop the professional competence at the heart of the ASEAN community building of heritage managers in safeguarding efforts, and connect them for the benefit of future cultural heritage and adapting their skills generations; to evolving cultural protection standards;
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• Enhance community awareness and TASK the ASEAN Ministers for Culture and Arts involvement on the protection of heritage (AMCA), its Senior Officials (SOMCA) and the sites and movable and immovable cultural ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information properties; (ASEAN-COCI) to implement this Declaration in line with the ASEAN Strategic Plan on Culture and 1.3. Promotion of Cultural Heritage Arts 2016-2025 and other relevant cooperation • Acknowledge the cross-sectoral policies frameworks; relevant to cultural heritage and promote the mainstreaming of cultural heritage in REQUEST the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community the wider context of national policies and (ASCC) Council, its sectoral ministerial bodies ASEAN’s cooperation mechanisms; and other relevant partners (e.g. ASEAN Dialogue Partners, non-government and inter-government • Engage young people, especially in local communities, to actively act as custodians organisations concerned with culture, the academe of their heritage, thereby facilitating their and research institutions, professional networks, involvement in responding to emergency etc.) to support and monitor the realisation of this situations wherein cultural heritage is at Declaration; risk; ADOPTED in Vientiane, Lao PDR on the 6th of • Highlight the common cultural threads binding ASEAN through education and September 2016. shared stories to further enliven a sense of ownership in managing the region’s *** cultural heritage;
• Develop promotional materials of ASEAN ASEAN Declaration of heritage for distribution on different media Commitment on HIV and AIDS: outlets and broadcast channels, and Fast-Tracking and Sustaining HIV project it internationally as One ASEAN; and AIDS Responses to End the 2. Strengthening Intangible Cultural Heritage AIDS Epidemic by 2030 Cooperation Vie nt ia ne , La o P D R , 2.1. Identify the areas of cooperation related to intangible cultural heritage, and use it as 6 September 2016 a means to transmit ASEAN values and solidarity among the peoples of the region; 1. WE, the Heads of State and Government of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations 2.2. Facilitate regular and sustained people- (ASEAN), namely Brunei Darussalam, the to-people exchanges, especially targeting Kingdom of Cambodia, the Republic of youths and artists highlighting the rich Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic traditions, shared values and diverse Republic, Malaysia, the Republic of the Union cultural expressions of ASEAN, creativity of Myanmar, the Republic of the Philippines, and innovative spirit of ASEAN craftsmen the Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of and youth apprenticeship; Thailand, and Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, on the occasion of the 28th Summit in Vientiane, 2.3. Encourage joint scholarship and research Lao PDR, on 6-8 September 2016, reviewing on the cultural interconnections of the comprehensively the progress achieved since ASEAN region resulting from regional the adoption of the 2011 ASEAN Declaration diaspora and the enduring cultural bond of of Commitment: Getting to Zero New HIV ASEAN peoples; Infections, Zero Discrimination, and Zero AIDS-Related Deaths, and envisioning a 2.4. Support the documentation and future where, working together, we can end dissemination of intangible cultural heritage the AIDS epidemic in ASEAN by 2030; and living traditions;
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2. REAFFIRMING previous ASEAN out of participated of cities or areas from 13 Declarations on HIV and AIDS, ‘ASEAN cities/areas in 2012 to more than 50 cities/ Declaration of Commitment: Getting to Zero areas in 2015 —there remain significant New HIV Infections, Zero Discrimination, Zero urgent challenges at regional, national, and AIDS-related Deaths’ (Bali, Indonesia, 2011), local levels to focus, target, and expand the ‘ASEAN Commitments on HIV and AIDS’ coverage, reach and quality of evidence- (Cebu, Philippines, 2007), ‘Seventh ASEAN informed/based programmes, and in addition, Summit Declaration on HIV and AIDS’ challenges in mobilising sufficient resources (Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam to invest in fast-tracking and sustaining the 2001), each of which called for, in the ASEAN response; response to HIV and AIDS, political will and leadership, and meaningful partnerships with 6. ASSERTING that it is essential for ASEAN relevant stakeholders, and in particular with Member States to focus our individual the key affected populations; and collective efforts, in line with national legislation, priorities and evidence in each 3. REAFFIRMING the commitment of ASEAN Member State, on initiatives; to address key Member States to the United Nations General affected populations and priority geographic Assembly Political Declaration on HIV and areas; to set ambitious but achievable AIDS: On the Fast-Track to Accelerate the regional and national targets for prevention, Fight against HIV and to End the AIDS testing, treatment, care and support; and to Epidemic by 2030 adopted on 8 June 2016 in commit to enhance the political will and the New York, in particular the goals of the Political financial resources to fast track and sustain Declaration in support of the 2030 Agenda for the response; and Sustainable Development, by 2020 — to work towards reducing the number of new HIV 7. In summary, RECOGNISING that, in ASEAN, infections to fewer than 500,000 per annum while remarkable progress has been made globally and to reducing AIDS-related deaths on the prevention and treatment of HIV and to fewer than 500,000 per annum globally as AIDS, and that there is a unique window of well as to eliminate HIV-related stigma and opportunity to act now, to avoid the risk of a discrimination — as well as commitments in rebound of the epidemic in some parts of the previous global Declarations in 2011, 2006, world, to fast-track and sustain the response, and 2001; and eventually to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. 4. NOTING the findings from ASEAN’s second regional report on HIV and AIDS of 2015 Do Hereby Declare Our Commitments to Fast- which observed that in the region, the HIV Track and Sustain the ASEAN Response to HIV epidemic continues to affect approximately and AIDS, and to: 1.7 million people and that HIV is largely concentrated among key affected populations Fast-Track the ASEAN HIV and AIDS Response and in priority geographical areas. The make- up of these differs according to the epidemic 8. FOCUS and TARGET HIV and AIDS characteristics in each Member State and programmes for key affected populations may include sex workers and their clients, and priority geographical areas, according to people who inject drugs; men-who-have-sex- national legislation, priorities and evidence with men and transgender population, while about the epidemic in each Member State; other populations continue to be vulnerable (such as partners/spouses of key affected populations, migrant and mobile populations, 9. SCALE UP and STRENGTHEN the children and youth, women and girls, people coverage, reach and quality of a continuum in correctional institutions, and, people in of comprehensive integrated packages of conflict and disaster-affected areas); prevention, testing, treatment, care and support services, similarly referred to as the cascade of services, for key affected 5. NOTING with continued concern, that populations in priority geographic areas while there has been progress in the according to national legislation, priorities and implementation the ASEAN Getting to — Zero evidence about the epidemic in each Member New HIV infections, Zero Discrimination, and State: Zero AIDS-related Deaths, such as the roll
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(a) Combination of prevention interventions, Sustain the ASEAN HIV and AIDS Response tailored for each key affected population taking into consideration the religious and 12. MAINTAIN and FURTHER STRENGTHEN cultural sensitivities of the community, that effective, high-level, action-oriented political may include peer – and outreach-based leadership on HIV and AIDS at regional, education, healthy sexual relationship, national and local levels; condoms, pre-exposure prophylaxis for those at higher risk, HIV and STI testing, 13. CONSIDER expanding efforts, in accordance STI treatment, combat hepatitis B and C, with national legislation and priorities, to measures aimed at minimizing the adverse provide a supportive environment to reduce public health and social consequences stigma and discrimination towards key affected of drug abuse, including appropriate populations — involving key stakeholders medication assisted therapy programmes such as civil society organisations and key and injecting equipment programmes, affected populations, as well as reviewing , and access to appropriate interventions programme and practices which are barriers for people in prisons and other custodial to key affected populations’ full access to settings; services, including reducing HIV-related stigma and discrimination; (b) Treatment, care and support, may include ARV treatment, treatment of co-infections 14. FURTHER STRENGTHEN the capacities of such as TB and hepatitis B and C, national and local governments to conduct treatment of other opportunistic infections, assessments, analyse and utilise strategic non-communicable diseases, CD4 and information to effectively advocate with key viral load monitoring, practical support for decision-makers to fast-track and sustain adherence and prevention of loss to follow- the HIV and AIDS response and to mobilise up, and psycho-social and community- the required resources, ensuring that based support; programmes are based on the best-available, most updated, region – and country-specific (c) Elimination of mother-to-child transmission evidence about the epidemic and the includes ensuring that mothers have access response; to immediate and life-long antiretroviral treatment; and 15. FURTHER ENHANCE ownership, coordination and cooperation across sectors, 10. PLEDGE to ENSURE the achievement as well as, at regional, national, and local within ASEAN the 90-90-90 treatment targets levels, including South-to-South cooperation, adopted by ASEAN Member States in the cross-border and city-to-city collaboration United Nations Political Declaration on HIV and cooperation, and in addition including and AIDS: On the Fast-Track to Accelerate strengthening capacity to coordinate such the Fight against HIV and to End the AIDS multi-stakeholder partnerships; Epidemic by 2030, on 8 June 2016 i.e., by 2020, 90% of people (children, adolescents 16. CONTINUE to INVEST in broad community and adults) living with HIV know their status, participation, including non-governmental, 90% of people living with HIV who know their civil society, community and key population status are receiving treatment, and 90% of networks and organisations; religious leaders people on treatment have suppressed viral and faith-based organisations; business and loads. private sector, and others, in order to improve effective programming to achieve and sustain 11. ENSURE that no one is left behind in the AIDS measurable results; response: to work towards a response where there is equal access to high-quality services, 17. SUSTAIN, in accordance to national legislation prevention, treatment, care and support and and priorities, effective HIV and AIDS no one is denied such services because of programmes, integrating and institutionalising HIV-related stigma and discrimination; these, promoting a holistic, integrated response to HIV and AIDS and enhancing collaboration between HIV and AIDS and other health services — tuberculosis, sexual
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and reproductive health, sexually transmitted greater meaningful involvement and effective infections, family health and family planning, leadership role of key affected populations, to maternal and child health, hepatitis B and ensure that, in the response to HIV and AIDS C, mental health, and non-communicable in ASEAN, no one is left behind. diseases and consider working towards integrating them into existing social protection 22. Task the concerned ASEAN Sectoral system ; Ministerial Bodies as well as other relevant bodies to implement this Declaration 18. MAINTAIN and EXPAND commitment to raise including mobilising resources, and monitor sufficient international and domestic financial its progress; Encourage all ASEAN Member resources to fill gaps in national responses States to support these ASEAN Sectoral by: Bodies in accomplishing this Declaration through maximum efforts by such appropriate • promoting national and sub-national instruments as may be necessary and evidence-based investment cases for HIV consistent with their respective national and AIDS; legislation and policies. • improving efficiency in the use of existing resources; Adopted in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on the 6 day of September 2016, in a single copy in the English • sharing responsibility with international language. and local development partners to jointly develop and implement transition plans *** from external to domestic funding; and, Vientiane Declaration on • encouraging international and local development partners to develop clear Transition from Informal funding plans, including exit strategies Employment to Formal and transition plans to hand over external supported programmes and ensure Employment towards Decent sustainability; Work Promotion in ASEAN
19. PURSUE opportunities for region-wide Vie nt ia ne , La o P D R , negotiation for development of commodities, as access to generic medicines, as well as 6 September 2016 their bulk or joint procurement, to increase predictability, reduce costs and increase WE, the Heads of State/Government of the access to affordable medicines for all, Association of Southeast Asian Nations including full use of the Agreement of Trade- (hereinafter referred to as “ASEAN”), namely Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Brunei Darussalam, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Rights (TRIPS) flexibilities; Republic of Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the Republic of the Union 20. MAINTAIN and EXPAND regional of Myanmar, the Republic of the Philippines, the consultation, dialogue and exchange of experiences, innovations and evidence Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of Thailand in implementing the measures in this and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam on the th th Declaration, as well as the documentation occasion of the 28 and 29 Summits in Vientiane, and sharing of good practices on HIV and Lao PDR; AIDS across ASEAN, particularly including the ASEAN Cities Getting to Zero Regional REAFFIRMING our continued commitment to Project; and, build an ASEAN Community comprising three pillars, namely the ASEAN Political and Security 21. COMMIT to periodic strategic and operational Community, the ASEAN Economic Community, monitoring and evaluation reviews of and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community; progress at regional, national and local levels, specifically including progress in fostering the RECOGNISING the commitments of individual ASEAN Member States to promote inclusive and
12 ASEAN SUMMIT DOCUMENTS sustainable growth, employment and decent work 2. Promote joint work and sharing of best practices for all as set out in the Goal 8 of the 2030 Agenda and methodologies among ASEAN Member for Sustainable Development and in adherence to States and possibly with Dialogue Partners relevant international labour standards; in assessing the factors, characteristics and circumstances of informality in employment in the national contexts as inputs to the UNDERSTANDING that informalisation is a design and implementation of laws, policies phenomenon where decent work deficits are more and other measures aiming to facilitate pronounced, resulting from insufficient formal the transition from informal employment to employment opportunities even in countries with formal employment in all economic sectors, robust economic growth performance; and that the especially in rural areas; high rate of informal employment in the region poses a major challenge to the protection of the rights of 3. Foster research and information sharing workers and promotion of social protection and among ASEAN Member States on best social dialogue and, therefore, to the achievement practices in promoting the transition from of inclusive growth and sustainable development; informal employment to formal employment towards achieving decent work that promotes employment creation, rights at work, social RECOGNISING that a managed transition process protection, and social dialogue; from informal to formal employment of workers is necessary and plays an important role in enhancing 4. Develop capacity and share best practices the well-being of workers and in common areas of interest especially concerning strategies on employment their families, promoting inclusive growth, and promotion, skills development, and labour eradicating poverty; protection, such as public employment programmes, responsive labour advisory and inspection strategies, wage policies, and RECOGNISING the sovereignty of states in social protection; determining their own labour policy relating to informal employment; 5. Take appropriate measures at the national level to promote wide access to decent ACKNOWLEDGING the diversity in factors, jobs, entrepreneurship opportunities, skills characteristics, and circumstances of informality development, decent work conditions, and in employment and different social and economic income security that would contribute to contexts of ASEAN Member States, facilitating equitable and sustainable development and inclusive growth in ASEAN; the transition of workers from informal to formal employment may take into consideration different 6. Strengthen human resources development and multiple strategies; and that there is a need to policies and programmes to promote access pay special attention to those informally employed to and quality of Technical Vocational who are especially vulnerable to decent work Education and Training (TVET), skills deficits; development, and lifelong learning, especially for those in rural areas, which would generate greater employment and contribute to the DO HEREBY: transition from informal employment to formal STRIVE to take necessary concrete actions employment; towards the transition from informal employment to formal employment in ASEAN Member States 7. Integrate labour matters into national consistent with each ASEAN Member State’s policies and programmes that promote entrepreneurship, sustainable micro, small national legislation, policies and programmes: and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and other forms of business models, by expanding 1. Promote the elimination of forced labour, child access to information of relevant regulations, labour, violence at the workplace and all forms financial services and support, and market of discrimination, including gender inequality; opportunities;
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8. Strengthen policies and programmes, and ASEAN Political Security Community, ASEAN encourage cooperation and collaboration Economic Community and ASEAN Socio-Cultural of enterprises, self-employed workers, and Community, as called for by our leaders at the 12th cooperative units, to provide support to ASEAN Summit on 13 January 2007; workers in informal employment who are vulnerable to decent work deficits and to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable REAFFIRMING that one of the key purposes of economic growth, full and productive ASEAN as stipulated in Article 1 paragraph 10 of employment, and decent work for all; and the ASEAN Charter is to develop human resources through closer cooperation in education and 9. Encourage the participation of employers’ lifelong learning, and in science and technology, organisations and workers’ organisations for the empowerment of the peoples of ASEAN and in facilitating the transition from informal for the strengthening of the ASEAN Community; employment to formal employment.
WE TASK the ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting REAFFIRMING FURTHER the importance of (ALMM), with the support of the ASEAN Senior education for children and youth and Article 31 Labour Officials Meeting (SLOM), and other of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration which relevant ASEAN Sectoral Ministerial Bodies to take states that: necessary efforts to implement this Declaration, including mobilising appropriate resources. a) Every person has the right to education.
ADOPTED in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic b) Primary education shall be compulsory Republic, this 6th day of September in the Year Two and made available free to all. Secondary Thousand and Sixteen, in a single original copy, in education in its different forms shall be the English language. available and accessible to all through every appropriate means. Technical and vocational education shall be made *** generally available. Higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of ASEAN Declaration on merit.
Strengthening Education for RECOGNIZING that in parts of the ASEAN region, Out-of-School Children and there is a significant number of OOSCY thereby Youth (OOSCY) requiring effective measures to enable them to have equal access to education and to benefit from continuous education (access), to remain and Vie nt ia ne , La o P D R , be retained in school (retention) , and to complete 6 September 2016 such education (completion);
WE, the Heads of State and Government of COGNIZANT that all Member States of ASEAN the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are Partıes to the Conventıon on the Rıghts of the (hereinafter referred to as “ASEAN”), namely Chıld (CRC), the Conventıon on the Elımınatıon Brunei Darussalam, the Kingdom of Cambodia, of All Forms of Discrimination against Women the Republic of Indonesia, the Lao People’s (CEDAW) and the Conventıon on the Rıghts of Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Malaysia, the Persons wıth Dısabılıtıes (CRPD), and that the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Republic CRC defınes a chıld as a person under eighteen of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore, the years of age and emphasizes the principles of Kingdom of Thailand and the Socialist Republic non-discrimination, the right to life, survival, and of Viet Nam, gathering hereby at the 28th ASEAN development, the best interests of the child, and Summit in Vientiane, Lao PDR; respect for the child’s views.
REAFFIRMING our commitment to the ASEAN STRESSING that the rıght to educatıon based on Community comprised of three pillars, namely non-dıscrımınatıon ıs underlıned by the CRC, the
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CEDAW and the CRPD and that by Artıcle 28 of and Lifelong Learning for All adopted by the the CRC: “States Partıes recognıze the right of the World Education Forum in Incheon, the Republic child to education, and with a view to achieving of Korea, in May 2015 and the Education 2030 this right progressively and on the basis of equal Framework for Action adopted by the 38th United opportunity, they shall, in particular: Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) General Conference in Paris in November 2015; c) Make primary education compulsory and available free to all; RECALLING the Cha-Am Hua Hin Declaration d) Encourage the development of different on Strengthening Cooperation on Education to forms of secondary education, including Achieve an ASEAN Caring and Sharing Community, general and vocational education, make adopted at Cha-Am Hua Hin, Thailand on 24th them available and accessible to every October 2009, and the Kuala Lumpur Declaration child and youth, and take appropriate on Higher Education, adopted at Kuala Lumpur, measures such as the introduction of free Malaysia on 21st November 2015; education and offering financial assistance in case of need; RECALLING also that the issue of education is an essential component of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural e) Make higher education accessible to all on the basis of capacity by every appropriate Community Blueprint targeted for implementation means; by 2025, advanced further by the ASEAN Work Plan on Education 2016-2020, with additional f) Make educational and vocational opportunities to integrate the CRC, the Education information and guidance available and 2030 Framework for Action and SDGs into the accessible to all children and youth; ASEAN region;
g) Take measures to encourage regular DO HEREBY AGREE AS FOLLOWS: attendance at schools and the reduction of drop-out rates; DIMENSIONS OF OOSCY RECALLING the commitment by all States to 1. The term “Out-of – School Children and implement the Millennium Development Goals Youth” (OOSCY) encompasses children and (MDGs), advanced further by the 2030 Agenda for youth in one or more of the following four key Sustainable Development, with its 17 Sustainable situations: Development Goals (SDGs), adopted in New York, USA, in September 2015 of which Goal 1 is to “End a) Children and youth who do not have access poverty in all its forms everywhere” and Goal 4 is to to a school in their community; “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” b) Children and youth who do not yet enroll by the year 2030 of which, among others, a key at a school, despite the availability of a target is “4.1) By 2030, ensure that all girls and school; boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and c) Children and youth who have enrolled effective learning outcomes” and another target is but do not attend school or are at risk of “4.2) By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have dropping out; access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are d) Children and youth who drop out of the ready for primary education”; education system.
These situations also reflect population flows and EMPHASIZING that these developments have ethnic diversity. been supported strongly at other levels, including the Incheon Declaration on Education 2030: Towards Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education
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Key Principles h) Sustainability: Access to education needs to be sustained so that the children and a) We strive to ensure implementation of the youth are able to enjoy education in a following principles in accordance with continuum and as part of a lifelong dynamic, the domestic laws and policies of ASEAN a cornerstone for human development, Member States and adapted to the different respect for the planet, and the quest for contexts of ASEAN Member States, and in prosperity, peace and partnership. conformity with international standards and obligations, strengthened by the aforesaid LEGISLATION AND POLICIES Incheon Declaration: Education 2030 and the Education 2030 Framework for Action: 2. In affirming that it is the primary responsibility of the Government of every ASEAN Member b) Inclusivity: Education is a human rights and State to implement the rights to education, every child and youth, including OOSCY, we strive to adopt comprehensive measures, is entitled to have access to education including, among others, legislation, policies premised on non-discrimination and equal and related action plans to ensure the opportunities for all; following:
c) Equity: Strong commitment and specific a) Education based on inclusivity (inclusive support and resources are required education) in accordance with the CRC, the to address all forms of exclusion and CEDAW and the CRPD , complemented by marginalization, disparities and inequalities realization of the goals set by the Education in access to education, participation and 2030 Framework for Action and SDGs, learning outcomes; to strengthen the educational system for children and youth, including OOSCY, bearing in mind the challenges of gender, d) Accessibility: Access to education is a geography, ethnicity, diversity, poverty, priority to ensure optimal benefits for all migration, status and statelessness, children and youth irrespective of gender, language, marginalization, disability, nationality, ethnicity, disability, geographic emergency (such as conflict and natural location, religion, belief, culture, social disaster) and vulnerability; origin and other origins; b) Accessibility to the educational system e) Continuity: Continuous education, and access by children and youth to particularly to enable children and youth education, their retention in education, and to access school, remain and be retained their completion of education, with view of in school without dropping out, reduce advancing their education at other levels, repetition rates, and complete (not less based on key principles stated; than) a full course of primary education, needs to be guaranteed; c) Development and implementation of operational guidelines and action plans, f) Quality: Quality education is paramount including the promotion of awareness of and this involves a variety of factors, ASEAN as a caring and sharing community including effective teachers, curriculum, and as a people-centred and people- methodology, pedagogy, educational oriented region. materials, evaluation, facilitation, and child and youth participation in cooperation with PROGRAMMES AND PRACTICES families and communities; 3. We strive to establish programmes and g) Flexibility: Lifelong learning and individual practices to ensure inclusive and equitable empowerment call for flexible learning quality education and promote lifelong strategies and different pathways of learning opportunities for all, through but not learning for OOSCY, both formal and non- limited to the following measures: formal, academic and vocational skills, especially for those who are disadvantaged a) Assistance to children and youth and their or marginalized; families to address the impact of poverty on the right to education, targeting the
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eradication of poverty, including social MECHANISMS AND PERSONNEL protection systems to help the poor and the vulnerable, reduction of school fees and 4. We strive to improve mechanisms and related costs for children and youth and personnel to help implement the right to their families, grant of scholarships and education, including the following measures: cash transfer to help those in need; a) Identification and strengthening of national b) Incentives to enable all girls and boys to coordination mechanism on inclusive complete (not less than) free, equitable and education and OOSCY to provide advice in quality primary and secondary education each country and as a link with ASEAN and leading to relevant and effective learning relevant organs/organizations; outcomes and to advance to other levels of education; b) Capacity building programmes for personnel and teachers to develop and c) Provisions for all girls and boys to implement strategies which address the have access to quality early childhood needs of OOSCY; to instill positive attitudes development, care and pre-primary among them; to assist teachers involved education so that they are ready for primary in helping children and youth with special education; needs; and to help personnel in charge of data collection and management; d) Flexible learning strategies and activities to enable children and youth to have c) Activities to strengthen and implement opportunities to be educated out of school standards on teacher quality, training, and bridge between formal and non-formal knowledge sharing, exchange and education, and between the world of work networking of teachers within ASEAN and and learning, with safeguards against child other support to deliver inclusive education. labour; INFORMATION AND MONITORING e) Framework for equivalency arrangements on basic education within the country 5. We strive to develop and strengthen information and at the regional level, including the on OOSCY; to establish a monitoring and recognition, validation and accreditation reporting system for information, statistics and of the knowledge, skills, qualifications and data (disaggregated and gender sensitive) in competencies acquired, and possible credit order to accurately identify and track OOSCY; transfers between recognized educational and to support the monitoring of education institutions and countries; programmes and related implementation based on inclusive and quality education. f) Minimum standards of inclusive and This is inspired by the need for transparent quality education provision in respect assessments and accountability. of learning environment, teaching and MATERIAL AND NON MATERIAL RESOURCES learning, materials, and information and communication technology (ICT) that is accessible to all; 6. We strive to provide adequate resources to implement the rights to education and related programmes, including the following means: g) Minimum standards of accessibility to physical environment, to information and communications, and to other facilities and a) Increase equitable allocation of national services available in schools and academic and sub national budgets and related institutions, for all children and youth to resources to ensure sustained commitment enjoy fully their right to education; for the OOSCY; h) Encouragement of voluntary and outreach b) Promotion of partnership with the private/ work to help disadvantaged or marginalized business sector for contribution through groups in ASEAN to foster inclusive creative means and related incentives education. intended for the OOSCY;
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c) Promotion of non-material resources, such Nations Educational, Scientific, and as pro bono work, local participation and a Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United community of volunteers to help children Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the and youth; Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) and other d) Generation of development assistance from international organizations); a variety of sources, including international and regional, through strong advocacy and h) Alignment of SDGs with priorities and in a spirit of enhanced partnership. programmes on OOSCY.
COORDINATION AND COOPERATION RESOLVE AND COMMITMENT
7. We strive to strengthen regional cooperation 8. We pledge our resolve and commitment and sustainability of actions anchored on to this Declaration to ensure its effective the understanding that long term equitable implementation and to realize an ASEAN investment in education yields economic and Community of Opportunities and a People- other benefits for sustainable development, oriented and People-centered ASEAN with the following measures: Community.
a) Support for stronger links among and ADOPTED in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic th between ASEAN Ministers of Education Republic, this 6 day of September in the Year Two and other relevant Ministers; Thousand and Sixteen, in a single original copy, in the English language. b) Activities to build the capacity of government officials, educators, civil society *** organizations for effective coordination and response to help OOSCY; ASEAN Joint Statement on nd c) Encouragement to ASEAN Member States Climate Change to the 22 to share their technical and financial Conference of the Parties resources on the issue of OOSCY; (COP-22) to the United Nations
d) Involvement of ASEAN sectoral bodies in Framework Convention on promoting the rights to education for all; Climate Change (UNFCCC)
e) Possible accession to international Vie nt ia ne , La o P D R , conventions related to the promotion of wider inclusive quality education for all; 6 September 2016
f) Expansion of cross sectoral cooperation WE, the Heads of State/Government of Brunei through participatory approach involving Darussalam, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the a variety of stakeholders and contributors Republic of Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic including children, youth and families, Republic, Malaysia, the Republic of the Union teachers and principals of educational of Myanmar, the Republic of the Philippines, the institutions, civil society, national and Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of Thailand community leaders, non-governmental and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, Member organizations/community based th organizations, the private/business sector, States of ASEAN, on the occasion of the 28 and th and media; 29 ASEAN Summits in Vientiane, Lao PDR;
g) Deepening of cooperation with Dialogue RECALLING ASEAN Joint Statements on Climate Partners and other stakeholders (including Change and ASEAN Leaders’ Statements on through North-South, South-South and Climate Change to the UNFCCC. triangular cooperation, and with United
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NOTING that ASEAN Member States have WELCOMING the commitment demonstrated undertaken substantive actions to address climate by Parties to the UNFCCC in signing the Paris change by: Agreement and beginning the work of developing the modalities, procedures and guidelines for its • Submitting Intended Nationally implementation, Determined Contributions (INDCs) in a timely manner; URGENTLY HIGHLIGHTING that adequate, predictable, and needs-based technology • Signing Paris Agreement on 22 April 2016 development and transfer, capacity building and in New York, USA; financial support are needed to further scale up • Implementing the ASEAN Community adaptation and mitigation efforts, and enhance Roadmap 2009-2015 including ASEAN awareness in the ASEAN region. Action Plan on Joint Response to Climate Change (AAP-JRCC), the ASEAN Forging EMPHASISING Parties to the UNFCCC ability Ahead Together 2025, and developing to access readiness and implementation support the ASEAN Post 2015 Strategic Plan on Environment (ASPEN), and ASEAN-UN from the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Action Plan on Environment and Climate Change 2016-2020; NOTING the recent establishment of the Capacity- building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT) under the • Promoting sustainable management UNFCCC aimed at strengthening the institutional of forest that will contribute to reducing and technical capacities of developing countries to forest degradation and deforestation, and also the enhancement of carbon sink meet the enhanced transparency requirements in capacity through own capacity, bilateral the Paris Agreement. and multilateral cooperation. RECOGNISING the important role of GCF in GRAVELY CONCERNED about the impacts of accelerating paradigm shift towards low emission climate change throughout the ASEAN region and climate resilient development pathways. as outlined in the Assessment Reports (AR) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in areas such as extreme climate event, DO HEREBY: food, water and energy security, livelihoods, health, land use and biodiversity including disproportionate 1. COMMIT to strengthen the management of impacts on women and children. ASEAN’s diverse ecosystems and landscapes including its vulnerable terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems through a landscape- REAFFIRMING our commitment to the UNFCCC, based approach to build climate resilience; and its principles and provisions, in particular the principle of common but differentiated 2. URGE developed countries to provide responsibilities (CBDR), and its centrality in the assistance to ASEAN Member States to Paris Agreement. enhance protection and sustainable use of biodiversity and systematic rehabilitation FURTHER REAFFIRMING thatefforts to address of forest ecosystems including rain forest, climate change should be consistent with broader mangrove and peatland, in recognition of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). their critically important roles in mitigation and adaptation;
RECOGNISING the importance of enhanced pre- 3. STRENGTHEN the ASEAN rapid response 2020 ambition to ramp up mitigation actions and capacity to be more efficient and effective in provide means of implementation that will underpin the event of natural disasters through existing effective implementation of the Paris Agreement mechanisms under the ASEAN Agreement and to serve as lessons learnt for achieving Post on Disaster Management and Emergency 2020 actions. Response (AADMER);
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4. URGE all Parties to the UNFCCC to recognise assistance, technology development and the extreme vulnerability of ASEAN Member transfer, and financing, during the pre and States to climate change; post-2020 time frame in addressing mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage associated 5. ENCOURAGE Parties to the UNFCCC to with the adverse effects of climate change; develop their respective National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) that are consistent with, and 13. REQUEST enhanced support from Annex 1 address the threats identified in the IPCC Parties to the UNFCCC to ASEAN Member AR5; States to better understand, develop and implement Measurement, Reporting and 6. CONTINUE to explore means of further Verification (MRV); enhancing sustainable development efforts in the region under the CBDR principles as 14. URGE donors to make contributions to entrenched in the Convention; the CBIT Trust Fund under the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) in order to start 7. CALL UPON developed countries to realise its implementation; the fulfillment of the existing mitigation and financial support commitments of USD100 15. URGE GCF to expedite establishing a clear billion per year under the Convention during access mechanism for Parties to the UNFCCC the pre-2020 period; and to accelerate the operationalisation of result-based payments for REDD+ in ASEAN; 8. URGE Parties to the UNFCCC to enhance ambition on adaptation, mitigation, finance, 16. SEEK assistances in the form of applicable technology development and transfer, technology transfer to strengthen mitigation capacity building and transparency of actions and adaptation efforts as well as early warning and support during the pre-2020 period; in system to reduce impact of disasters.; particular through the ratification of the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol in the 17. CALL UPON all Parties to the UNFCCC to second commitment period by all Parties, and continue working effectively and in good faith the outcome of the Bali Action Plan; on developing mechanisms and modalities towards the implementation of the Paris 9. ENCOURAGE Parties to the UNFCCC that Agreement. have not yet communicated their (I)NDCs to do so expeditiously in support of a successful Adopted in Vientiane, Lao PDR, t h e S i xt h day of COP-22; September in the Year Two Thousand and Sixteen.
10. ENCOURAGE Parties to the UNFCCC to *** ratify the Paris Agreement as soon as possible and to support the Agreement’s early entry ASEAN Joint Statement to the into force; 13th Meeting of the Conference 11. REQUEST support for developing countries of Parties to the Convention and least developed countries to pursue on Biological Diversity sustainable development opportunities that can enable mitigation and adaptation efforts (CBD COP 13) to be included in their (I)NDCs as appropriate, noting that mitigation and adaptation efforts Vi e n t i a n e , L a o P D R , can have strong regional co-benefits which contribute, inter alia, to food, water, energy 6 September 2016 security and local culture; WE, the Heads of State/Government of Brunei 12. URGE developed countries to expedite the Darussalam, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the provision of the means of implementation Republic of Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic in terms of capacity building, technical Republic, Malaysia, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Republic of the Philippines, the
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Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of Thailand partnerships and increase financing to address the and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, Member region’s biodiversity-related challenges; States of the Association of Southeast Asian th Nations (ASEAN), on the occasion of the 28 and NOTING the Intergovernmental Science-Policy th 29 ASEAN Summits in Vientiane, Lao People’s Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Democratic Republic, on 6 September 2016; aims to strengthen the science-policy interface through assessing the state of the world’s RECOGNISING ASEAN’s rich biodiversity is biodiversity, its ecosystems and the services they important in providing ecosystem services such provide and the development of knowledge and as food, water, climate regulation, soil formation, policy support tools; recreation and education which contribute to the region’s socio-economic well-being; NOTING that the theme for CBD COP13 from 4-17 December 2016 in Cancun, Mexico is REAFFIRMING our commitment to implement “Mainstreaming Biodiversity for Well-being”’ the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and achieve the Aichi Biodiversity Targets; and to the DO HEREBY AGREE TO: 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its sustainable development goals (SDGs), in Accelerate efforts to effectively implement particular Goals 14 and 15 on the conservation and the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 sustainable use of coastal and marine resources, and contribute to the achievement of the Aichi and terrestrial ecosystems respectively; Biodiversity Targets by 2020; and to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of support from the RECALLING our commitments to the ASEAN Global Environmental Facility and other possible 2025: Forging Ahead Together, in particular to sources of funding to implement the ASEAN realise the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and Member States’ National Biodiversity Strategies the implementation of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural and Action Plans (NBSAPs); Community Blueprint 2025; and the Declaration on ASEAN Post-2015 Environmental Sustainability Enhance regional cooperation and partnerships and Climate Change Agenda; to support national efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, its SDGs RECOGNISING that concerted efforts are and targets in particular, Goals 14 and 15 for required to address the challenges of biodiversity sustainable development in the region; as well as conservation and the impacts of climate change in to support other biodiversity-related multi-lateral the region, and inclusive green growth/ low carbon agreements and frameworks; strategies would promote sustainable management practices of industries and reduce the threats to Recognise the importance of mainstreaming biodiversity; biodiversity considerations into relevant national, sectoral or cross-sectoral plans, programmes and ACKNOWLEDGING the role of the ASEAN policies and sectoral plans; and call upon Parties Centre for Biodiversity in facilitating cooperation to the CBD, other Governments and relevant among the ASEAN Member States, and with other organisations to share their experiences and national governments, regional and international practices to mainstream biodiversity; organisations to achieve the three objectives of the Convention; Strengthen efforts to achieve the Aichi Biodiversity Target 11 on conserving areas of particular WELCOMING the recommendations of the importance for biodiversity and ecosystem ASEAN Conference on Biodiversity with the theme services to ensure that the region’s natural capital “Biodiversity for Sustainable Development” held is sustained to deliver the ecosystem benefits on 15-19 February 2016 in Bangkok, Thailand essential for its well-being through for example, which included the need to accelerate actions, enhancing the ASEAN Heritage Parks Programme mainstream biodiversity issues, strengthen and cooperation with other regional transboundary initiatives;
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Enhance actions to address climate change Vientiane Declaration on the impacts by implementing ecosystem-based approaches to climate change adaption and Adoption of the Master Plan on mitigation; and minimise activities that may ASEAN Connectivity 2025 increase the vulnerability and reduce the resilience of biodiversity and ecosystems; Vie nt ia ne , La o P D R , 6 September 2016 Improve actions to address the threat of invasive alien species, including identifying pathways WE, the Heads of State/Government of the of introduction through among others, sharing Member States of the Association of Southeast of experiences and lessons learned, capacity Asian Nations (hereinafter referred to as ASEAN), development and partnerships; namely, Brunei Darussalam, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Republic of Indonesia, the Lao Promote the effective implementation of legislative, People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the administrative or policy measures on access and Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Republic benefit sharing to support the third objective of the of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore, the Convention, as appropriate; Kingdom of Thailand and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, on the occasion of the 28th ASEAN Promote cooperation on species conservation Summit in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic and wildlife management, ecosystem restoration Republic; and where relevant, agricultural biodiversity, health and biodiversity and urban biodiversity to further REAFFIRMING the vision of ASEAN Leaders to support mainstreaming of biodiversity activities in build an ASEAN Community that will contribute to the region; a more competitive, resilient and well-connected ASEAN; Support collaborative efforts to address transboundary conservation challenges including RECALLING the Master Plan on ASEAN trafficking of wildlife and timber, through for Connectivity adopted by ASEAN Leaders in Ha example the ASEAN Working Group on Convention Noi, Viet Nam, on 28 October 2010. on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and the ASEAN Wildlife RECALLING FURTHER the Kuala Lumpur Enforcement Network; Declaration on ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together signed by all ASEAN Leaders at the Enhance actions to implement national and regional 27th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia communication, education and public awareness in November 2015 which adopted the ASEAN (CEPA) strategies, including engagement with Community Vision 2025, the ASEAN Political- the public and private sectors, local communities, Security Community Blueprint 2025, the ASEAN youth and women, to achieve Aichi Biodiversity Economic Community Blueprint 2025 and the Target 1; ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025;
Urge developed Parties to the CBD, other RECOGNISING that enhancing ASEAN Governments and relevant organisations to Connectivity would continue to benefit all ASEAN provide adequate financial and technical resources Member States, through improved physical, to complement national efforts to implement the institutional and people-to-people linkages, by NBSAPs, especially to support capacity building promoting greater competitiveness, prosperity, and technical and scientific cooperation, to achieve inclusiveness and sense of Community; the Aichi Biodiversity Targets.
EMPHASISING the importance of the Master Adopted in Vientiane, Lao PDR on the Sixth day of Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 in building the September in the year Two Thousand and Sixteen. ASEAN Community as well as in supporting the implementation of the ASEAN Political-Security
***
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Community Blueprint 2025, the ASEAN Economic consultation with the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint 2025, the ASEAN Socio- Community Council, ASEAN Economic Cultural Community Blueprint 2025, ASEAN Community Council and ASEAN Socio-Cultural sectoral work plans, and the Initiative for ASEAN Community Council. Integration (IAI) Work Plan III, as well as in ADOPTED in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic enhancing synergies with other sub-regional and Republic this Sixth Day of September in the Year inter-regional frameworks; Two Thousand and Sixteen, in a single original copy, in the English Language. COMMENDING the work of the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee in developing *** the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 with the relevant ASEAN Sectoral Bodies and the ASEAN Secretariat; Chairman’s Statement of the 28th EXPRESSING appreciation for the support shown and 29th ASEAN Summits by our Dialogue Partners and external parties towards the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 and their readiness to partner with ASEAN in Vie nt ia ne , La o P D R , the implementation of the Master Plan; 6-7 September 2016
DO HEREBY: Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic ASEAN Community 1. ADOPT the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 1. We, the Heads of State/Government of 2025, which shall be an integral part of the th ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together; ASEAN Member States, gathered for the 28 and 29th ASEAN Summits, held under the Chairmanship of the Lao People‟s Democratic 2. AGREE that the Master Plan on ASEAN Republic (Lao PDR) with the theme “Turning Connectivity 2025 will be the successor Vision into Reality for a Dynamic ASEAN document to the Master Plan on ASEAN Community” in Vientiane on 6-7 September Connectivity adopted on 28 October 2010; 2016.
3. RESOLVE that ASEAN Member States as 2. We had constructive and cordial discussions well as relevant ASEAN Organs and Bodies to craft the future direction for a politically shall implement the Master Plan on ASEAN cohesive, economically integrated, socially Connectivity 2025 in a timely and effective responsible and a truly rules-based people- manner; oriented, people-centred ASEAN Community, guided by the eight priorities outlined by the 4. TASK relevant ASEAN Ministers, the Lao PDR under her Chairmanship, namely, Secretary-General of ASEAN, the ASEAN the implementation of the ASEAN Community Connectivity Coordinating Committee, other Vision 2025; narrowing of the development gap; relevant ASEAN Organs and Bodies, as well trade facilitation; micro, small and medium- as National Coordinators and Focal Points, to sized enterprises (MSMEs) development; coordinate closely with relevant stakeholders tourism development; connectivity; transition and to mobilise adequate resources for the to formal economy in ASEAN; and reinforcing implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN cultural heritage cooperation in ASEAN. Connectivity 2025; and, 3. We signed/adopted the following documents 5. TASK the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating as the outcomes of our Summits: Committee to monitor, evaluate and report the progress and challenges of implementation • ASEAN Declaration on One ASEAN, of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity One Response: ASEAN Responding 2025 to the ASEAN Summit on a regular basis to Disasters as One in the Region and through the ASEAN Coordinating Council in Outside the Region;
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• Vientiane Declaration on the Adoption of 5. We reaffirmed our shared commitment to the Initiative for ASEAN Integration Work maintaining and promoting peace, security Plan III; and stability in the region, as well as to the peaceful resolution of disputes, including full • Vientiane Declaration on the Adoption of respect for legal and diplomatic processes, the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity without resorting to the threat or use of force, 2025; in accordance with the universally recognised principles of international law, including the • Vientiane Declaration on Transition 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law from Informal Employment to Formal of the Sea (UNCLOS). Employment towards Decent Work Promotion in ASEAN; 6. We noted the necessity to make sure that • Vientiane Declaration on Reinforcing the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the Cultural Heritage Cooperation in ASEAN; United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development will be implemented in a • ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening mutually-reinforcing manner to build an Education for Out-of-School Children and inclusive and people-oriented, people- Youth; centred ASEAN Community for the benefit of our peoples. In this connection, we • ASEAN Joint Statement to the Thirteenth appreciated Thailand‟s efforts and leadership Meeting of the Conference of Parties to in coordinating with all parties to promote the Convention on Biological Diversity the complementarities between these two (CBD COP 13); important agendas. To take this matter • ASEAN Joint Statement on Climate forward, we tasked the Ministers to explore the Change to the Twenty-Second Conference development of priority areas and roadmap to of the Parties (COP-22) to the United promote these complementarities. Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC); and Strengthening the ASEAN Secretariat and Reviewing the ASEAN Organs • ASEAN Declaration of Commitment on HIV and AIDS: Fast Tracking and 7. We noted with satisfaction that all Sustaining HIV and AIDS Response to recommendations by the High Level Task End the AIDS Epidemic by 2030. Force (HLTF) on Strengthening the ASEAN Secretariat and Reviewing the ASEAN ASEAN COMMUNITY BUILDING Organs have been addressed. Most of the recommendations are perpetual in nature ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and will remain relevant as we continue our integration efforts. We reaffirmed our continued support for the full and 4. We welcomed the positive progress on the effective implementation of the HLTF implementation of the ASEAN Political- recommendations, which would lead to Security Community (APSC), ASEAN more streamlined coordination and efficient Economic Community (AEC), and ASEAN work processes within ASEAN institutions, Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Blueprints including synergising the work among all 2025 towards realising the ASEAN Community ASEAN Sectoral Bodies and Organs. Vision 2025. We emphasised the importance of the full and effective implementation of this forward-looking roadmap that will continue to ASEAN POLITICAL-SECURITY COMMUNITY guide us in charting our path over the next decade. In this connection, we adopted the Implementation of the APSC Blueprint 2025 Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan III and the Master Plan on ASEAN 8. We were pleased with the progress made Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 to be an integral in the initial year of the implementation of part of the ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead the APSC Blueprint 2025 to bring about Together, which would strengthen our resolve a rules-based, people-oriented, people- in advancing ASEAN‟s community building centred ASEAN Community and to sustain process. peace, security and stability in the region. We
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further reaffirmed our commitment to the full Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and effective implementation of the APSC (TAC) Blueprint 2025 in the years ahead. In this regard, we encouraged the implementation 11. We recognised the positive contributions of of the APSC Blueprint 2025, including the the TAC which has served as the key code of development of a robust reporting and conduct governing inter-state relations in the monitoring system with a greater focus on region to promote peace and stability over the qualitative analysis and impact assessment past 40 years. In this regard, we welcomed at both regional and national levels as well the adoption of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers‟ as the alignment of APSC Sectoral Bodies‟ Statement on the Occasion of the 40th work plans with the Blueprint. We tasked Anniversary of the TAC by the 49th AMM in all relevant ASEAN Organs and Sectoral Vientiane, in July 2016 which, among others, Bodies to follow-up on necessary actions to reiterates our firm commitment to uphold implement the APSC Blueprint 2025, taking the purposes and principles of the TAC and into account the importance of effective explores a legally binding instrument building coordination on cross-cutting issues. upon the TAC for the wider region. We also welcomed the accession of Chile, Egypt and ASEAN in the Evolving Regional Architecture Morocco to the TAC on 6 September 2016, Vientiane, Lao PDR and looked forward 9. We stressed the importance of maintaining to Iran‟s accession to the TAC upon the ASEAN Centrality and unity in the evolving completion of its internal process. We also regional architecture and in our engagement welcomed ASEAN Foreign Ministers‟ decision with external parties. We highlighted the need to consider new applications in accordance for ASEAN to play a central role in developing with the Revised Guidelines for Accession a rules-based regional architecture, building to the TAC. We emphasised the importance upon ASEAN led-mechanisms by promoting for all High Contracting Parties to continue the norms and principles enshrined in the to fully respect and promote the effective ASEAN Charter as well as in other ASEAN implementation of the TAC and resolved to political documents and declarations such further promote the purposes and principles as the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in contained in the TAC. Southeast Asia (TAC), the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human (SEANWFZ), the Declaration on the Conduct Rights (AICHR) of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and the Declaration on the East Asia Summit 12. We commended the progress of the on the Principles for Mutually Beneficial work of the AICHR in the promotion and Relations (EAS Bali Principles). We looked protection of human rights and welcomed forward to the continuation of the discussion the commencement of the second AICHR on the future regional security architecture in Five-Year Work Plan 2016-2020, including the next EAS Workshops. the endorsement of the AICHR‟s priority programme/activities for 2017. We Global Movement of Moderation (GMM) acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the AICHR in its dialogue and consultation with 10. We reaffirmed the importance of the values relevant ASEAN Organs, other ASEAN of moderation, tolerance, non-violence and Sectoral Bodies and entities associated with mutual understanding, as well as respect for ASEAN, including CSOs with consultative diversity and inclusiveness towards achieving relationship with the AICHR, and other peace, security, and harmony in the region. stakeholders on the promotion and protection We were also encouraged by activities of human rights in the region. We encouraged initiated by relevant stakeholders to support AICHR as the overarching human rights the Langkawi Declaration on the Global institution in ASEAN in coordination with other Movement of Moderates. ASEAN human rights bodies to continue its endeavours to promote the mainstreaming of human rights across all three pillars of the ASEAN Community through consultations among relevant ASEAN Sectoral Bodies, and
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in line with the ASEAN Charter, the ASEAN Workshop on the Environment Radiation Human Rights Declaration (AHRD) and the Monitoring and Measurement in March 2016 Phnom Penh Statement on the Adoption of in Thailand. AHRD as well as the ASEAN Community Vision 2025. ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA)
Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon- 16. We had fruitful interface with Representatives Free Zone (SEANWFZ Treaty) of AIPA and appreciated continued contribution by the AIPA to the ASEAN community 13. We reiterated our commitment to preserve the building process. We looked forward to the Southeast Asian region as a Nuclear Weapon outcomes of the 37th AIPA to be held on 29 Free Zone and free of all other weapons September – 3 October 2016, in Nay Pyi Taw, of mass destruction as enshrined in the the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and SEANWFZ Treaty and the ASEAN Charter. encouraged AIPA‟s further contribution to the We, therefore, stressed the importance of implementation of the ASEAN Community the full and effective implementation of the Vision 2025. SEANWFZ Treaty, including through the Plan of Action to Strengthen the Implementation ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) and of the SEANWFZ Treaty (2013-2017). ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus (ADMM- We also welcomed the biennial adoption Plus) of the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution on the 17. We were encouraged by the progress of the SEANWFZ Treaty in December 2015 which defence cooperation under the ambit of the reiterates the importance of the Treaty in ADMM and the ADMM-Plus. We welcomed strengthening the security of States in the the successful conclusion of the 10th ADMM region and in contributing to international held in May 2016 in Vientiane, Lao PDR and peace and security. commended the notable achievements such as the launching of the ASEAN Center of 14. We reaffirmed our commitment to continuously Military Medicine (ACMM) and the adoption engage the Nuclear Weapon States and of the Terms of Reference (TOR) of the intensify the ongoing efforts of the States ASEAN Militaries Ready Group (AMRG) on Parties to the SEANWFZ Treaty and Nuclear Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Weapon States to resolve all outstanding (HADR) as well as the TOR of ACMM, that issues, in accordance with the objectives and will further strengthen ASEAN civil-military principles of the SEANWFZ Treaty. coordination in HADR, thereby contributing to the realisation of the „One ASEAN One ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Response‟ vision. We also welcomed the Energy (ASEANTOM) ongoing implementation of defence initiatives among the ASEAN Member States (AMS), 15. We welcomed the designation of the including the establishment of the Direct ASEANTOM as an ASEAN body under the Communications Link (DCL) or Hotline in the APSC Pillar in Annex 1 of the ASEAN Charter. ADMM Process which aims at preventing We welcomed the progress in the work of escalation and promoting quick response ASEANTOM in promoting high standards of cooperation and coordination in emergency nuclear safety, security and safeguards in the situations. region, through cooperation, exchanging of information and complementing the work of 18. We commended the hard work and efforts of existing mechanisms at the national, bilateral, the six ADMM-Plus Experts‟ Working Groups regional and international levels, including the (EWGs) namely, HADR, Maritime Security International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). (MS), Peacekeeping Operations (PKO), We noted the following 2 activities convened Counter Terrorism (CT), Military Medicine by ASEANTOM i.e. a Regional Workshop (MM) and Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA). on Nuclear Forensics and Bio-dosimeter in We welcomed the successful conduct of the February 2016 in Thailand and a Regional ADMM-Plus Humanitarian Mine Action and Peacekeeping Operations: Exercise Force 18 in Pune, India on 2-8 March 2016, the ADMM-
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Plus Maritime Security and Counterterrorism 22. We took note of the ongoing work of the Exercise in Brunei Darussalam and Singapore AMMTC in adapting to the growing threat on 2-12 May 2016, and the ADMM-Plus of terrorism, radicalisation and violent Military Medicine and HADR Joint Exercise extremism to the ASEAN region by effectively (AM-HEx) which is currently taking place implementing the ASEAN Convention on in Chonburi Province, Thailand on 1-11 Counter Terrorism (ACCT) through the September 2016. We looked forward to the ASEAN Comprehensive Plan of Action on successful convening of the ADMM-Plus Counter Terrorism (ACPoA on CT). Given Maritime Security Exercise „Mahi Tangaroa‟ the transboundary nature, we encouraged in Auckland, New Zealand in November 2016. the AMMTC to enhance cooperation with We also welcomed the establishment of the Dialogue Partners in addressing these threats seventh ADMM-Plus EWG on Cyber Security through the AMMTC Plus One and Plus Three (CT) and reaffirmed our commitment to work Consultation mechanisms. with the Plus countries in all seven ADMM- Plus EWGs under the new co-chairmanship 23. We appreciated the progress made by for the next three years. the Directors-General of Immigration Departments and Heads of Consular Affairs ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Divisions of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs Crime (AMMTC) (DGICM) on commencing the work to develop the Standard Operating Procedure 19. We reaffirmed our commitment to respond (SOP)/Guideline on Consular Assistance to to the threats posed by transnational crimes Nationals of ASEAN Member States in Third and emerging transboundary challenges in Countries. We welcomed the convening of the st an effective and timely manner and looked 1 DGICM Working Group Meeting to study forward to the adoption of the ASEAN Plan Consular Assistance by ASEAN Missions of Action in Combating Transnational Crime in Third Countries to Nationals of ASEAN by the AMMTC in all 10 priority areas, namely Member States and look forward to the early terrorism; illicit drug trafficking; trafficking in conclusion of the Guideline. persons; arms smuggling; sea piracy; money laundering; international economic crime; ASEAN Law Ministers Meeting (ALAWMM) cybercrime; wildlife and timber trafficking. 24. We noted with satisfaction the progress 20. Following the signing of the ASEAN of implementation of the ALAWMM‟s Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, cooperation programmes and activities as Especially Women and Children (ACTIP), we well as other proposed projects and activities looked forward to the early entry into force that were being considered and/or developed and effective implementation of the ACTIP, with a view to enhancing legal cooperation in as well as the effective implementation of the ASEAN. ASEAN Plan of Action Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. We 25. We commended the participation of ASEAN also took note of the ongoing cross-sectoral Member States‟ judiciaries in the court coordination to implement the ASEAN Plan excellence and judicial cooperation forum of Action Against Trafficking in Persons, to share best practices and exchange views Especially Women and Children (APA). on judicial matters. In this connection, we welcomed the establishment of the Council 21. Demonstrating ASEAN‟s responsiveness of ASEAN Chief Justices (CACJ) and looked in addressing the increasing challenges forward to its inclusion as an entity associated posed by the irregular movement of persons with ASEAN under Annex 2 of the ASEAN in the region, we welcomed the adoption of Charter. We looked forward to the CACJ‟s the Terms of Reference of the Trust Fund to initiatives in contributing to the promotion Support Emergency Humanitarian and Relief of awareness of various judicial and legal Efforts in the Event of the Irregular Movement systems in the region as well as in forging of Persons in Southeast Asia. We also closer collaboration among ASEAN Member encouraged contributions of ASEAN Member States‟ judiciaries. States and international community to the Trust Fund.
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ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Drug Matters convening of the Inaugural Meeting of the (AMMD) Steering Committee of ARMAC in Cambodia in September 2016. In this regard, we looked 26. We welcomed the designation of the AMMD forward to the early operationalisation of under Annex 1 of the ASEAN Charter in ARMAC, which serves as a regional centre October 2015. We looked forward to the of excellence in addressing the humanitarian convening of the next AMMD Meeting in aspects of the explosive remnants of wars October 2016 in Singapore. This will be the first (ERW) for interested ASEAN Member States. AMMD Meeting since its institutionalisation. ASEAN Maritime Forum (AMF) 27. We noted the adoption of the ASEAN Position Statement at the 4th ASEAN Ministerial 31. We welcomed cooperation and constructive Meeting on Drug Matters in Langkawi, dialogues on maritime issues of common Malaysia on 29 October 2015; and the joint interests and concerns including search and ASEAN statements that were delivered at the rescue, maritime capacity-building, crimes at 59th Session of the Commission on Narcotic sea, maritime scientific research, maritime Drugs by Singapore in Vienna, Austria, on 14 security and safety, conservation of marine March 2016 and at the United Nations General living resources and combating piracy and Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) by Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Malaysia in New York, U.S.A on 19 April 2016. fishing. We encouraged the strengthening of The statements reaffirmed ASEAN‟s joint linkages between the AMF and the Expanded commitment to a zero-tolerance approach in AMF with other relevant ASEAN Sectoral realising the regional vision of a Drug-Free Bodies in view of coordinating ASEAN ASEAN. maritime-related cooperation.
28. We also welcomed the progress made by 32. We noted that challenges of IUU Fishing the ASEAN Narcotics Cooperation Centre remain and have become even more complex (ASEAN-NARCO) in Bangkok to strengthen in the region. We are therefore committed ASEAN cooperation, especially on information to expand regional cooperation to address sharing and intelligence exchange among this issue, including through supporting the drug control and law enforcement agencies in effective implementation of the relevant the region. international law and instruments. We noted that there are initiatives taken by ASEAN- ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation led mechanisms to discuss and address the (AIPR) challenges of IUU Fishing.
33. We looked forward to the convening of the 7th 29. We noted the ongoing work of AIPR th in promoting reconciliation, conflict AMF and 5 EAMF in Brunei Darussalam in management, conflict resolution and peace- 2016. building to enhance peace and stability in the region. We noted the convening of the Cybersecurity AIPR Workshop on the Plight of Women and Children in Conflict Situations in Tagaytay, the 34. We welcomed the convening of the Philippines in December 2015. We expressed inaugural ASEAN Ministerial Conference on appreciation to Indonesia for its contribution Cybersecurity in Singapore on 11 October to the initial operationalisation of the AIPR 2016 to facilitate greater cybersecurity and underscored the importance of support cooperation among ASEAN Member States, from ASEAN Member States to ensure which will complement existing ASEAN efforts the full operationalisation of the Institute in to strengthen cybersecurity in the region. accordance with the TOR of AIPR. ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC) 35. We noted that ASEAN‟s combined GDP stood 30. We welcomed the Inaugural Ceremony of at USD2.43 trillion in 2015, firming up the ARMAC Headquarter in Phnom Penh on region‟s position as a global growth centre. 25 May 2016 and looked forward to the We were pleased that ASEAN‟s real GDP
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grew at a robust rate of 4.7% in 2015 amidst launch of the ASEAN Tariff Finder website, increasingly challenging global conditions. which is a no-cost online-based tariff search While external headwinds are expected to facility (http://tariff-finder.asean.org/). weigh on growth prospect, regional economic outlook is projected to remain resilient at 4.5% 40. We were pleased with the adoption of the in 2016, underpinned by strong public and Pakse Declaration on ASEAN Roadmap private consumption, robust infrastructure for Strategic Development of Ecotourism spending and accommodative fiscal policy, Clusters and Corridors by ASEAN Tourism before accelerating to 4.8% in 2017. Ministers, which aims at achieving a balanced sustainable development of ecotourism in 36. We were pleased with ASEAN‟s merchandise ASEAN. We noted the good progress made trade performance, which reached USD2.28 in the work on the ASEAN Sustainable trillion in 2015, with intra-regional trade Tourism Award. We also noted that the 8th accounting for the largest share at 24% or CLMV Economic Ministers‟ Meeting has USD 545 billion. We noted that the total endorsed the recommended work plan for foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to the the formulation of the Framework for CLMV region remained resilient at USD120 billion in Development. 2015, with the services sector as the largest contributor at 62.5%. At 18.5% of total FDI 41. We welcomed the initiatives that have been inflows or USD22.1 billion, we also noted that put in place this year as a foundation to intra-ASEAN FDI inflows also accounted for effectively implement the AEC Blueprint the largest share of FDI inflows to the region. 2025. These include the adoption of sectoral work plans under the various AEC Sectoral 37. With demonstrated contribution of regional Ministerial Bodies to operationalise the economic integration to economic growth and strategic measures outlined in the Blueprint, resilience, we reaffirmed our commitments including the work plan for the new and cross- to effectively implement the AEC Blueprint cutting focus area of global value chains. We 2025 by putting in place the requisite noted that the work plans on e-Commerce implementation mechanisms and monitoring and good regulatory practice are currently frameworks. being finalised. We tasked the Sectoral Bodies to ensure effective implementation of 38. We were pleased to note that in 2016, the these work plans. inaugural year of the AEC, efforts have been focused on completing the remaining 42. We welcomed the endorsement of the AEC AEC 2015 measures as well as initiating the 2025 Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) implementation of new measures under the Framework, which is comprised of compliance- AEC Blueprint 2025. monitoring, outcomes-monitoring, and impact evaluation to help ensure the timely and 39. We applauded the Lao PDR for the successful effective implementation of the AEC Blueprint delivery of the AEC priorities in its Chairmanship 2025. We noted that this framework will serve year. In particular, we welcomed the adoption as a key reference for institutionalising and of the following priority deliverables at the 48th implementing monitoring and evaluation ASEAN Economic Ministers‟ (AEM) Meeting, mechanisms in the AEC. In this regard, we namely: (i) the ASEAN Trade Facilitation also recognised the important supporting Framework; (ii) the ASEAN Food Safety role of the ASEAN Community Statistical Regulatory Framework (AFSRF); (iii) the System (ACSS) in the enhanced monitoring ASEAN Institutional Framework on Access framework. to Finance for MSME; (iv) the Report and Work Programme on Starting a Business in 43. We noted the progress on the development ASEAN; and (v) the ASEAN Guidelines for of the AEC 2025 Consolidated Strategic Special Economic Zones Development & Action Plan (SAP), as envisioned in the AEC Collaboration. We noted that the AFSRF has Blueprint 2025. The AEC 2025 Consolidated also been endorsed by the ASEAN Ministers SAP will serve as a single reference of key on Agriculture and Forestry and the ASEAN action lines drawn from the AEC sectoral Health Ministers. We also welcomed the work plans, and will be periodically reviewed to ensure its relevance.
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44. We noted with satisfaction that regional trade technical requirements, mutual recognition liberalisation and facilitation has contributed arrangements and harmonisation of regulatory significantly to the freer movement of regimes. To this end, we welcomed the goods in ASEAN. With tariff elimination completion of the MRA on Bio-Equivalence now down to the few remaining tariff lines, (BE) Study Report on Generic Medicinal we reaffirmed our commitments to address Products, which will facilitate the movement non-tariff barriers to trade and accord high of generic medicinal products within ASEAN. priority to trade facilitation initiatives towards a transparent, predictable and rule-based 50. We welcomed the completion of the signing business environment in ASEAN. of the Protocol to Implement the Ninth Package of Commitments under the ASEAN 45. We welcomed the operationalisation of Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS) the ASEAN Solutions for Investments, on 27 November 2015 in Makati City, the Services and Trade (ASSIST), which is Philippines. We took note of the progress of aimed at delivering practical solutions to the Tenth Package of the AFAS and looked help businesses address their concerns and forward to its conclusion by next year. difficulties while doing business in the region (http://assist.asean.org). 51. We welcomed the entry into force of the ASEAN Agreement on Movement of Natural Persons 46. We also welcomed the establishment of (MNP), which shall facilitate the movement of National Trade Repository (NTRs) by all ASEAN people engaging in trade in goods, ASEAN Member States and noted the on- trade in services and investment in the region. going process of linking information under We were pleased with the endorsement of the the respective NTRs to the ASEAN Trade ASEAN Qualification Reference Framework Repository (ATR). Once fully operationalised, (AQRF) Governance and Structure the ATR will provide a one-stop online document, a cross-sectoral and cross-pillar database containing all ASEAN trade and initiative, by the ASEAN Labour Ministers, customs related information for the private ASEAN Education Ministers, and ASEAN sector in the region. Economic Ministers, marking a milestone in the facilitation of skilled labour mobility in 47. We further welcomed the exchange of live the region, which will be implemented on a data of the electronic ATIGA Form D by voluntary basis. To this end, we tasked our Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand in the Ministers to expedite its implementation. ASEAN Single Window (ASW) production environment. Once fully operationalised, the 52. We reaffirmed our commitment to continue ASW will provide a regional facility to enable improving our business environment, a seamless, standardised and harmonised particularly in terms of facilitating investment, routing and communication of trade and increasing transparency and achieving further customs related data among the National liberalisation in the region. In line with this, Single Windows (NSWs) to expedite customs we welcomed the finalisation of the Second clearance and release. We encouraged other Protocol to Amend ASEAN Comprehensive exchange-ready AMS to join as soon as Investment Agreement (ACIA) to further possible. improve policy-making in ASEAN through putting into effect the decisions on the built- 48. We acknowledged the piloting of the ASEAN in-agenda of the ACIA. Customs Transit System (ACTS) in three participating ASEAN Member States, namely, 53. We were pleased to note that nine ASEAN Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, which Member States have enacted competition could pave the way for the rolling-out of the laws, and that the newer competition regimes ACTS system to other ASEAN Member are in the process of establishing competition States to further enhance trade by facilitating agencies to implement their competition laws. the movement of transit goods across the We encouraged the on-going efforts to build borders in ASEAN. and strengthen the necessary capacities for effective enforcement of competition law in 49. We reaffirmed our commitment to work ASEAN through the timely implementation of towards the harmonisation of standards and the ASEAN Competition Action Plan 2025.
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54. Given that consumer protection is a vital Summit (ABIS 2016) and commended the element in the development of a competitive inclusion of the AEC Symposium in the ABIS ASEAN, we encouraged the development 2016 programme. of the initiatives under the ASEAN Strategic Action Plan on Consumer Protection 2025 58. We noted that these proposals from the towards a common ASEAN consumer private sectors augurs well with the action protection framework that builds strong and plan incorporated in the ASEAN Strategic modern legislation as well as provides for Action Plan for SME Development 2016-2025 efficient redress mechanisms for ASEAN (SAPSMED 2025) overseen by the ASEAN consumers. In this context, we urged that Coordinating Committee on Micro, Small and consumer knowledge and advocacy be Medium Enterprises (ACCMSME), which further enhanced to support this work. coordinates collaboration among ASEAN fora to create synergy and drive SME development 55. We looked forward to the implementation in ASEAN. We also welcomed the launch of of the ASEAN Intellectual Property Rights the ASEAN SME Service Centre Web Portal (IPR) Action Plan 2016-2025 to encourage www.aseansme.org as an information hub innovation and creativity, accelerate for MSMEs operating in the region; and the technology transfer and enable the region ASEAN SME Academy (www.asean-sme- to move higher up in the technology ladder. academy.org), a self-help and self-paced We noted that new measures to build IP online learning tool for SMEs, comprising infrastructures, expand the IP ecosystem and practical best practices. promote asset creation are already underway. We looked forward to the reinforced role of the 59. We welcomed the implementation of the ASEAN Member States‟ IP Offices as drivers ASEAN Community Statistical System of innovation through enhanced engagement (ACSS) Strategic Plan 2016-2025 to further with the science and technology sector and strengthen regional statistical cooperation cross-cutting initiatives that strengthen the among ASEAN Member States. We policy environment for technology diffusion. commended the considerable progress in the harmonisation of the three key statistical 56. Consistent with the AEC Blueprint 2025, we areas, namely, international merchandise welcomed the greater involvement of the trade, international trade in services and private sector in the AEC‟s work and the foreign direct investment, which are critical various feedback and recommendations from to AEC integration monitoring, as well as regional business councils. the efforts made in improving dissemination and communication of ASEAN statistics 57. We thanked the ASEAN Business Advisory and in responding to ASEAN sectoral Council (ASEAN-BAC) for its annual report bodies‟ requests. We further welcomed the and the recommendations therein, and development of statistical infrastructure to continued support to ASEAN initiatives and address the emerging statistical needs in programmes. To this end, we welcomed the support of the overall monitoring efforts of 2016 work programme of the ASEAN-BAC ASEAN integration. focusing on the four priority sectors of agri- food, retail, logistics and healthcare, and Finance on the horizontal issues of trade facilitation, e-Commerce and the development of 60. We welcomed the Strategic Action Plans for MSMEs, young entrepreneurs and women ASEAN Financial Integration 2025, which entrepreneurs. We recognised that private is aimed at promoting financial integration, sector input is critical to the success of the financial inclusion and financial stability in the AEC. We welcomed the role that ASEAN- region in support of ASEAN macroeconomic BAC is playing as the apex and coordinating stability and growth, and the ASEAN Capital business organisation. We called on ministers Markets Forum Action Plan 2016-2020, which and officials to ensure meaningful involvement would support the ACMF Vision 2025 of being of the private sector in the regional economic an inter-connected, inclusive and resilient integration process to achieve optimal ASEAN capital market. We welcomed outcomes for the AEC. We congratulated the progress of work under the ASEAN ASEAN-BAC on the successful organisation Infrastructure Fund (AIF) and reiterated of the 2016 ASEAN Business and Investment
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AIF‟s important role in strengthening the Science and Technology regional physical connectivity. We welcomed the establishment of the ASEAN Insurance 63. We noted with appreciation the increasing Forum, the Working Committee on ASEAN efforts to strengthen cooperation with dialogue Banking Integration Framework and the and other partners in science, technology and Working Committee on Financial Inclusion. innovation (STI). We welcomed the launching of the inaugural Exchange Programme for 61. We supported the progress made by various Young ASEAN Officials under the Sakura ASEAN Member States on the realisation of Science Plan; the Japan-ASEAN Science, the ASEAN Banking Integration Framework Technology and Innovation Platform (JASTIP) (ABIF) through the signing of the first bilateral and the Young Southeast Asian Leaders agreement for the operation of Qualified Initiative (YSEALI). We recognised that the ASEAN Banks between Indonesia and efforts towards nurturing the gifted students Malaysia, and the signing of the bilateral in science and their mentors continue to be Heads of Agreement for ABIF between: (a) sustained with the successful conduct of the Philippines and Malaysia; and (b) Thailand 7th ASEAN Plus Three Teacher Workshop and Malaysia. We welcomed the signing of and Student Camp, and the 5th ASEAN Plus the Protocol to Implement the 7th Package Three Junior Science Odyssey. We looked of Commitments on Financial Services forward to the adoption by the Science and under the AFAS, and looked forward to its Technology Ministers of the work plan to ratification. We welcomed the regularisation operationalise the ASEAN Plan of Action of AIMO as ASEAN Integration Monitoring on Science, Technology and Innovation Directorate (AIMD) of the ASEAN Secretariat. (APASTI) 2016-2025. We also welcomed the transformation of the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office Telecommunications and Information Technology (AMRO) as an international organisation, and encouraged AMRO to continue strengthening 64. We welcomed the ASEAN ICT Masterplan its surveillance and operational capabilities 2020 (AIM 2020) that will propel ASEAN‟s towards ensuring macroeconomic and towards a digitally-enabled economy that is financial stability in the ASEAN Plus Three secure, sustainable, and transformative. This region. will also enable an innovative, inclusive and integrated ASEAN Community. We noted Transport the critical role played by ICT in supporting regional integration and connectivity. We 62. We commended the progress made in the further welcomed the development of an establishment of the ASEAN Single Shipping ASEAN Framework on Personal Data Market in principle as well as the ASEAN Protection aimed at establishing a regional Single Aviation Market with the realisation approach on personal data protection. of open skies; the latter particularly through the full ratification of the ASEAN open skies Food, Agriculture, and Forestry agreements in April 2016. We noted that ASEAN will continue to engage Dialogue 65. We noted with satisfaction the achievements Partners and other partners to conclude more made this year in ASEAN cooperation on liberal and mutually beneficial air transport food, agriculture and forestry, particularly the agreements, including the third, fourth and development of the Key Performance Indicators fifth freedom traffic rights. We also took note for the Strategic Plan for ASEAN Cooperation of the progress made in the negotiation of in Food, Agriculture and Forestry (2016-2025) the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the and the formulation of the Strategic Plan of Facilitation of Cross Border Transport of Action for the ASEAN Cooperation on Crops Passengers by Road Vehicles (CBTP) and (2016-2020), the Strategic Plan of Action for the implementation of the ACTS Pilot with the the ASEAN Cooperation in Livestock (2016- completion of the Operating Guidelines for 2020), the Strategic Plan of Action on ASEAN Goods Vehicle Cross-Border Permit as well Cooperation in Fisheries (2016-2020), and as the ACTS Manuals for Transport Officials the Strategic Plan of Action for ASEAN and for Principals and Transporters. Cooperation on Forestry (2016-2025), all of which aim to further promote cooperation
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in ensuring the quality and quantity of looked forward to closer collaboration in the agricultural products as well as to enhance field of renewable energy development and trade facilitation, economic integration and deployment. We welcomed the adoption of market access. the Minimum Energy Performance Standards for Air Conditioning. We noted that the Lao 66. Given the interrelationship between food, PDR, Thailand and Malaysia plan to sign a agriculture, forestry and the environment, we Memorandum of Understanding to pursue the emphasised the use of green technologies initial phase of the Lao-Thailand-Malaysia- and investment of related infrastructure in Singapore (LTMS) Power Integration Project. agriculture to increase productivity while conserving the eco-system. We underscored Tourism the importance of assisting small producers and SMEs with technology and Research and 70. We were pleased to note that in 2015, ASEAN Development (R&D) to improve productivity received 108.9 million international visitors, an and quality to meet global market standards; increase of 7.3% from 2014. We welcomed the building capacities to manage natural ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (ATSP) 2016- resources in order to ensure food security 2025 with a vision for ASEAN as a quality and ecological sustainability; facilitating tourism destination by 2025, offering a unique, enterprises, farmers, fishermen and SMEs diverse ASEAN experience, and committed in policy discussions; and fostering Public to responsible, sustainable, inclusive and Private Partnership (PPP) in order to advance balanced tourism development, so as to work in these areas. contribute significantly to the socio-economic well-being of ASEAN people. In celebrating 67. We welcomed the achievements made in the 50th anniversary of ASEAN in 2017, we our effort to strengthen the fight against IUU supported the ASEAN tourism campaign Fishing in the region, in particular through “Visit ASEAN@50: Golden Celebration” to the Joint ASEAN-Southeast Asian Fisheries be carried out by ASEAN Member States in Development Center (SEAFDEC) Declaration a concerted manner to drive visitorship to the on Regional Cooperation for Combating IUU region through promoting and highlighting the Fishing and Enhancing the Competitiveness best of ASEAN tourism products. of ASEAN Fish and Fishery Products which was issued at the High-Level Consultation 71. We noted the signing of the Agreement on the on Regional Cooperation in Sustainable Establishment of the Regional Secretariat for Fisheries Development toward the ASEAN the Implementation of the Mutual Recognition Economic Community: Combating IUU Arrangement on Tourism Professionals (MRA- Fishing and Enhancing Competitiveness TP) to be stationed in Jakarta and the further of ASEAN Fish and Fishery Products on 3 development of key MRA-TP infrastructures, August 2016 in Bangkok, Thailand. including the ASEAN Tourism Professional Registration System (www.atprs.org) to 68. We also welcomed Thailand granting the support its implementation. ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTEER) Secretariat legal personality and Regional Growth Area privileges to support its role in enhancing food security. 72. We recognised the important role of sub- regional growth areas in contributing towards Energy the ASEAN Community and narrowing the development gap. We were pleased to 69. We noted the good progress in implementing note the continued cooperation between the ASEAN Plan of Action on Energy the ASEAN Secretariat and the various Cooperation (APAEC) 2016-2025 Phase subregional cooperation mechanisms in the 1: 2016-2020. We looked forward to the region in the effort to improve coordination launching of the 1st ASEAN Renewable and strengthen regional integration. Energy Outlook with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) at the upcoming 34th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) in September 2016 and
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External Economic Relations 76. We reiterated our strong commitment to work towards a full and effective implementation 73. We welcomed the outcomes of improving our of the ASCC Blueprint 2025 which built ASEAN Plus One Free Trade Agreements upon and benefited from the experiences (FTAs), including the entry into force of the and lessons learned, cross-sectoral and Third Protocol to Amend the ASEAN-Korea cross-pillar collaboration and coordination Trade in Goods Agreement, and the Protocol and strengthened monitoring and evaluation to Amend the Framework Agreement on capacity. Comprehensive Economic Co-operation and Certain Agreements Thereunder between ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Social Welfare and ASEAN and China. We were pleased with Development (AMMSWD) the conclusion of services and investment negotiations under the ASEAN-Japan 77. We called on the AMMSWD to continue the Comprehensive Economic Partnership, and implementation of the ASEAN Declaration on noted the importance of the planned review of Strengthening Social Protection and the Kuala the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement, Lumpur Declaration on Ageing: Empowering the commencement of the negotiations for Older Persons in ASEAN in collaboration with further liberalisation under ASEAN-Korea other relevant ASEAN Sectoral Bodies. Trade in Goods Agreement, the endorsement of the Terms of Reference for General Review 78. We were encouraged to note the of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA, establishment of the Network of Experts on and the progress of the negotiations for Inclusive Entrepreneurship in ASEAN by the ASEAN-Hong Kong, China FTA. We also AMMSWD. The Network would contribute to welcomed the endorsement of the renewed the promotion of inclusive entrepreneurship as ASEAN-Japan 10-Year Strategic Economic a strategy to support economic participation of Partnership Roadmap, the ASEAN-U.S. persons with disabilities and other vulnerable Cooperation in Fostering Transparency and groups in the ASEAN Community. Good Regulatory Practices, and the ASEAN- U.S. Cooperation in Fostering International 79. We commended the adoption of the ASEAN Investment. Gender Sensitive Guideline on Handling Women Victims of Trafficking in Persons, the 74. We noted the intensification of the Regional ASEAN Early Childhood Care, Development Economic Comprehensive Partnership and Education (ECCDE) Quality Standards, (RCEP) negotiations, and reiterated and the ASEAN Guideline for a Non-Violent commitments towards the achievement of Approach to Nurturing, Care and Development a modern, comprehensive, high-quality and of Children in all Settings. mutually beneficial economic partnership agreement. We called for the ministers and 80. We tasked the ASEAN Commission on the negotiators to redouble efforts towards its Promotion and Protection of the Rights of early conclusion. Women and Children (ACWC) to continue its efforts in implementing the ASEAN Regional ASEAN SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMUNITY Plan of Action on Elimination of Violence against Women (RPA-EVAW) and ASEAN Implementation of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Regional Plan of Action on Elimination of Community Blueprint 2025 Violence against Children (RPA-EVAC), in collaboration with relevant ASEAN Sectoral 75. We recognised the instrumental role of the Bodies and stakeholders. ASCC in building ASEAN Community and in enhancing the ability of the peoples of ASEAN 81. Recognizing the growing trend of ageing to come closer together, to embrace one populations in the region, we underscored the another‟s cultures, to grow more inclusive, need to address ageing-related challenges sustainable, resilient and dynamic, and to in a holistic manner and promote active forge closely together a people-oriented, ageing in national policy. We reaffirmed our people-centred ASEAN. commitment to cooperation in global and regional frameworks, including the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Aging: Empowering
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Older Persons, adopted at the 27th ASEAN and opportunities for closer private-public Summit in Kuala Lumpur in 2015, and to partnerships in building a people-oriented, promote quality of life and well-being of people-centered ASEAN Community. peoples. We welcomed the ASEAN Plus Three Statement on Active Ageing that promotes a ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Environment holistic approach and fosters partnership with (AMME) all relevant stakeholders in response to the th ageing issue which will be adopted at the 19 86. We adopted the ASEAN Joint Statement ASEAN Plus Three Summit. nd on Climate Change to the 22 Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting (ALMM) Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP-22) and looked 82. We reaffirmed our commitment to promote forward to fruitful outcomes of UNFCCC COP- inclusive and sustainable growth, employment 22 in Marrakesh, Morocco in November 2016 and decent work and in this regard adopted in ensuring the successful implementation of the Vientiane Declaration on Transition from Paris Agreement according to the principle of Informal Employment to Formal Employment common but differentiated responsibilities, in towards Decent Work Promotion in ASEAN. light of different national circumstances and in support of sustainable development. 83. We noted the decision of the 24th ALMM on 15 May 2016 in Vientiane to finalise the draft 87. We adopted the ASEAN Joint Statement to ASEAN instrument on the Protection and the Thirteenth Meeting of the Conference Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers. of Parties to the Convention on Biological The ASEAN Senior Labour Officials‟ Special Diversity (CBD COP 13) which will be held Meeting held at the ASEAN Secretariat on 1-3 on 4-17 December 2016 in Cancun, Mexico September 2016 further reviewed the pending to articulate our commitments to the ASEAN Articles in the draft instrument and agreed 2025: Forging Ahead Together, the Strategic that prior to the ASEAN Summit in 2017, the Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, and the 2030 ASEAN Committee on the Implementation of Agenda for Sustainable Development in the the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and conservation and sustainable management of Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers biodiversity and natural resources. (ACMW), and a Retreat will be convened to continue the process of finalising the draft 88. We noted that transboundary haze pollution instrument. arising from land and forest fires remains a major concern in the region. We reiterated our 84. We noted the adoption of the ALMM‟s Work commitment to greater regional cooperation Programme 2016-2020 and the adoption of to address this concern, including through the ASEAN Guiding Principles for Quality full and effective implementation of the Assurance and Recognition of Competency ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Certification Systems, the ASEAN Guidelines Pollution (AATHP). We looked forward to for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the establishment and full operationalisation and the ASEAN Guidelines on Essential of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Workplace Action for Enterprises on the Transboundary Haze Pollution Control Prevention and Management of HIV and under the AATHP, which provide a strategic AIDS. framework for the implementation of collaborative actions to address transboundary 85. We welcomed the conduct of the First ASEAN haze pollution in the ASEAN region. We took th Occupational, Safety and Health Network note of the Media Release of the 18 Meeting (OSHNET) Award on 27 April 2016 in Da of the Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Nang, Viet Nam, and the First ASEAN Red Committee (MSC) on Transboundary Haze Ribbon Outstanding Workplace (ARROW) Pollution issued by Ministers of Brunei Award on 14 September 2016 in Bogor, Darussalam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore Indonesia, as recognition of the important role and Thailand. We noted the adoption of the of private companies in promoting decent work Roadmap on ASEAN Cooperation towards Transboundary Haze Pollution Control with Means of Implementation at the 12th Meeting
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of the Conference of the Parties to the ASEAN 92. In this regard, We welcomed the issuance Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution of the ASEAN Joint Statement for the World in the ASEAN Region. We looked forward Humanitarian Summit to showcase ASEAN‟s to the full and effective implementation of leadership by actively contributing to strategic the Roadmap. We remain steadfast for our policy discussions at the global level and sectoral bodies to explore means of further the launch of the ASEAN-UN Joint Strategic enhancing regional cooperation efforts for Plan of Action on Disaster Management delivering demonstrable improvements in 2016-2020 (JSPADM III) at the sidelines of achieving the vision of the Roadmap. the World Humanitarian Summit which was held on May 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey, as 89. We encouraged ASEAN Member States an example best practice in cooperation on to ratify and implement the Multilateral disaster management between the United Environmental Agreements at the regional Nations and Regional Organisations. and international levels, which would help to ensure our people‟s equitable access to a 93. We looked forward to the conduct of the clean and green ASEAN. ASEAN Regional Disaster Emergency Response Simulation Exercise (ARDEX) ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster in October 2016 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Management (AMMDM) Brunei Darussalam.
90. We reaffirmed our commitment to ensure ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Youth (AMMY) ASEAN‟s collective response to disasters, and in this regard signed the ASEAN 94. We welcomed the convening of Interface Declaration on One ASEAN One Response: with Representatives of ASEAN Youth and ASEAN Responding to Disasters as One highlighted the important role of the youth in the Region and Outside the Region. in the ASEAN Community building. We also We reiterated our full support towards the noted the endorsement in principle of the enhancement of the role of the ASEAN ASEAN Work Plan on Youth 2016-2020 at Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian the Eight ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Assistance on disaster management (AHA Youth (SOMY VIII) held on 25 August 2016 in Centre) including the effective implementation Siem Reap, Cambodia. of the ASEAN Emergency Rapid Assessment team (ERAT) and the Disaster Emergency 95. We commended Malaysia‟s effort to promote Logistic System for ASEAN (DELSA). As the meaningful youth involvement towards One operational engine of ASEAN Agreement Caring and Sharing Community through the on Disaster Management and Emergency successful conduct of the fourth year of the Response (AADMER), AHA Center plays ASEAN Youth Volunteerism Programme a primary role to realise the vision of One (AYVP) focusing on Disaster Risk Reduction ASEAN one Response. held in the Philippines from 1 to 26 August 2016. 91. We emphasised the importance of the ASEAN Vision 2025 on Disaster Management which 96. We noted the progress made on the will guide ASEAN‟s cooperation in the next ten development of the ASEAN Youth years in disaster management and emergency Development Index (YDI) to keep track on response. We welcomed the endorsement of the evaluation of the outcomes and the the AADMER Work Programme 2016-2020 effectiveness of youth initiatives, and provide which is a comprehensive programme to the right environment for young people reduce disaster losses and promote collective to participate in and benefit from ASEAN actions in responding to disasters and Community building. building the resilience of ASEAN Community. We looked forward to the implementation of ASEAN Ministers Meeting on Rural Development the AADMER Work Programme 2016-2020. and Poverty Eradication (AMRDPE)
97. We were encouraged by the achievements of ASEAN Member States in poverty reduction and industrialisation and called on the
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AMRDPE to continue its efforts to enable the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Culture & Arts poor and vulnerable groups to fully participate (AMCA) in the socio-economic opportunities and to widely access social protection. 101. We noted the adoption of the ASEAN Strategic Plan for Culture and Arts 2016-2025 98. In this regard, we noted the adoption of the and the Bandar Seri Begawan Declaration on ASEAN Framework Action Plan on Rural Culture and Arts to Promote ASEAN‟s Identity Development and Poverty Eradication 2016- Towards a Dynamic and Harmonious ASEAN 2020 and efforts to promote its coherence Community. with national development progammes of ASEAN Member States. 102. We encouraged AMCA to realise policy directions to facilitate cultural cooperation and ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting (AHMM) promote partnership among ASEAN.
99. We acknowledged that the endorsed ASEAN 103. We looked forward to culture and arts events Post 2015 Health Development Agenda for and activities to celebrate ASEAN‟s 50th 2016 to 2020 by the AHMM would pave the Anniversary in 2017. way to a Healthy, Caring and Sustainable ASEAN Community, where the people achieve ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information maximal health potential through healthy (AMRI) lifestyle; have universal access to quality health care; have safe food and healthy diet, 104. We noted the adoption of the ASEAN Strategic live in a healthy environment with sustainable Plan for Information and Media 2016-2025. inclusive development where health is We encouraged AMRI to collaborate with all incorporated in all policies as we move forward stakeholders to enhance understanding of in implementing the ASCC Blueprint 2025. ASEAN at the regional and global community Promoting a Healthy ASEAN where health is and to continuously promote a sense of incorporated in all policies would include the belonging among ASEAN citizens. implementation of 20 Health Priorities which would be further operationalised through a 105. We noted AMRI‟s impactful initiatives to five-year work programme. We acknowledged highlight the commemoration of ASEAN‟s 50th the importance of enhancing coordination and Anniversary through the information sector. collaboration in cross-cutting issues which include among others, prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, addressing ASEAN Education Ministers Meeting (ASED) the threat of communicable and emerging infectious disease including pandemics and 106. We adopted the ASEAN Declaration on disaster health management. We further Strengthening Education for Out-of-School acknowledged the promotion of sustainable Children and Youth and welcomed the adoption health financing systems for social protection of the ASEAN Work Plan on Education 2016- particularly universal health coverage and 2020 which focused on eight areas including sharing of experience in increasing technical ASEAN awareness through strengthening capacity to develop affordable systems of Southeast Asian history and indigenous health services. knowledge, quality and access to basic education, Technical Vocational Education 100. We reaffirmed our commitment to the and Training (TVET) and lifelong learning. United Nations General Assembly Political Education for Sustainable Development, Declaration on HIV and AIDS: On the Fast- higher education development and quality Track to Accelerate the Fight against HIV and assurance mechanisms, university-industry to End the AIDS Epidemic by 2030. In this partnership, and capacity building for regard, we adopted ASEAN Declaration of teachers and the education community, Commitment on HIV and AIDS: Fast Tracking pledging that no one will be left behind. and Sustaining HIV and AIDS Response to These important documents acknowledged End the AIDS Epidemic by 2030.
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equitable opportunities to quality education effective manner, through partnership with and deepened education partnership among ASEAN‟s Dialogue Partners and external ASEAN Member States. parties, including international organisations and the private sector. Recognising that the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Women (AMMW) Work Plan is closely aligned with the ASEAN Community Blueprints, we tasked relevant 107. We noted the adoption of the 2016-2020 Work ASEAN Sectoral Bodies to support the Plan of the ASEAN Committee on Women implementation of the Work Plan in the areas and supported the initiative of the AMMW under their respective purview. as agreed at their Second Meeting on 23 October 2015 in Manila, to develop a strategy ASEAN CONNECTIVITY for gender mainstreaming mechanisms in the three pillars of ASEAN. We encouraged all 112. We recognised that enhancing ASEAN ASEAN Sectoral Bodies to promote gender Connectivity would continue to benefit all responsiveness of their respective initiatives. ASEAN Member States, through improved physical, institutional and people-to-people ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports (AMMS) linkages. We commended the efforts of the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating 108. We welcomed the establishment of the Committee (ACCC), together with relevant ASEAN Plus Japan Ministerial Meeting on ASEAN Sectoral Bodies, in developing the Sports (AMMS+Japan) Framework which Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 was in support of the Vision Statement on (MPAC 2025) with the vision of achieving a ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, seamlessly and comprehensively connected and was aligned with the ASEAN Work Plan and integrated ASEAN that will promote on Sports 2016-2020. competitiveness, inclusiveness, and a greater sense of Community. To ensure the effective implementation of the MPAC 2025, we tasked ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matter relevant ASEAN Ministers, the Secretary- (ACCSM) General of ASEAN, the ACCC, other relevant ASEAN Sectoral Bodies and Organs, as well 109. We noted the finalisation of the ACCSM as National Coordinators and Focal Points, to Work Plan 2016-2020. We acknowledged the coordinate closely with relevant stakeholders pivotal role of ACCSM in building responsive, and mobilise adequate resources to the open and adaptive ASEAN civil services MPAC 2025. that meet the needs of the people through innovative approaches and collaboration. 113. We appreciated the support and interest expressed by our Dialogue Partners and INITIATIVE FOR ASEAN INTEGRATION external parties in enhancing ASEAN Connectivity. We looked forward to closer 110. We noted with satisfaction the progress made cooperation with our Dialogue Partners by Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet and external parties in implementing the Nam (CLMV) since the launch of the IAI in MPAC 2025. We also looked forward to the 2000, which aimed at assisting ASEAN‟s convening of the Seventh ASEAN Connectivity newer Member States to meet the region- Symposium, which will socialise and discuss wide targets and commitments. We reaffirmed ideas to implement the MPAC 2025. our commitment to narrow the development gap that still exist within and among ASEAN ASEAN FOUNDATION Member States so that our peoples can benefit fully from the ASEAN Community. 114. We appreciated the initiatives made by the ASEAN Foundation in contributing to our 111. In this regard, we were pleased to adopt community building process, which were the IAI Work Plan III, which comprises of reflected in the Foundation‟s efforts to convene five prioritised strategic areas, namely food consultations with various stakeholders such and agriculture, trade facilitation, MSMEs, as farmer organisations, spiritual communities, education as well as health and well-being. faith-based organisations and social We resolved to realise the Work Plan in an enterprises. We also noted with appreciation
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the ASEAN Foundation‟s internship initiative ASEAN, in accordance with the Guidelines for which aims to engage students in the region ASEAN‟s External Relations, including on the in ASEAN work processes. We recognised basis of mutual interest and benefit to support that the ASEAN Foundation is intensifying ASEAN Community-building processes. the use of its social media platforms to raise Taking into account the importance of a ASEAN awareness and increase outreach holistic perspective based on geostrategic programmes that instills the sense of “Think, considerations, we welcomed the Foreign Feel and Be ASEAN” among ASEAN peoples. Ministers‟ decision to confer the formal status of Sectoral Dialogue Partner to Switzerland TIMOR-LESTE’S APPLICATION FOR ASEAN and the formal status of Development Partner MEMBERSHIP to Germany.
115. We noted the completion of the three 119. We reiterated the importance of maintaining independent studies on the implications ASEAN Centrality in shaping the evolving of Timor-Leste‟s application for ASEAN regional architecture built upon ASEAN-led Membership and impact on the APSC, AEC, processes, and reaffirmed our commitment and ASCC. We were pleased to note that to further strengthen our partnerships through a number of ASEAN sectoral bodies have various ASEAN-led mechanisms, including started exploring the possibility of Timor- the ASEAN Plus One, ASEAN Plus Three, Leste‟s participation in their respective East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum, activities for capacity building purposes. We and the ADMM Plus. looked forward to the continued discussion of the ASEAN Coordinating Council Working 120. We noted the active role of the ASEAN Group, taking into consideration the results of Committees in Third Countries and the studies. International Organisations (ACTCs) in promoting ASEAN interests and coordinating ASEAN EXTERNAL RELATIONS ASEAN matters in their respective host countries. We welcomed the work of the CPR in further engaging the non-ASEAN 116. We noted with satisfaction the progress of Ambassadors Accredited to ASEAN, including ASEAN‟s relations with Dialogue Partners, the establishment of regular engagement Sectoral Dialogue Partners and external between the CPR and Ambassadors of partners which continued to be strengthened non-ASEAN EAS participating countries in and deepened. We noted the adoption of the Jakarta. new five-year Plans of Action (2016-2020) with Russia and the United Nations (UN) this year and encouraged the effective implementation REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ISSUES of all Plans of Actions and Frameworks with Dialogue Partners and external parties to South China Sea advance cooperation. 121. We remain seriously concerned over recent 117. We were satisfied with the outcomes of and ongoing developments and took note of the ASEAN-U.S. Special Leaders‟ Summit the concerns expressed by some Leaders in Sunnylands, California, the United on the land reclamations and escalation of States, in February and the ASEAN-Russia activities in the area, which have eroded trust Commemorative Summit in Sochi, Russia, and confidence, increased tensions and may in May this year, and looked forward to the undermine peace, security and stability in the th forthcoming 19 ASEAN-China Summit region. to Commemorate the 25th Anniversary st of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, 1 122. We reaffirmed the importance of maintaining ASEAN-Australia Biennial Summit, India, and promoting peace, security, stability, safety Japan, Republic of Korea, United States of and freedom of navigation in and over – flight America and the UN, as well as ASEAN Plus above the South China Sea. Three Summit and East Asia Summit. 123. We further reaffirmed the need to enhance 118. We recognised the external parties‟ growing mutual trust and confidence, exercise self- interests to establish formal partnerships with restraint in the conduct of activities and
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avoid actions that may further complicate the adopted by the 19th ASEAN-China Summit situation, and pursue peaceful resolution of to Commemorate the 25th Anniversary of disputes in accordance with international law, ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations. including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Developments on Korean Peninsula
124. We emphasised the importance of non- 129. We shared serious concern over the recent militarisation and self-restraint in the conduct developments in the Korean Peninsula, of all activities, including land reclamation including the nuclear tests on 6 January that could further complicate the situation and 2016, rocket launch on 7 February 2016, escalate tensions in the South China Sea. subsequent ballistic missile launches and submarine ballistic missile on 23 August 2016 125. We underscored the importance of the full by the Democratic People‟s Republic of Korea and effective implementation of the DOC in its (DPRK) which are in violation of the UNSC entirety, and while noting the momentum and resolutions. We reaffirmed the importance of new phase of consultations, urged all parties peace and security in this region and reiterated to work expeditiously for the early adoption ASEAN‟s support for the denuclearization of of an effective Code of Conduct (COC), the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner. including through increasing the frequency We also urged the DPRK to comply with all of ASEAN-China Senior Officials‟ Meetings relevant UNSC resolutions, including the and Joint Working Group Meetings on the UNSC Resolution 2270 and acknowledged Implementation of the DOC. the importance to exercise self-restraint and called on all parties to exert collective efforts 126. We highlighted the urgency to intensify efforts to maintain peace and security in the said to achieve further substantive progress in the region and create an environment conducive implementation of the DOC in its entirety as to the early resumption of the Six-Party Talks. well as substantive negotiations for the early conclusion of the COC including the outline Countering Extremism and Terrorism and timeline of the COC. 130. We expressed our deepest concerns over 127. Pursuant to the full and effective the recent terrorist attacks in the region implementation of the DOC in its entirety, and beyond. In this regard, we extended and pending the early adoption of an our heartfelt condolences and sympathies effective COC, we stressed the importance to the families of the victims of the attacks. of undertaking confidence building and We strongly condemned extremism and preventive measures to enhance, among terrorism in all its forms and manifestations others, trust and confidence amongst parties. and reaffirmed our commitment to strengthen coordination and cooperation in countering 128. We welcomed the adoption of the Joint terrorism through, among others, the Statement of the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN implementation of the ASEAN Convention Member States and China on the Full and on Counter Terrorism and the ASEAN Effective Implementation of the Declaration Comprehensive Plan of Action on Counter on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Terrorism, and addressing the root causes Sea and also welcomed the Joint Statement of and conditions conducive for terrorism on the Application of the Code for Unplanned including violent extremism, including through Encounters at Sea (CUES) in the South the promotion of the Global Movement of China Sea and the Guidelines for Hotline Moderates. Communications among Senior Officials of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of ASEAN Middle East Member States and China in Response to Maritime Emergencies in the Implementation 131. We reaffirmed ASEAN‟s support for the of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, in the South China Sea which will be including the right to self-determination, for an independent and viable state of
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Palestine based on a Two-State solution and Joint Statement on the reiterated the need for a comprehensive, just and sustainable Two-State Solution to the Application of the Code for Israeli-Palestinian conflict that will usher in Unplanned Encounters at Sea in an environment where Israel and Palestine live alongside each other in peace. We also the South China Sea urged both parties to actively take positive steps to allow for resumption of a credible Vie nt ia ne , La o P D R , peace process in order to reach a final, just 7 September 2016 and comprehensive settlement to the conflict.
132. We acknowledged the international efforts We, the Heads of State/Government of ASEAN in the Israel-Palestinian peace process and Member States and the People’s Republic of render our support to ensure the successful China met in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic convening of the international peace Republic on 7 September 2016. conference before the end of this year. Reaffirming our commitment to the 2002 Group of Twenty (G20) Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and the Joint Statement of the 133. We noted the conclusion of the G20 Leaders‟ Foreign Ministers of ASEAN Member States and Summit held on 4-5 September 2016 in China on the Full and Effective Implementation of Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China and appreciated the DOC, including the importance of the freedom the continued opportunity provided for ASEAN of navigation and overflight, as provided for by to share ASEAN‟s views and perspectives concerning the global economy through universally recognised principles of international regular participation of the ASEAN Chair at law including the 1982 United Nations Convention the G20 meetings. on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS);
Group of Seven (G7) Recognising that maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea region serves 134. We welcomed the first engagement between the fundamental interests of ASEAN Member ASEAN and G7 through the participation of States and China (“the Parties”) as well as the the ASEAN Chair in the Outreach Meeting international community; of the 43rd G7 Summit and looked forward to further engagement in the future. Recognising that Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of ASEAN Thailand, Viet Nam and China are parties to the Convention on the International Regulations for 135. We looked forward to the celebration of Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGs); the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN in 2017, commemorating five decades of cooperation and community-building in ASEAN and Recognising that Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, support the initiatives of the Philippines, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, as Chair of ASEAN in 2017, other ASEAN Viet Nam and China are members of the Western Member States, Dialogue Partners and the Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) and have ASEAN Secretariat in commemorating this adopted the Code for Unplanned Encounters at momentous occasion. Sea (CUES);
Recognising that Laos and Myanmar, though not *** members of the WPNS, affirm the significance of CUES in ensuring maritime safety;
Recognising that CUES, as a coordinated means of communication to maximise safety at sea,
41 ASEAN DOCUMENTS SERIES 2016 offers a means by which navies may develop 2. We are pleased to note the resilient economic mutually rewarding international cooperation and performance of the countries participating in transparency; the RCEP negotiations given the challenging global economic conditions. The combined output of the sixteen Participating Countries Recalling that WPNS navies that choose to adopt amounted to US$22.4 trillion or 30.6% of CUES for naval cooperation do so on a voluntary world output in 2015. The total trade among and non-binding basis, and that CUES is also the Participating Countries amounted to available for implementation by other navies on US$11.9 trillion in 2015, while total FDI inflows the same basis; to Participating Countries reached US$329.6 billion. Hoping to further deepen mutual trust and cooperation among our navies through the 3. We note that further progress has been made implementation of CUES; in negotiating a modern, comprehensive, high quality, and mutually beneficial economic partnership. We welcome intensified efforts HEREBY declare the following: to advance market access and text-based negotiations whilst remaining mindful that considerable work lies ahead. While 1. We reaffirm our commitment to CUES in acknowledging the complexities of the order to improve operational safety of naval RCEP negotiations and the diversity of the ships and naval aircraft in air and at sea, and Participating Countries, including differences ensure mutual trust among all Parties; in the level of development, we resolve to find appropriate ways to address the various 2. We agree to use the safety and communication sensitivities and interests of each Participating procedures for the safety of all our naval ships Country to arrive at balanced, high-quality and naval aircraft, as set out in CUES, when and mutually-beneficial outcomes. We look they encounter each other in the South China forward to continued progress including Sea; and through positive and constructive responses to market access requests. We reaffirm the 3. We affirm that this effort contributes to potential of an RCEP agreement to boost our commitment to maintaining regional business confidence, benefit consumers, peace and stability, maximum safety at sea, reinforce the RCEP region’s contribution to promoting good neighbourliness and reducing global growth and the deepening of regional risks during mutual unplanned encounters in economic integration and equitable economic air and at sea, and strengthening cooperation development for all Participating Countries. among navies. 4. We reiterate the importance of advancing *** negotiations and we instruct our Ministers and officials to further intensify negotiations ina Joint Leaders’ Statement on cooperative manner for the swift conclusion the Regional Comprehensive of the RCEP negotiations. Economic Partnership (RCEP) ***
Vi e n t i a n e , L a o P D R , 8 September 2016
1. We, the Heads of State/Government of the ASEAN Member States, Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea and New Zealand, gathered on 8 September 2016 in Vientiane, Lao PDR at the margin of the 29th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
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Vientiane Declaration on and environmental impacts, as a means to uplift living standards of our peoples, resolve urban Promoting Infrastructure transport problems, meet the increasing energy Development Cooperation in demand, enhance connectivity and increase trade East Asia and investment within the region, which ultimately contributes to the region’s sustainable economic development; V i e n t i a n e , L a o P D R , 8 September 2016 REITERATING the importance of the development in the long-term of enhanced connectivity within WE, the Heads of State/Government of the Member East Asia to support ASEAN connectivity; States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Australia, People’s Republic RECALLING the Declaration of the Sixth East Asia of China, Republic of India, Japan, Republic of Summit on ASEAN Connectivity and its support Korea, New Zealand, Russian Federation and the for the effective and timely implementation of the United States of America on the occasion of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) in 11th East Asia Summit (EAS) held in Vientiane, Lao all three pillars, namely physical, institutional and PDR on 8 September 2016; people-to-people connectivity;
REAFFIRMING our strong commitment to WELCOMING the significant progress achieved strengthen the EAS as a Leaders-led forum for in the implementation of the Master Plan on dialogue on broad strategic, political and economic ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) adopted in 2010 issues of common interest and concern with the and the adoption of the Master Plan on ASEAN aim of promoting peace, stability and economic Connectivity 2025 (MPAC 2025) by the ASEAN prosperity in East Asia; th Leaders at the 28 ASEAN Summit;
ACKNOWLEDGING that efficient and sustainable RECOGNIZING the financial resources and infrastructure development in ASEAN is essential technical assistance for infrastructure development for trade, investment and service competitiveness available in the region, including the Asian in the Asia-Pacific region; Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB); Japan’s Expanded Partnership for Quality Infrastructure RECOGNIZING that infrastructure decisions and of US$ 200 billion; India’s Credit Line of US$ 1 investments made in coming years will be vital to billion; the Asian Development Bank-led (ADB) efforts to meet our shared objective to strengthen Asia Pacific Project Preparation Facility (AP3F); the global response to the threat of climate the World Bank’s Global Infrastructure Facility change, in the context of sustainable development (GIF); the World Bank-Singapore Infrastructure and efforts to eradicate poverty, including making and Urban Development Hub; and U.S. ASEAN finance flows consistent with a pathway towards Connect Initiatives such as the Lower Mekong low greenhouse gas emissions and climate- Initiative’s Sustainable Infrastructure Partnership; resilient development, as enshrined in the Paris as well as through project preparation and Agreement adopted at the 2015 United Nations financing, including from the U.S. Trade and Climate Change Conference in Paris, France Development Agency, Export-Import Bank, and within the United Nations Framework Convention Overseas Private Investment Corporation; on Climate Change; WELCOMING the Global Infrastructure Hub, EMPHASIZING the importance of promoting launched by the G20 in Brisbane, Australia in 2014 quality infrastructure development, which ensures which would facilitate information-sharing and factors such as economic efficiency in view of life collaboration between Governments, the private cycle cost, safety, resilience and sustainability, job sector, large institutional investors and international creation, capacity building, transfer of expertise organisations related to infrastructure investment; and know-how, and alignment with economic and development strategies while addressing social
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RECALLING the inaugural Global Infrastructure such as the Greater Mekong Sub-region Forum of April 2015, which aimed to enhance (GMS); Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya- coordination among multilateral development Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy banks and their development partners to better (ACMECS); Mekong-Ganga Cooperation; develop sustainable, accessible, resilient, and Mekong-Japan cooperation; the Lower quality infrastructure for developing countries; Mekong Initiative; Mekong-Republic of Korea cooperation; Mekong-Lancang Cooperation; the Brunei Darussalam- NOTING the imbalance between the availability Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East of infrastructure funds and the actual needs of ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA); infrastructure development in most countries in Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth ASEAN; Triangle (IMT-GT) and others; - Encourage all EAS participating countries RECOGNISING that while public and private to further facilitate and assist in identifying financing is potentially available for infrastructure cooperation projects that meet the development, there is a need for many countries in criteria and requirements necessary to ASEAN to advance their public sector’s capacity, access financial resources and technical develop domestic debt finance markets and assistance available in the region, including improve investment climate; from the Asian Development Bank (ADB); the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB); Japan’s Expanded Partnership for ACKNOWLEDGING that access to financial Quality Infrastructure of US$ 200 billion resources, project development, technology announced in 2016; and India’s Credit Line development and capacity building, as well as the of US$ 1 billion; role of public-private partnerships, are critical; - Encourage enhanced investment, financial and technical support, especially from the REALIZING that as inclusive and sustainable private sector, to ASEAN Member States development is vital for East Asia’s collective to carry out infrastructure projects and growth, ASEAN will strive to align infrastructure other projects related to connectivity, as development projects with the 2030 United Nations’ well as encourage greater investment Agenda for Sustainable Development; in infrastructure development projects in ASEAN Member States, with due EMPHASIZING that both economic and social application, as appropriate, of social and infrastructure are preconditions for development environmental safeguards; and are equally critical for sustaining growth; - Cooperate with ASEAN Member States in infrastructure planning, design, COGNISANT that a fully integrated and connected construction, operation and maintenance ASEAN will not only benefit and improve the as well as support ASEAN Member States prosperity of the people of ASEAN, but also the to develop sectors such as railways, people of ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners; roads, inland-waterways, regional aviation, ports, oil and gas pipelines, energy and telecommunications networks to enhance DO HEREBY DECIDE TO: ASEAN capacity for sustainable economic development and to enhance trade and - Support and facilitate cooperation investment opportunities across the region; among EAS participating countries in sustainable infrastructure development - Encourage investment in the energy sector, initiatives, including resource mobilization, including high quality and sustainable sharing of expertise, best practices and energy infrastructure, as well as to develop information, promoting cooperation in transparent and competitive energy management and sustainable use of markets such as for the global natural gas natural resources, green and clean trade; technology to protect the environment and - Support ASEAN’s effort towards realising eco-system through bilateral, regional and the ASEAN Power Grid; sub-regional frameworks of cooperation
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- Enhance cooperation to support ASEAN partnerships, enhancing fiscal capacity Connectivity, including through capacity of developing countries in the region and building and resource mobilization for the other measures; implementation of the MPAC 2025, as well as promotion of regional trade and - Encourage sustainable infrastructure economic cooperation linkages; investment and encourage stakeholder input in investment decisions that promote - Increase cooperation in maritime the development and application of national connectivity through the development of and regional social and environmental sustainable and resilient infrastructure, safeguards; logistics and port management, to promote economic growth that will not only - Continue efforts to make regional contribute to narrowing development gaps connectivity vibrant and effective through but also promote regional integration and the early completion of projects listed in the the community building process; MPAC 2025 and the Comprehensive Asia Development Plan 2.0 to improve East- - Promote cooperation in air transport West Economic Corridor and Southern connectivity to enhance regional air services Economic Corridor; to support economic linkages as well as to facilitate people to people connectivity; - Support the objective of the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund (AIF) to foster - Encourage all EAS participating countries infrastructure development within ASEAN; and other external partners, including Economic Research Institute for ASEAN - Improve the use of Kunming-Bangkok and East Asia (ERIA), United Nations Highway, complete ASEAN Highway Economic and Social Commission for Network project and consider the Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the construction of the Singapore-Kunming Asian Development Bank (ADB), the AIIB, Rail Link main lines and detailed designs Organisation for Economic Co-operation and for the spur lines. Development (OECD) and the World Bank to promote quality infrastructure investment Adopted by the Heads of State/Government of the in the region through considering increasing Participating Countries of the East Asia Summit in technical assistance, utilizing the existing Vientiane, Lao PDR, on 8 September 2016. funds and providing training programmes for professionals in infrastructure and connectivity related sectors, including on *** smart green infrastructure, and sharing experiences and policies and practices to Vientiane Declaration on the ASEAN Member States; Adoption of the Initiative - Support cooperation, co-financing, and for ASEAN Integration (IAI) collaboration among multilateral and regional development banks, inter alia, Work Plan III the World Bank, the ADB, and the AIIB, to facilitate the identification, preparation 8 September 2016 and financing of bankable infrastructure development projects and initiatives in ASEAN with a view to promoting regional Link : http://asean.org storage/2016/09/09rev2Content- connectivity and contributing to inclusive IAI-Work-Plan-III.pdf and sustainable economic growth; *** - Encourage sustainable and efficient infrastructure investment to support ASEAN in implementing infrastructure projects by promoting greater private sector involvement through the effective use of modalities such as public-private
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Joint Statement of the 8th (ii) to achieve sustainable and inclusive development in the subregion. Cambodia-Lao PDR-Myanmar- Viet Nam Cooperation Summit 5. We expressed our strong belief in the bright future of CLMV and are confident that CLMV is on the right path of long-term economic growth. Ha Noi, Viet Nam, 26 October 2016 Over the past years, CLMV has become one of the world’s most dynamic regions thanks to a series of far-reaching economic reforms 1. We, the Heads of State/Government of the and efforts to liberalize and facilitate trade and Kingdom of Cambodia, the Lao People’s investment. The growth prospects of the four Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), the Republic economies are supported by factors such as of Union of Myanmar and the Socialist rich natural resources, cost competiveness, Republic of Viet Nam (hereinafter referred favorable demographic profile, competitive trade to as CLMV), gathered in Hanoi, Viet Nam and investment policies, strategic location and for the 8th CLMV Summit. The Secretary- close proximity to major markets, and access to General of the Association of Southeast Asian the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) market Nations (ASEAN), Under-Secretary-General of over 600 million consumers. of the United Nations, Executive Secretary of the ESCAP, representatives of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank 6. We are fully aware of the many challenges (WB) also attended the Summit. faced by CLMV countries, including resource and capacity constraints, poor infrastructure, the adverse impacts of climate change, the 2. We noted with satisfaction that the good uncertainties of the global and regional economy neighborliness, traditional friendship, and the vulnerabilities of being small and open comprehensive and long-lasting cooperation economies. among our four countries continue to thrive. Our common interests have expanded through enhanced trade and investment relations, 7. We met at a critical point of time for CLMV’s deepening cooperation in a wide range of areas development. Only through closer cooperation from people – to – people exchange and human and coordination could our countries overcome resource development to health, transport and challenges and create a vibrant economic zone the environment. that would enjoy inclusive and sustainable development. 3. We recalled with satisfaction that since its inception, CLMV cooperation has greatly 8. We affirmed our commitment to work closely contributed to the establishment of the together to shape the future of CLMV. To this ASEAN Community, the narrowing of regional end, we are determined to move forward with development gap, and the uplifting of the welfare both domestic reforms and closer regional and quality of life of our peoples. integration to sustain growth momentum and strengthen CLMV’s competitiveness. 4. We emphasized CLMV’s core mission as a platform to foster close policy coordination and 9. We stressed the need to continue advancing joint actions among the four countries to ensure the structural reform of our economies to a future of peace, stability and prosperity. The ensure efficient labor and capital allocation, key objectives of CLMV cooperation continue to boost growth and increase productivity. We to be: are committed to maintaining macroeconomic stability and creating an enabling environment where businesses can flourish and people can (i) to support the development of the ASEAN fully develop their potential. Community through building CLMV’s regional integration capacity and bridging the development gap within ASEAN; 10. We recognized that enhanced regional (ii) to fully harness member countries’ connectivity is essential to improving CLMV economic potential and increase trade competiveness and agreed to implement and investment flows within and among concrete measures toward a seamless CLMV countries and other regions;
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regional economy so as to link our economies We concurred on the need to transform and markets ever closer together, to the benefit transport corridors into economic corridors of all, as follows: and agreed to accelerate the simplification and harmonization of cross-border 10.1. In transport cooperation, we agreed to: procedures and further develop industrial zones along the corridors. i. Accelerate the construction of missing links and upgrading roads along the North We will also take additional measures, – South Economic Corridor (NSCE), East including: – West Economic Corridor (EWEC), and the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC). i. To promote border trade via harmonizing member countries’ border trade ii. Construct the expressway of Vientiene – procedures and developing a network of Ha Noi to facilitate the movement of goods border markets. and people between the two capitals. ii. To encourage relevant agencies and iii. Conduct feasibility study on the route business sector to organize and participate connecting Yangon – Meikhtila – Tarlay in trade fairs and investment conferences – Kenglap (Myanmar) – Xiengkok – in the region. Loungnamtha – Oudomxay – Muong Khoa (Lao PDR) – Tay Trang – Ha Noi iii. To facilitate the investment of CLMV (Viet Nam). enterprises in each other’s markets.
iv. Facilitate air transport through the iv. To promote cooperation on e-commerce implementation of the CLMV Agreement among CLMV through capacity building on the Air Transport and other bilateral and activities and experience exchanges in multilateral agreements on air services. developing related policies and legal frameworks. 10.2. In trade and investment facilitation cooperation: 10.3. In Industrial Cooperation
We reiterated our commitment to We encouraged and promoted the implementing all existing agreements cooperation in the field of industry between and among CLMV countries. such as industrial policy development, standardization and conformance, and We commended our CLMV Economic Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) policy Ministers for the progress in implementing development among CLMV through regular their annual Action Plan and welcomed the exchanges on information, experience and outcome of the Eighth CLMV Economic the best practices by organizing workshops Ministers’ Meeting held on 6th August 2016 and training courses, which are to aim at in Vientiane, Lao PDR. We endorsed the strengthening CLMV countries’ competitive Economic Ministers’ plan to develop a advantages in the region and global market. Framework for CLMV 10.4. In tourism cooperation: Development, which aims at advancing economic development, enhancing the We noted with satisfaction that the four capacity to reap the benefits arising from countries have experienced a steady regional integration and raising the living increase in tourist arrivals in recent years, standards of our people. As the Framework from 10.9 million in 2010 to 22 million in is cross-cutting in nature, close cooperation 2015 with a year-to-year increase of 12.4%. from relevant Ministries in the drafting We welcomed the successful outcomes process is required. We tasked the CLMV of the third CLMV Tourism Ministers’ Economic Ministers and Senior Officials Meeting held on 28th July 2015 in Nay Pyi to submit the Framework for the Leaders’ Taw, Myanmar, which endorsed the Action consideration by the Ninth CLMV Summit in Programme 2016-2018. 2018.
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We commended the outcomes of the i. To continuously implement the CLMV CLMV Ministers of Tourism and Governors Scholarship Program funded by the of National Bank meeting at “the Four Vietnamese Government for the period of Countries-One Destination Conference 2016-2020. on Connecting Tourism and Expanding Cooperation in Banking Sector” held ii. To establish a database of labor market’s th st from 30 July – 1 August 2016, Yangon, demand and vocational training programs Myanmar with the aim to enhance tourism in CLMV countries. promotion among CLMV countries, to attract investment to promote intra-regional iii. To promote joint programs among CLMV travel of the four countries and to promote universitites, language training institutions CLMV as an attractive single destination. and exchange programs between educational leaders, high officials, We recognized that there remain obstacles experts, teachers, administrators and to the CLMV tourism industry’s growth students. potential and agreed to take the following actions: iv. To promote mutual recognition of qualification among CLMV countries i. To fully implement the 2016 – 2018 Action through cooperation in establishing Plan on Tourism Cooperation, particularly national qualification frameworks that measures to ensure sustainable and are compatible with ASEAN Qualification responsible tourism. Reference Framework (AQRF) and European Qualification Reference ii. To encourage greater coordination, Framework (EQRF); to develop CLMV exchanges of information and experiences mutual recognition arrangement for among member countries; teachers and vocational trainers; to select priority professions for common core iii. To facilitate the participation of CLMV standards development. tourism agencies, associations and enterprises in the regional events and 10.6. In other areas such as agriculture and fairs. energy, we noted the slow progress in the implementation of cooperation projects iv. To promote public – private partnerships, and initiatives due to resource constraint. particularly in tourism promotion activities We encouraged our Ministers and Senior and tourist product development. Officials to identify ways and means for more practical and effective cooperation. v. To enhance cooperation and promote more air linkages among the CLMV 11. We appreciated the support extended by countries. ASEAN Member States and development partners to CLMV countries, including through 10.5. In human resource development the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) and cooperation: various bilateral and multilateral support programmes. We welcomed the adoption of the IAI Work Plan III by the ASEAN Leaders We appraised the exchange of scholarships, at the recent 28th ASEAN Summit, which visits and experiences in education and prioritises support to CLMV countries in five training among CLMV countries. strategic areas, namely food and agriculture, trade facilitation, MSMEs, education, and We recognized that a skilled workforce is health and well-being. We also commended an important foundation of sustainable the ASEAN Secretariat for its continued support economic growth and successful regional to mobilise resources to implement the CLMV integration. To take advantage of new priority projects. We called upon other ASEAN opportunities brought about by the ASEAN Member States and development partners to Community, we will continue our cooperation further enhance their assistance and support to develop high quality human resources to CLMV countries both individually and and take the following measures: collectively, including for the implementation
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of CLMV priority projects (Annex 1). We asked the Government of Viet Nam for the warm the ASEAN Secretariat and the Senior Officials hospitality and excellent arrangements of the to work closely to seek financial support for 8th CLMV Summit. CLMV priority projects, to monitor and review the implementation process and to recommend Adopted in Ha Noi, the Socialist Republic of Viet necessary adjustments. Nam on 26 October 2016.
12. We acknowledged the vital role of the business sector in the development of CLMV *** economies and therefore reiterated our call for greater participation of the business sector in th implementating of CLMV projects and activities. Ha Noi Declaration of the 7 Ayeyawady – Chao Phraya – 13. We welcomed the success of the first World Mekong Economic Cooperation Economic Forum (WEF) on the Mekong region, which was initiated and organised by Viet Nam Strategy Summit to highlight the great potential of the Mekong region to the international business circle. Ha Noi, Viet Nam, 26 October 2016 We emphasized the need of strengthening public-private partnership to realize the vision of a competitive, integrated and prosperous “Towards a Dynamic and Prosperous Mekong region. Mekong Subregion”
14. We tasked our Ministers and SOM leaders to 1. We, the Heads of State/Government of the follow through on the implementation of this Kingdom of Cambodia, the Lao People’s Joint Statement and to periodically report the Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), the progress to their respective Heads of State/ Republic of Union of Myanmar, the Kingdom Governments. of Thailand and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam gathered in Hanoi, Viet Nam for th 15. To ensure that CLMV cooperation is result the 7 Ayeyawady – Chao Phraya – Mekong and action oriented, building on the past Economic Cooperation Strategy (hereinafter achievements and striving for new progress, referred to as ACMECS) Summit. The we are determined to carry forward CLMV Secretary-General of the Association of reforms and enhance its coordination with other Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Under- relevant subregional cooperation frameworks. Secretary-General of the United Nations, We tasked the Ministers and Senior Officials Executive Secretary of the ESCAP, the to further explore ways to streamline CLMV representatives of the Asian Development operational structure and strengthen the Bank (ADB) and the World Bank (WB) were synergy between CLMV and the Ayeyawady – also present at the Summit. Chao Phraya – Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS). The future will be shaped 2. We recalled with satisfaction that since the by our actions today. establishment of ACMECS, much have been done to strengthen the relations among our 16. We agreed that the 9th CLMV Summit will be five countries based on good neighborliness, chaired by the Kingdom of Cambodia and will traditional friendship, mutual interest and take place in the Kingdom of Thailand in 2018 understanding. The five countries have made back-to-back with the 8th ACMECS Summit. great strides in promoting economic growth The specific date and venue will be coordinated and social progress, improving peoples’ through diplomatic channels. welfare and quality of life, increasing inter- country trade and investment, people-to- people connectivity and carrying out structural 17. The Heads of State/Government of the reforms toward sustainable and inclusive Kingdom of Cambodia, the Lao People’s growth. Democratic Republic and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar expressed their thanks to 3. We expressed our appreciation to the efforts made by the ACMECS Ministers, Senior
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Officials and working groups in implementing iii. Coordinate on the development of new the ACMECS Plan of Action 2016-2018 transport routes connecting ACMECS and welcomed the progress made in eight countries, including Ha Tinh (Viet Nam) areas of cooperation. We requested relevant – Khammuane (Lao PDR) – Nakhon agencies to accelerate the implementation of Phanom (Thailand) route. the ACMECS Plan of Action 2016-2018. iv. Explore the possibility of implementing 4. We held substantial discussions on the “Single Stop Inspection, Single Window global and regional developments and the Inspection” (SSI/SWI) model at role of ACMECS in acclerating economic international border check-points along growth, increasing competitiveness of EWEC and SEC; and work with the member countries’ economies and promoting Asian Development Bank (ADB) on the sustainable development in the region. Handbook on the SSI/SWI implementation.
5. We shared the view that ACMECS is entering v. Review the current status of logistics a new phase of development defined by sector and identify ways to improve its unprecedented development opportunities competitiveness. as well as emerging challenges. As ACMECS countries are going through a rapid social and vi. Develop air linkages among major cities, economic transformation, it’s imperative for cultural and natural heritages in ACMECS us to forge new growth drivers that capitalize countries. on our strengths and take advantage of new development opportunities. vii. Engage business sector in transport infrastructure development. 6. We agreed to deepen our cooperation in the areas of high priority with the aim of: (i) viii. Strive for the full implementation of the strengthening regional ties so as to facilitate Cross-border Transport Agreement our economies’ participation in the global value (CBTA) which has been ratified by all chains and improve our competitiveness; ACMECS member countries with its “early and (ii) supporting ACMECS countries in harvest” launch date to be on 1st January successfully implementing the 2030 Agenda 2017. for Sustainable Development. We also agreed to take actions that would strengthen 2. In the trade and investment facilitation sector, ACMECS. we agreed to:
7. To this end, we pledge to take the following i. Strengthen cooperation among ACMECS actions: countries in harmonizing and simplifying rules and regulations, including cross- I. Enhancing Regional Connectivity: border procedures, the procedures for goods-in-transit, the exchange of 1. In transport sector, we agreed to: trade and investment information and developing industrial zones along the i. Further coordinate to complete multimodal EWEC and SEC. transport connectivity and make full use of the existing road transportation networks ii. Promote trade and investment among and economic corridors, particularly the member countries, including cross-border East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC), trade, through the organization of trade North – South Economic Corridor (NSEC) fairs, exhibitions and other trade and and Southern Economic Corridor (SEC). investment promotion activities.
ii. Mobilize resources for the construction iii. Encourage the use of local currencies for of missing links and improvement of road border trade transactions and information quality along the economic corridors; sharing on foreign exchange rules and jointly construct highways along the SEC, regulations among members. including the Ho Chi Minh City – Phnom Penh Expressway.
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3. In the Industry sector, we agreed to: 6. In agriculture sector, we agreed to: Enhancing the competitiveness of ACMECS SMEs through promoting the harmonizing i. Develop cooperation programs on food standardization, facilitating their access to safety and quality management, mutual information, finances, technology and the recognition of commodity certifications. capacity building as well as enhancing SME cluster development. ii. Strengthen cooperation in management of cross-border animal epidemic diseases. 4. In tourism sector: We noted significant achievements of tourism development iii. Cooperate in developing new varieties in ACMECS countries with 52 million as well as indigenous varieties of crop international visitors and around 9 million intra- plants, which are tolerant and adaptable regional visitors in 2015. We commended the to climate change. progress made in implementing the “Five countries, one destination”initiative. In this iv. Implement cooperation programmes on regards, we welcomed the outcomes of the water resource management in agriculture 15th Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) held in and climate resilience agriculture. June 2016 at Chiang Mai, Thailand and the 12th International Travel Expo (ITE) and the Open ACMECS Ministerial Forum on Responsible v. Encourage and promote the further Tourism held in September 2016 in Ho Chi development of bilateral and multilateral Minh City, Viet Nam. We requested relevant Contract Farming to generate agencies to accelerate the implementation of employment and increase the welfare of the seven cooperation areas agreed in the farmers, increase production as well as ACMECS Tourism Action Plan 2016-2018. contribute to the increase in regional and We also agreed to: international trade in agricultural products, and to promote food security and greater investment by private actors. i. Promote green and responsible tourism in ACMECS countries. vi. Promote trade of agricultural products, while encouraging efforts to establish ii. Develop various form of tourism products, communication channels among including Mekong river tourism, land and ACMECS countries on rice production sea tourism; and trade. iii. Facilitate the participation of tourism 7. In environmental cooperation, we agreed to: agencies and associations in major fairs and exhibitions in the region such as the International Travel Expo (ITE) and the i. Reiterate the commitment to integrate the Viet Nam International Travel Mart (VITM), relevant Sustainable Development Goals the Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+), into all ACMECS projects on economic Cambodia Travel Mart. development.
II. Promoting Sustainable Development: ii. Further strengthen cooperation among ACMECS countries on environmental conservation and sustainable use of 5. We reaffirmed our commitment to work natural resources of the Ayeyawady, Chao together toward green and sustainable Phraya and Mekong rivers. development in the region and emphasized the significance of achieving goals and targets set in the UN Agenda for Sustainable iii. Enhance cooperation between ACMECS Development Goals 2030.. To this end, we countries in regional and international are determined to strengthen our cooperation institutions, as well as with development in the development of ACMECS smart partners, to promote green development agriculture, effective environment protection, and address as well as respond to climate sustainable natural resources management change and global warming, and to make and efficient utilization of energy. joint efforts in preventing illegal trade of timber and wildlife along the borders.
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iv. Coordinate in mobilizing resources for 11. To enhance the efficiency and effectiveness and implementing the 2030 Sustainable of ACMECS, we will carry forward ACMECS Development Goals. reforms and improve its coordination with other relevant subregional cooperation v. Strengthen ACMECS’s collaboration with frameworks; We tasked the Ministers and the Mekong River Commission and other Senior Officials to further explore ways to regional mechanisms to jointly manage streamline ACMECS operational structure and water resources for the sustainable strengthen the synergy between ACMECS management, development, utilization, and Cambodia – Lao PDR – Myanmar – Viet and conservation of trans-boundary water Nam Cooperation (CLMV). and related resources. 12. We welcomed the success of the first World III. Increasing Operational Efficiency of Economic Forum (WEF) on the Mekong ACMECS region, which was initiated and organized by Viet Nam to highlight the great potential 8. We encourage development partners and of the Mekong region to the international international stakeholders to participate in business circle. We emphasized the need of ACMECS projects for mutual benefits and for strengthening public-private partnership to the development of the region. realize the vision of a competitive, integrated and prosperous Mekong region. 9. Recognizing that enterprise is the engine of trade, investment and innovation, we pledged 13. We welcomed the Kingdom of Thailand’s to enhance the role of business sector in offer to host the Eighth ACMECS Summit and ACMECS development. We applauded the provide a venue for the Ninth CLMV Summit contributions of the ACMECS Business to be chaired by the Kingdom of Cambodia Advisory Council to our work and encouraged in 2018. The specific date and venue will be ACMECS Business Council to strengthen its coordinated through diplomatic channels. communication with business communities so as to effectively convey their concerns and 14. We expressed our appreciation to the recommendations. Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam for the excellent arrangements of the 10. We tasked the Ministers and Senior Officials Summit and the warmest hospitality accorded to further strengthen the coordination among to all member delegations during the Summit. member countries in mobilizing resources for the implementation of ACMECS projects. Adopted in Ha Noi, the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, on 26 October 2016.
***
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ASEAN Political-Security Community
II. ASEAN POLITICAL-SECURITY COMMUNITY
ASEAN Foreign Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR, the Meeting focused on the implementation of the ASEAN Meeting (AMM) Community Vision 2025, especially the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint, and strengthening of ASEAN’s external relations ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ and ASEAN centrality in the evolving regional Statement on the Nuclear Test architecture. The Ministers also exchanged by the Democratic People’s views on regional and international issues of common interest and concern. During this Republic of Korea important meeting, Lao PDR introduced eight priorities for her ASEAN Chairmanship in 8 January 2016 2016 with the theme of “Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic ASEAN Community”.
On 6 January 2016, the Democratic People’s ASEAN Community Vision 2025 Republic of Korea (DPRK) conducted another nuclear test, which is in violation of the relevant 3. The launch of the ASEAN Community on United Nations Security Council (UNSC) 31 December 2015 as well as the adoption resolutions. of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 together with the three ASEAN Community ASEAN reaffirms the importance of peace and Blueprints has boosted the momentum for on- security on the Korean Peninsula and reiterates its going efforts to consolidate and strengthen full support for the denuclearization of the Korean regional integration and community building. Peninsula in a peaceful manner. We urge the DPRK Against this background, the Ministers to comply with all the relevant UNSC resolutions stressed the commitment to ensure effective and call on all parties concerned to exert common implementation of the ASEAN Community efforts to maintain peace and security in the said Vision 2025, especially the APSC Blueprint region and create an environment conducive to the 2025, building upon the achievements made early resumption of the Six-Party Talks to help pave in and lessons learned from the Roadmap the way for maintaining and strengthening peace, for an ASEAN Community (2009- 2015). The security and stability in the region and the world. Ministers highlighted that such implementation would be pursued through, among others, strengthening ASEAN institutional capacity, *** improving ASEAN work processes, including streamlining ASEAN meetings and expediting Press Statement by the the secondment of officers from the AEC and ASCC pillars to the respective permanent Chairman of the ASEAN Foreign missions of ASEAN Member States in Jakarta Ministers’ Retreat and cross-sectoral/pillar coordination at the regional and national levels, and putting in place a robust monitoring and reporting Vi e n t i a n e , L a o P D R , system. 27 February 2016 4. In addition, the Ministers emphasised the importance of the UN 2030 Agenda for 1. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat (AMM Sustainable Development and underlined its Retreat) on 27 February 2016 in Vientiane is complementarity with the ASEAN Community the first gathering of ASEAN Foreign Ministers Building process and regional integration under Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship in efforts, as contained in the ASEAN Ministerial 2016. Statement on the Occasion of the 70th Anniversary of the United Nations. In this 2. Under the chairmanship of H.E. Thongloun Sisoulith, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister
56 connection, we agreed to Thailand’s offer The Ministers also stressed the need for to coordinate this matter and report further ASEAN to play a leading role in shaping the details in due course. evolving regional architecture.
2016 ASEAN Chairmanship Priorities Exchange of Views on Regional and International Issues 5. The Ministers discussed the eight priorities for ASEAN Chairmanship in 2016 introduced by 9. The Ministers exchanged views on regional Lao PDR, namely the implementation of the and international issues of common interest ASEAN Community Vision 2025, narrowing and concern. These include emerging non- of the development gap, trade facilitation, traditional security challenges such as small and medium-sized enterprises terrorism, cyber security, natural disasters, (SMEs) development, tourism development, climate change, irregular migration, connectivity, decent work promotion: trafficking in persons, maritime security and transition to formal economy in ASEAN, and cooperation, and developments in various enhancement of regional cooperation for the regions, including the Middle East, the Korean preservation, protection and promotion of Peninsula and the South China Sea, among ASEAN cultural heritage. others.
6. In line with the priorities of narrowing the 10. Recalling the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ development gap and enhancing regional Statement on the Terrorist Attack in Jakarta, we connectivity, two key deliverables under Lao reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to working PDR’s Chairmanship would be the Initiative with the international community to further for the ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan intensify its cooperation to combat terrorism III and the post-2015 agenda for ASEAN in all its forms and manifestations, regardless Connectivity. These two documents, upon of their motivation, wherever, whenever and adoption by the ASEAN Leaders in September by whom so ever it is committed. 2016, will form an integral part of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025. 11. Further recalling the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the Nuclear Test by ASEAN’s External Relations the Democratic People’s Republic Korea (DPRK) and the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ 7. The Ministers underlined the importance of Statement on the DPRK’s Rocket Launch, ASEAN centrality in a dynamic and outward ASEAN reiterated its full support for the looking region. The Ministers discussed ways denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in and means to further deepen cooperation a peaceful manner and urged the DPRK to with Dialogue Partners as well as strengthen comply with all the relevant UNSC Resolutions engagement with other external parties for and called on all parties concerned to exert mutual benefit. ASEAN will work closely common efforts to maintain peace and together with Dialogue Partners to ensure security in the said region and create an effective implementation of the action lines environment conducive to early resumption and measures under the various Plans of of the Six-Party Talks to help pave the way Action 2016-2020 which will support the for maintaining and strengthening peace, realisation of the ASEAN Community Vision security and stability in the Korean Peninsula. 2025. 12. On the South China Sea, the Ministers 8. The Ministers stressed the need for and the remained seriously concerned over recent importance of preserving and promoting and ongoing developments and took note of ASEAN Centrality and its relevance in the the concerns expressed by some Ministers evolving regional architecture that is built on the land reclamations and escalation of upon ASEAN-led mechanisms. In this regard, activities in the area, which have eroded trust the Ministers called for full and effective and confidence, increased tensions and may implementation of the revised Work Plan on undermine peace, security and stability in the Maintaining and Enhancing ASEAN Centrality. region.
57 13. The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of Kingdom of Thailand, the last surviving Founding maintaining peace, security, stability, and Father who signed the 1967 Bangkok Declaration, freedom of navigation in and over - flight passed away at the age of 102. His immeasurable above the South China Sea. contribution and dedication to the establishment of ASEAN has laid a solid foundation of the ASEAN 14. The Ministers further reaffirmed the need Community. On this sorrowful occasion, we would to enhance mutual trust and confidence, like to express our deepest sympathy and sincere exercise self-restraint in the conduct of condolences to his family through the Government activities and avoid actions that may further of the Kingdom of Thailand. complicate the situation, and pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law. ***
15. The Ministers reaffirmed their shared ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ commitment to maintaining and promoting peace, security and stability in the region, Statement on the Terrorist as well as to the peaceful resolution of Attacks in Brussels, the disputes, including full respect for legal and diplomatic processes, without resorting to Kingdom of Belgium the threat or use of force, in accordance with the universally recognised principles of 23 March 2016 international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Ministers emphasized the importance ASEAN Member States strongly condemn the of non-militarisation and self-restraint in the terrorist attacks in Brussels, the Kingdom of Belgium conduct of activities. on 22 March 2016, which caused numerous deaths and injuries, and damaged properties. 16. The Ministers underscored the importance of the full and effective implementation of ASEAN expresses its deep sympathies and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in condolences to the Government and people of the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety, the Kingdom of Belgium and to the families of the and while noting the momentum and new victims of the terrorist attacks. phase of consultation, urged the expeditious establishment of the code of conduct (COC). They highlighted the need to intensify ASEAN fully supports the efforts of the Government efforts to achieve further progress in the of the Kingdom of Belgium in returning the situation implementation of the DOC and substantive to normalcy as soon as possible and bringing the development of the COC. perpetrators to justice.
*** ASEAN reaffirms its strong commitment to working closely with the international community in the fight ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever Statement on the Passing of and by whomsoever it is committed. H.E. Dr. Thanat Khoman, Former Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand ***
5 March 2016
We, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers, are saddened to learn that H.E. Dr. Thanat Khoman, former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the
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ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on Lahore Bomb Statement on the Mass Shooting Attack Incident in Orlando
31 March 2016 14 June 2016
ASEAN Member States strongly condemn the ASEAN strongly condemns the mass shooting bomb attack in Lahore, the Islamic Republic of incident that occurred in Orlando, the United States Pakistan on 27 March 2016, which claimed the lives of America (U.S.A.) on 13 June 2016, which killed of more than 65 people and wounded numerous and injured many people. others. ASEAN extends its deep sympathies and condolences to the Government and people of ASEAN extends its deepest sympathies and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, especially to the condolences to the Government and people of the families of the victims of this appalling act. ASEAN U.S.A., especially to the families of the victims of underlines that terrorism in no circumstances should not be linked with beliefs or religions, this horrific incident. and reiterates that terrorism and violence in all their forms or manifestations, regardless of ASEAN expresses its solidarity with and support their motivation, wherever, whenever and by to the Government and people of the U.S.A. in this whomsoever they are committed are inhuman and difficult time. intolerable. ASEAN again stresses the urgency to strengthen regional and international cooperation *** in fighting terrorism, extremism and radicalism. ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ *** Statement on the Suicide Bomb ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Attacks in Istanbul Statement on the Recent 30 June 2016 Earthquakes ASEAN Member States strongly condemn the 17 April 2016 suicide bomb attacks in Istanbul, Republic of Turkey on 28 June 2016 that killed and wounded ASEAN Member States are saddened by the many people. recent earthquakes that occurred in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ecuador, India, Japan, Myanmar, ASEAN expresses its deep sympathies and Nepal and Pakistan which caused a number of condolences to the Government and people of deaths and numerous injuries, and damage to the Republic of Turkey and to the families of the properties. victims.
ASEAN expresses its deep sympathies and ASEAN conveys its support to the efforts taken by heartfelt condolences to the Governments and peoples of the affected countries, especially the the Turkish Government in combatting terrorism families of the victims of the earthquakes. and in finding those responsible for this violent attack. ASEAN stands ready to extend its cooperation and support in whatever way it can in contributing to ASEAN reiterates its strong commitment to working the efforts of the Governments and peoples of the closely with the international community in the affected countries to go through this difficult time fight against terrorism, extremism and radicalism and bring about a speedy recovery. in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever it is committed. ***
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ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ ASEAN is committed to working closely with the international community in the fight against all Statement on the Hostage Siege forms of violence. in Dhaka *** 3 July 2016 Joint Communiqué of the 49th The Association of Southeast Asian Nations ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ (ASEAN) strongly condemns the hostage taking Meeting that occurred on 1-2 July 2016 in Dhaka, People’s Republic of Bangladesh that left many Bangladeshi nationals and foreigners dead and injured. Vientiane, Lao PDR, 24 July 2016
ASEAN expresses its sympathies and condolences “Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic to the Government and people of the People’s ASEAN Community” Republic of Bangladesh and to the families of the victims as well as Governments, peoples and We, the Foreign Ministers of the Association of families of the foreign victims. Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), met on 24 July 2016 at the 49th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ ASEAN supports the effort of the Bangladeshi Meeting (AMM) in Vientiane, Lao PDR, under the Government in the operation to rescue the theme “Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic hostages. ASEAN Community”. His Excellency Saleumxay Kommasith, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR, ASEAN, in the wake of terrorist attacks across chaired the Meeting. regions of the world, reiterates its strong commitment to working closely with the international ASEAN COMMUNITY BUILDING community in the fight against terrorism, extremism and radicalism in all its forms and manifestations, ASEAN Community Vision 2025 regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever it is committed. 1. With the formal establishment of the ASEAN Community on 31 December 2015, we resolved to continue deepening and *** advancing ASEAN community building as well as regional integration. We reaffirmed ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ our commitment to the full and effective Statement on the Lorry Attack implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the three new Blueprints in Nice which set out the future direction for a politically cohesive, economically integrated, socially 16 July 2016 responsible and a truly rules-based, people- oriented, people-centred ASEAN Community. We also reaffirmed our commitment to the ASEAN strongly condemns the lorry attack effective implementation of the Initiative for occurred in Nice, France on 14 July 2016, which ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan III and the caused a loss of many lives and left a lot of people Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, to injured. be adopted at the 28th ASEAN Summit, and that these initiatives shall be an integral part of the ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together. ASEAN extends its deepest sympathies and condolences to the Government and people of 2. We reaffirm our shared commitment to France, especially to the families of the victims of maintaining and promoting peace, security this horrible attack. and stability in the region, as well as to the peaceful resolution of disputes, including full ASEAN expresses its solidarity with and support to respect for legal and diplomatic processes, the Government and people of France in bringing those responsible to justice.
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without resorting to the threat or use of force, explore how our community building and the in accordance with the universally recognised implementation of Sustainable Development principles of international law, including the Goals can reinforce one another for the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law benefit of our peoples. of the Sea (UNCLOS). 6. We look forward to convening a special session ASEAN Charter of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting focusing on Sustainable Development, back 3. We noted that the ASEAN SOM discussed to back with the Informal ASEAN Foreign the proposal to update certain sections Ministers’ Meeting in New York this September of the ASEAN Charter towards realising, 2016. among others, the objectives and purposes of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 Strengthening the ASEAN Secretariat and and tasked the Committee of Permanent Reviewing ASEAN Organs Representatives to ASEAN (CPR) to propose the scope of the update and subsequently 7. We were pleased to note the progress submit recommendations to the ASEAN SOM in the implementation of the Report and for consideration. Recommendations of the High Level Task Force on Strengthening of the ASEAN Narrowing the Development Gap and Initiative for Secretariat and Reviewing the ASEAN ASEAN Integration Organs (HLTF) to streamline and improve work processes and coordination among 4. We noted the efforts and progress made in ASEAN Organs and strengthen the ASEAN the implementation of the IAI Work Plan II Secretariat. We encouraged all ASEAN (2009-2015). We also took note of the good organs and sectoral bodies to continue progress made in the formulation of the IAI with the implementation of the remaining Work Plan III (2016-2020) by the IAI Task recommendations within the targeted timeline. Force. Mindful of the importance of narrowing the development gap (NDG) as one of the 8. We noted with satisfaction the ongoing priorities in the ASEAN Community building efforts to strengthen the ASEAN Secretariat, efforts, we looked forward to the adoption including the operationalisation of the of the IAI Work Plan III at the 28th ASEAN new organisational structure reflecting the Summit in Vientiane in September 2016, enhanced responsibilities and functions which would further promote equitable and of the ASEAN Secretariat in support of inclusive development, as well as strengthen ASEAN community building. We expressed our collective efforts to assist newer Member our appreciation to the Government of States to meet ASEAN-wide targets and Indonesia for its contributions towards the re- commitments. To this end, we tasked our development and expansion of the ASEAN Senior Officials to formulate the Vientiane Secretariat’s premises. Declaration to adopt the IAI Work Plan III. We called for the continued support by our Dialogue Partners and other external parties ASEAN POLITICAL-SECURITY COMMUNITY in advancing the region’s integration efforts. Implementation of the ASEAN Political-Security Promoting Complementarities between the ASEAN Community Blueprint 2025 Community Vision 2025 and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 9. We noted with satisfaction the ongoing efforts to implement the APSC Blueprint 5. We welcomed the efforts made by Thailand, 2025, including the development of a robust as ASEAN Coordinator, to promote reporting and monitoring system with a complementarities between the ASEAN greater focus on qualitative analysis and Community Vision 2025 and the United Nations impact assessment. We also welcomed the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. initiatives and efforts undertaken by ASEAN To take this matter forward, we will explore the Member States and APSC sectoral bodies to development of priority areas and a roadmap to promote these complementarities and
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implement the Blueprint. We encouraged all reiterates the importance of the Treaty in relevant sectoral bodies to align their work strengthening the security of States in the plans with the relevant action lines in the region and in contributing to international Blueprint. peace and security.
Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia 13. We reaffirmed our commitment to continuously (TAC) engage the Nuclear Weapon States and intensify the ongoing efforts of the States 10. We reaffirmed the enduring value and Parties to the SEANWFZ Treaty and Nuclear significance of the Treaty of Amity and Weapon States to resolve all outstanding Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) forty issues, in accordance with the objectives and years after its signing in 1976. The TAC principles of the SEANWFZ Treaty. continues to serve as the key code of conduct governing inter-State relations in the region 14. We welcomed the designation of the and a foundation for the maintenance and ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on promotion of regional peace and stability in Atomic Energy (ASEANTOM) as an ASEAN the region. In this regard, we adopted the body under the APSC Pillar in Annex 1 ASEAN Foreign Ministers Statement on the of the ASEAN Charter, which would help Occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the TAC ASEANTOM in promoting high standards of which reiterates our firm commitment to nuclear safety, security and safeguards in the upholding the purposes and principles of the region, through cooperation, exchanging of TAC. We also emphasised the importance information and complementing the work of for all High Contracting Parties to continue existing mechanisms at the national, bilateral, to fully respect and promote the effective regional and international levels, including the implementation of the TAC. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). We noted various activities undertaken by 11. We welcomed the growing interest of other the ASEANTOM on nuclear safety, security, non-ASEAN Member States to accede to safeguards and emergency preparedness the TAC which reflects their political will and response as identified in its annual Action and commitment to cooperate with ASEAN Plan. in the furtherance of peace and security in the region. In this regard, we agreed to the Cooperation between ASEAN and the International requests for accession by Chile, Egypt, Iran Atomic Energy Agency and Morocco to the TAC and looked forward to the Signing Ceremony as soon as possible. 15. We noted the central role of the IAEA in We also agreed to consider new applications the promotion of safe, secure and peaceful in accordance with the Revised Guidelines for uses of nuclear energy and nuclear non- Accession to the TAC. proliferation. We therefore tasked the Senior Officials to explore ways to formalise Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty relations between ASEAN and the IAEA, with the ASEANTOM serving as a focal point 12. We reiterated our commitment to preserve the of coordination. This would promote greater Southeast Asian region as a Nuclear Weapon cooperation and collaboration with the IAEA Free Zone and free of all other weapons of mass on issues related to nuclear safety, security destruction as enshrined in the Treaty on the and safeguards, including capacity building, Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone to benefit all Member States. (SEANWFZ Treaty) and the ASEAN Charter. We, therefore, stressed the importance of ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human the full and effective implementation of the Rights SEANWFZ Treaty, including through the Plan of Action to Strengthen the Implementation 16. We reaffirmed the ASEAN Intergovernmental of the SEANWFZ Treaty (2013-2017). Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) as We also welcomed the biennial adoption a consultative body integral to the ASEAN th of the 70 Session of the United Nations organisational structure and its role as General Assembly (UNGA) resolution on the the overarching human rights institution SEANWFZ Treaty in December 2015 which in ASEAN. We noted with satisfaction the
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progress of the work of the AICHR in the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation promotion and protection of human rights. We welcomed the new Representatives for 20. We noted the ongoing efforts of the ASEAN the term 2016 to 2018 and encouraged all the Institute for Peace and Reconciliation Representatives to engage more on human (AIPR) in promoting reconciliation, conflict rights challenges in the region in accordance management, conflict resolution and peace with the principles of the ASEAN Charter, the building to enhance peace and stability in ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD) the region. We welcomed the adoption of the and the Phnom Penh Statement on the Rules of Procedure of the Advisory Board of Adoption of the AHRD, as well as the Terms the AIPR. We urged the AIPR to accelerate of Reference (TOR) of the AICHR. We noted its operationalisation, enhance its capacity, with satisfaction the smooth transition of and continue engagement with relevant responsibilities and positive continuity of the stakeholders, such as think tanks, CSOs, and institutional arrangements of the AICHR. ASEAN external parties, in promoting peace and reconciliation in the region. We also 17. We commended the AICHR on the expressed our appreciation to Indonesia for commencement of its second Five-Year Work its contributions to the initial operationalisation Plan 2016-2020 and the implementation of of the Institute, in accordance with the TOR of the Guidelines on AICHR’s Relations with AIPR. Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), in line with the key theme of a people-oriented, ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre people-centred ASEAN. 21. We welcomed the Official Inauguration of 18. We noted the AICHR Annual Report 2016 and the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre endorsed the AICHR’s priority programme/ (ARMAC) Headquarters in Phnom Penh which activities with indicative budget for 2017, was held on 25 May 2016. We looked forward which is the integral part of the AICHR’s Five to the Inaugural Meeting of the Steering Year Work Plan 2016-2020. We encouraged Committee of ARMAC in Phnom Penh in the AICHR to continue its work, in accordance August 2016 and the full operationalisation of with the ASEAN Charter and the TOR of ARMAC, which serves as the regional centre the AICHR, to further promote and protect of excellence in addressing the humanitarian human rights in ASEAN so as to ensure a aspects of the explosive remnants of war rules-based, people-oriented, people-centred (ERW) for interested ASEAN Member States. Community. We also encouraged the AICHR to enhance public awareness of human rights Maritime Cooperation among the peoples of ASEAN, including by uploading appropriate information on its work and activities on its Website. We 22. We underscored the importance of acknowledged that human rights is a cross- strengthening regional cooperation and cutting issue and are encouraged by the work promoting mutual trust and understanding of AICHR in strengthening its dialogue and in maritime security and maritime safety to consultation with other ASEAN Bodies and ensure peace and stability as well as safety entities associated with ASEAN including of sea lanes, freedom of navigation and over CSOs and other stakeholders. flight and unimpeded commerce through, inter alia, capacity building, exchange of experiences and information, sharing of best 19. We welcomed the outcomes of the practices, promotion of coordination on cross- Interface between the AMM and AICHR cutting/cross-pillar issues, by utilising existing Representatives and took note of the ASEAN-led frameworks, where appropriate, recommendation for the AMM to consider, including the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting when and as appropriate, the review of the on Transnational Crime(AMMTC), ASEAN TOR of the AICHR as provided for in the TOR, Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Defence consistent with the purposes and principles Ministers’ Meeting(ADMM) and ADMM-Plus, of the ASEAN Charter, with a view to further and the ASEAN Maritime Forum (AMF)/ enhancing the promotion and protection of Expanded AMF (EAMF). human rights within ASEAN.
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23. We noted that challenges of Illegal, Women and Children (ACTIP) by the ASEAN Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Leaders at the 27th ASEAN Summit, we looked remain and have become even more complex forward to the early entry into force and the in the region. We are therefore committed effective implementation of the ACTIP, as to expand regional cooperation to address well as the effective implementation of the this issue, including through supporting the ASEAN Plan of Action Against Trafficking in effective implementation of the relevant Persons, Especially Women and Children international law and instruments. We noted (APA). We noted the ongoing efforts to with satisfaction that there are initiatives socialise the ACTIP and APA with the relevant taken by ASEAN-led mechanisms to discuss ASEAN Sectoral Bodies/Organs in combating and address the challenges of IUU Fishing. trafficking in persons.
24. We took note of the successful outcomes of 28. We welcomed the designation of the ASEAN the 6th AMF and 4th EAMF held in Indonesia Ministerial Meeting on Drug Matters (AMMD) in September 2015 and looked forward to the under Annex 1 of the ASEAN Charter in convening of 7th AMF and 5th EAMF in Brunei October 2015. We looked forward to the Darussalam in 2016. convening of the next AMMD Meeting in October 2016 in Singapore. This will be the first Non-Traditional Security Issues AMMD Meeting since its institutionalisation.
th 25. Following the adoption of the Kuala Lumpur 29. We also welcomed the outcome of the 4 Declaration in Combating Transnational Crime AMMD in October 2015 in Langkawi, Malaysia by the AMMTC in September 2015, we looked that endorsed the ASEAN Position Statement forward to the effective implementation of the which affirmed ASEAN’s aspirations and Declaration, which has also included new commitment to a zero-tolerance stance areas of cooperation such as illicit trafficking against drugs. In this regard, we were pleased of wildlife and timber and people smuggling, to note the ASEAN Position Statement th through the adoption of a new ASEAN Plan of delivered at the 59 Commission on Narcotic Action in Combating Transnational Crime. We Drugs (CND) Special Session on United also looked forward to the convening of the Nations General Assembly Special Session 11th AMMTC in the Philippines in 2017, which (UNGASS) Preparations on 14 March 2016 in will mark the beginning of the AMMTC being Vienna by Singapore and at the UNGASS on held annually. the World Drug Problem on 19 April 2016 in New York by Malaysia. 26. We continued to strongly condemn the act of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, 30. We welcomed the convening of the especially with regard to the recent terrorist inaugural ASEAN Ministerial Conference on attacks in our region and other parts of the Cybersecurity in Singapore on 11 October world and encouraged greater cooperation to 2016 to facilitate greater cybersecurity address the root causes of violent extremism cooperation among ASEAN Member States, and radicalisation in societies, as well as which will complement existing ASEAN efforts the rising phenomenon of foreign terrorist to strengthen cybersecurity in the region. fighters (FTFs). We noted the convening of the Special ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Consular Assistance to Nationals of ASEAN Rise of Radicalisation and Violent Extremism Member States in Third Countries (SAMMRRVE) on 2 October 2015 in Kuala Lumpur to exchange experiences, views, 31. We look forward to the convening of the 1st ideas, as well as best practices in handling Directors-General of Immigration Departments the issues of radicalisation, violent extremism and Heads of Consular Affairs Divisions of the and other emerging threats posed by FTFs Ministries of Foreign Affairs Meeting (DGICM) in the region and to reaffirm our commitment Working Group Meeting on the Development to continue working closely in preventing and of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) or suppressing these threats. Guideline on Consular Assistance to Nationals of ASEAN Member States in Third Countries 27. Recalling the signing of the ASEAN Convention to be held on 3 August 2016 in Bandar Seri Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, which aims
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to provide consular assistance to Nationals Military Medicine and HADR in September of ASEAN Member States whose countries in Thailand and on Maritime Security in do not have diplomatic presence in the Third November 2016 in New Zealand. country consistent with the vision of building a Caring and Sharing ASEAN Community. 36. We also welcomed the adoption of the concept paper on the establishment of the ADMM- Defence and Security Cooperation Plus Experts’ Working Groups on Cyber Security, which would serve as a framework 32. We were pleased to note the progress for cooperation on cyber security among the achieved by the ADMM in advancing practical ADMM-Plus. defence cooperation and promoting strategic dialogue on defence and security matter ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY over the past 10 years. We noted the Joint Declaration of the ASEAN Defence Ministers Implementation of the ASEAN Economic on Promoting Defence Cooperation for a Community Blueprint Dynamic ASEAN Community, the TOR of the ASEAN Centre of Military Medicine (ACMM) 37. We are encouraged that as at end-2015, and the TOR of the ASEAN Militaries Ready ASEAN has achieved near completion of Group on Humanitarian Assistance and implementation of measures under the AEC Disaster Relief (HADR), which were adopted th Blueprint 2015. The remaining AEC 2015 by the 10 ADMM held in May 2016 in measures would continue to be implemented, Vientiane, Lao PDR. and progress tracked, in line with the AEC Blueprint 2025. 33. We also commended the launching of the ACMM in Bangkok, Thailand, in view 38. We noted that implementation and monitoring of promoting regional cooperation and mechanisms for the AEC Blueprint 2025 are coordination in the field of military medicine being put in place. The strategic measures among ASEAN Member States and the Plus in the AEC Blueprint 2025 would be countries. operationalised through the AEC sectoral work plans that are currently at different 34. We also welcomed the ongoing implementation stages of finalisation. We also noted that an of defence initiatives among ASEAN Member enhanced monitoring framework is currently States, including the establishment of the being developed to support implementation Direct Communications Link (DCL); the of the AEC Blueprint 2025, and which would adoption of the ADMM Logistics Support complement compliance-monitoring with Framework (LSF) and the Framework for outcomes-monitoring and impact evaluation the Implementation of the ASEAN Defence to provide better assessment on integration Industry Collaboration (ADIC); and conduct progress. of activities in connection with the ASEAN Peacekeeping Centres Network (APCN), Transport among others. 39. We welcomed the adoption of the Kuala 35. We were encouraged by the achievements of Lumpur Transport Strategic Plan (KLTSP) the ADMM-Plus process in forging practical 2016-2025 which serves as a guiding regional defence and military cooperation among policy document for ASEAN transport ASEAN and the eight Plus Countries, in cooperation and integration. The KLTSP particular, through the six ADMM-Plus outlines strategic measures in the areas Experts’ Working Groups. We noted the of air transport, land transport, maritime conduct of the ADMM-Plus Exercises such transport sustainable transport and transport as on Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) and facilitation. Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA); and on Maritime Security (MS) and Counter Terrorism (CT). We looked forward to the conduct of the remaining two ADMM-Plus Exercises on
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40. We also welcomed the adoption of the (APASTI) 2016-2025 adopted by the Science ASEAN Regional Road Safety Strategy and Technology Ministers on 6 November which provides a framework for road safety 2015 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. We support strategies at the regional level to reduce the planned initiatives of the Committee on road fatalities in ASEAN Member States in Science and Technology and its various accordance with the United Nations Decade subsidiary bodies that can contribute to of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020. raising the competitiveness of ASEAN as well as strengthening the engagement of women Minerals and youth and the private sector in science, technology and innovation (STI). 41. We welcomed the adoption of the new ASEAN Minerals Cooperation Action Plan (AMCAP) Finance and Banking 2016-2025 (AMCAP-III), that aims to (i) facilitate and enhance trade and investment 45. We recognised the need to implement in minerals; (ii) promote environmentally and appropriate monetary, fiscal and socially sustainable minerals development; macro-prudential policies to maintain (iii) strengthen institutional and human sustained economic growth and promote capacities in the ASEAN minerals sector; macroeconomic and financial stability, through and, (iv) maintain an efficient and up-to- engagement in multilateral discussions in the date ASEAN minerals database, including areas of macroeconomic policy and financial its infrastructure towards achieving AEC cooperation, and implementation of structural integration in the minerals sector. reforms in the ASEAN region. We welcomed the new initiative to facilitate broader financial Energy inclusion in the ASEAN region to enhance economic growth, alleviate poverty and 42. We welcomed the adoption of the new reduce income inequalities. ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2016-2025 Phase I (2016-2020) Food, Agriculture and Forestry that builds on the achievements of past APAECs and which now involves sharpening 46. We are pleased with the progress in the strategic areas of energy cooperation. implementing relevant activities under the We noted the ambitious APAEC targets Strategic Plan for ASEAN Cooperation in towards sustainable energy consumption and Food, Agriculture and Forestry 2016-2025, production. We acknowledged the APAEC’s particularly achievements made in the target of initiating multilateral electricity trade harmonisation of standards and development in at least one sub-region in ASEAN by 2018 of ASEAN guidelines to ensure safe and good towards realising energy connectivity and quality agricultural products. market integration in the region. Tourism Information and Communication Technology (ICT) 47. We are pleased to note the new record of 43. We welcomed the adoption of the new ASEAN 113 million arrivals of international visitor Information and Communication Technology arrivals to ASEAN in 2015, an increase of 8 (ICT) Masterplan 2020 which will guide per cent compared to 2014. We welcomed ASEAN ICT cooperation from 2016-2020 the adoption of the new ASEAN Tourism towards a digitally enabled economy that Strategic Plan 2016-2025 and supported is secure, sustainable, and transformative the Visit ASEAN@50 Campaign to promote and to enable an innovative, inclusive, and and showcase ASEAN as a single tourism integrated ASEAN Community. destination as part of the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN in 2017. Science and Technology Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises 44. We welcome the finalisation of the work plan to implement the ASEAN Plan of Action 48. We recognised the increasing importance on Science, Technology and Innovation of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
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(MSMEs) in contributing to the economic ASEAN SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMUNITY growth of ASEAN Member States. To this end, we welcomed the endorsement of the ASEAN Implementation of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Strategic Action Plan for MSMEs 2025 Community Blueprint 2025 (SAPSMED 2025) last November 2015, with its focus on increasing access to technology, 54. We recognised the importance of the ASEAN finance, markets, promoting entrepreneurship Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) that and an enabling regulatory environment for engages and benefits the peoples and is MSMEs. inclusive, sustainable, resilient and dynamic, with a view to lifting the quality of life of its Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership peoples through cooperative activities that are people-oriented, people-centred, 49. We noted the progress made to date and environmentally friendly and geared towards encouraged all Parties to intensify efforts the promotion of sustainable development, to advance the Regional Comprehensive as well as deepening the sense of ASEAN Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations identity. towards an early and successful conclusion. 55. Towards this end, we were encouraged by the Statistical Cooperation ASCC Ministers’ determination to strengthen coordination on cross-sectoral and cross-pillar 50. We welcomed the review of Broad Framework issues and to engage all stakeholders. We for the Sustainable Development of ASEAN were pleased to note that the ASCC sectoral Statistics in response to emerging data work plans shall be aligned with the ASCC needs from ASEAN community building and Blueprint 2025, highlighting an orientation integration efforts. to strong results through monitoring and evaluation, and supporting the achievement of sustainable development goals. Trade Facilitation
51. We are encouraged by the progress on the Social Welfare and Development harmonisation of standards and technical requirements, the development and the 56. We noted the significant progress made in implementation of ASEAN Sectoral Mutual promoting the rights and welfare of children, Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) and elderly people, and persons with disabilities harmonisation of regulatory regime in ASEAN. through regional policy frameworks such as the Regional Framework and Action Plan 52. We noted that the Protocol on the Legal to Implement the ASEAN Declaration on Framework to Implement the ASW (PLF), Strengthening Social Protection and the Kuala which governs the legal aspects of the Lumpur Declaration on Ageing: Empowering eventual implementation of the ASW Older Persons in ASEAN, the Regional Plans across Member States, is in the process of of Actions on the Elimination of Violence ratification by Member States. We welcomed against Women (EVAW) and Elimination of the commencement of the implementation of Violence against Children (EVAC), which the ASEAN Single Window (ASW) enabling were adopted by the ASEAN Leaders during th ASEAN Summit in November 2015. platform. the 27 Equally noteworthy is ASEAN’s continuing efforts to enhance platforms for exchange and Investment learning for persons with disabilities, such as the establishment of the ASEAN Network of 53. We are encouraged that ASEAN continues to Experts on Inclusive Entrepreneurship. We be the preferred investment destination, given were also encouraged by the complementary its robust regional economic fundamentals efforts to enhance the capacities of social and continuous effort of ASEAN Member workers in ASEAN, through the ASEAN Social States to improve their investment regimes Work Consortium, the engagement with through economic reform and various non-government organisation through the investment facilitation initiatives. ASEAN GO-NGO Forum on Social Welfare and Development as well as continued
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efforts to raise ASEAN children’s voice in were pleased that the pioneering work of regional issues that affect them through the ACW has led to a deeper understanding of regular conduct of ASEAN Children’s Forum. the status and role of women in the ASEAN In this regard, we welcomed the successful Community and, as such, continues to convening of the 4th ASEAN Children’s Forum promote policy and programme development (ACF) on 20-23 June 2016 in Hanoi, Viet towards further empowerment of women. We Nam with the recommendations to promote noted with satisfaction the several regional the efforts in the areas of combating and initiatives undertaken such as the Inter- preventive of violence against children and Ministerial Workshop on Gender Issues trafficking in children and the protection in Climate Change and Its Adaptation, the of children from cybercrimes and climate Regional Workshop on Gender Mainstreaming change. in Labour Policies to Promote Decent Work for All and the Regional Training on Social 57. We underscored the need to promote an active Protection and Gender Budget Analysis for ageing society, together with accessibility and the ASEAN Member States. We urged the quality welfare schemes, in order to meet the relevant sectoral ministerial bodies to continue challenges of an ageing population which working towards women’s empowerment could cause far-reaching socio-economic including through the conduct of studies such impacts. We reaffirmed the commitment as the publication of the Projected Gender to support an active aging society made in Impact of the ASEAN Economic Community the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Ageing: as well as the continued participation of Empowering Older Persons, adopted at the women in the economic sector through the 27th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur in 2015. ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs’ Network. We encouraged the exchanges of lessons learned and best practices in uplifting the Labour quality of life for the elderly which will lead to a truly inclusive and people-oriented, people- 60. We welcomed the successful convening of centred community. the 24th ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting (ALMM) on 15 May 2016 in Vientiane, Lao 58. The promotion and protection of the rights PDR. We congratulated the ALMM on the of women and children have advanced completion of the ASEAN Labour Ministers’ through the work of the ASEAN Commission Work Programme 2010-2015 and we looked on the Promotion and Protection of the forward to the robust implementation of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC). We ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Work Programme commended the ACWC for the development 2016-2020 which will further enhance the of the ASEAN Guidelines for a Non-Violent competitiveness and safe and decent work Approach to Nurture, Care, and Development of the ASEAN workforce. We lauded the of Children in all Settings, and the ASEAN Early development and subsequent endorsement Childhood Care, Development and Education by the ALMM of the Vientiane Declaration (ECCDE) Quality Standards, and for the on Transition from Informal Employment to completion of the Report on the Regional Formal Employment towards Decent Work Review on Laws, Policies and Practices Promotion in ASEAN, which will be submitted within ASEAN relating to the Identification, for adoption by the 28th ASEAN Summit. We Management and Treatment of Victims of welcomed the agreement by the ALMM to Trafficking, especially Women and Children, conclude the Instrument and finalise the draft which contributes to the implementation of the ASEAN Instrument on the Promotion and ACTIP. Protection of the Rights of Migrant Workers by September 2016 or at the latest by April Women 2017. In this regard, we looked forward to the finalisation of an adequate instrument 59. We recognised the importance of the ensuring the effective protection for the continued promotion of gender equality and migrant workers, in accordance with the laws, women’s empowerment in the region, which regulations and policies of respective ASEAN is championed by the ASEAN Ministerial Member States. Meeting on Women with the support of the ASEAN Committee on Women (ACW). We
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61. We noted the proposal of Indonesia to issue a Climate Change and Environment statement on the promotion and protection of the rights of migrant workers. 65. We noted with great concern that climate change has already caused major loss and 62. We welcomed the convening of the ASEAN damage throughout the ASEAN region, Inter-Pillar Policy Dialogue on the Impact disproportionately affecting developing of the ASEAN Economic Integration in the countries and impacting agriculture, energy Labour Sector on 21 March 2016 in Kuala supply, livelihoods, water security, land Lumpur, Malaysia which brought together, use and biodiversity. We noted the ASEAN for the first time. ASEAN Senior Labour Joint Statement on Climate Change 2015 Officials Meeting (SLOM), Senior Economic and Declaration on ASEAN Post-2015 Officials Meeting (SEOM), ACW and regional Environmental Sustainability and Climate organisations, including workers’ and Change Agenda which were adopted by the employers’ organisations, to exchange views ASEAN Leaders at the 27th ASEAN Summit on opportunities and challenges for the labour and conveyed at the High-Level Segment sector in light of deepening and widening of the Paris Climate Change Conference. ASEAN economic integration. We commended the conclusion of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change at the 63. We welcomed the adoption by the ALMM of Conference and looked forward to its entry the ASEAN Guidelines for Corporate Social into force. Responsibility (CSR) on Labour which would guide governments, enterprises/ 66. With regard to the operationalisation of the establishments, employers’ organisations and ASEAN Institute for Green Economy (AIGE), workers’ organisations to raise awareness of launched during the 25th ASEAN Summit labour issues in CSR among enterprises, and in Nay Pyi Taw in November 2014, we look incorporate CSR initiatives, human rights and forward to the finalisation and adoption of the decent work in their business practices. draft TOR.
Civil Service 67. We recognised the importance of strengthening our cooperation in promoting 64. We looked forward to the finalisation and environmental sustainability and building endorsement of the ASEAN Cooperation on partnership for a clean and green Civil Service Matters (ACCSM) Work Plan environment as well as renewable energy, 2016-2020 at the Heads of Civil Service and preventing land degradation, promoting Meeting for the 18th ACCSM and the ACCSM sustainable and integrated water resources Plus Three Work Plan 2016-2020 at the Head management at all levels, including through of Civil Service Meeting for the 3rd ACCSM transboundary cooperation as appropriate Plus Three on 17 November 2016 in the and ensuring sustainable management of Philippines. We welcomed the translation of natural resources, restoring watershed forest, the Putrajaya Joint Declaration on ASEAN conserving coastal and marine environment, Post-2015 Priorities towards an ASEAN including terrestrial and marine biodiversity. Citizen-Centric Civil Service into activities in We looked forward to the development of the ACCSM Work Plan 2016-2020. We further the Post-2015 ASEAN Strategic Plan on welcomed the efforts by ASEAN Member Environment and the ASEAN-UN Work Plan States to ensure the continued relevance on Environment and Climate Change 2016- and effectiveness of the ASEAN Resource 2020. We also reiterated our commitment Centres (ARCs), including the revision of the under the Convention on Biological Diversity themes of the six ARCs in Brunei, Cambodia, to promoting biodiversity conservation in the Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Viet region and supporting the implementation of Nam. We looked forward to the continued role the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 of ARCs in providing capacity building to civil and the Aichi Targets. servants in ASEAN in their respective areas of expertise. 68. We recognised the key role of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) in facilitating cooperation and coordination among the ASEAN Member States, and with other
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relevant national governments, regional (2010-2015) and the operationalisation of the and international organisations, on the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian conservation and sustainable use of Assistance on disaster management (AHA biological diversity and the fair and equitable Centre). sharing of benefits arising for the use of such biodiversity in the ASEAN region. We 71. We welcomed the adoption of the ASEAN commended its efforts in the protection Vision 2025 on Disaster Management by the and development of the growing number 3rd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster of ASEAN Heritage Parks. We noted the Management (AMMDM) and the 4th Meeting th successful commemoration of its 10 Year of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to Anniversary Celebration on 02 October 2015 the AADMER held on 16 December 2015 in highlighted by the groundbreaking ceremony Phnom Penh, Cambodia, which serve as a of its new headquarters in Los Baños, strategic policy document. We also welcomed Laguna, Philippines. We looked forward to the the successful launch of the AADMER ratification of the Establishment Agreement Work Programme (2016-2020) at the Third of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity by all AADMER Partnership Conference held on 29 ASEAN Member States. April 2016 in Semarang, Indonesia.
69. We noted that transboundary haze pollution 72. We appreciated the announcement of the arising from land and forest fires remains a approval by the Disaster Emergency Logistic major concern in the region. We reiterated our System for ASEAN (DELSA) Project Steering commitment to greater regional cooperation Committee approved of the new satellite to address this concern, including through warehouses for the Disaster Emergency full and effective implementation of the Logistic System of ASEAN or DELSA in ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Thailand, endorsed at the 28th Meeting of the Pollution (AATHP). We looked forward to ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management the establishment and full operationalisation on 26 April 2016 in Semarang, Indonesia, of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for which would complement the DELSA Project Transboundary Haze Pollution Control in Subang, Malaysia. under the AATHP which will provide a strategic framework for the implementation 73. We took note of the decision of the ASEAN of collaborative actions to address Ministers in charge of Disaster Management transboundary haze pollution in the ASEAN in December 2015 in Phnom Penh, region. We took note of the Media Release th Cambodia to increase voluntary contributions of the 18 Meeting of the Sub-Regional of the ASEAN Member States to the ASEAN Ministerial Steering Committee (MSC) on Disaster Management and Emergency Relief Transboundary Haze Pollution issued by the (ADMER) Fund and the equal contributions for Ministers of Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, the AHA Centre Fund which is in the process Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. We of considerations of ASEAN Member States, also note positively that the Ministers looked and we looked forward to the realisation forward to the adoption of the Roadmap by of these commitments to ensure effective the Conference of the Parties to the ASEAN implementation of AADMER and sustainable Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution operations of the AHA Centre. in August 2016. We remain steadfast for our sectoral bodies to explore means of further 74. We welcomed the endorsement of the draft enhancing regional cooperation efforts for ASEAN Declaration on One ASEAN One delivering demonstrable improvements in Response: ASEAN Responding to Disasters achieving the vision of the Roadmap. as One in the Region and Outside the Region by the AMMDM. We fully supported the draft Disaster Management and Emergency Response Declaration’s objective to achieve faster response, mobilise greater resources and 70. We noted with satisfaction the establish stronger coordination to ensure accomplishments made during the ASEAN’s collective response to disasters in implementation of the ASEAN Agreement line with the principles of AADMER, and we on Disaster Management and Emergency looked forward to its signing by the Leaders Response (AADMER) Work Programme at the 28th ASEAN Summit.
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75. We welcomed the conduct of the ASEAN Rural Development and Poverty Eradication Joint Disaster Response Plan (AJDRP) Workshop in February 2016 in Jakarta, 80. We noted with satisfaction the consistent Indonesia, that gathered relevant sectors and initiatives of the Senior Officials Meeting on stakeholders in ASEAN to plan together and Rural Development and Poverty Eradication define their respective roles and contributions (SOMRDPE).We also acknowledged the in responding collectively to large-scale important role of the private sector in Rural disasters. We looked forward to the conduct Development and Poverty Eradication of the ASEAN Regional Disaster Emergency through public-private partnerships (PPP). Response Simulation Exercise (ARDEX) We also noted the successful convening of in October 2016 in Bandar Seri Begawan, the Fourth Forum on Rural Development and Brunei Darussalam, as a venue to test the Poverty Eradication on 15 October 2015 in AJDRP. Vientiane, Lao PDR and the Third ASEAN Plus Three Village Leaders Programme 76. We welcomed the adoption of the ASEAN on 15-22 November 2015 in Nanning City, Joint Statement for the World Humanitarian Guangxi, China. Summit: “National Leadership and Regional Partnership for Resilient ASEAN” at the 81. We commended the ten CSOs/non- Informal AMMDM on 23 May 2016 in Istanbul, governmental organisations (NGOs) from Turkey. The Joint Statement highlighted all ASEAN Member States which received ASEAN’s commitments to contribute to the the Second ASEAN Leadership Awards on attainment of the Agenda for Humanity and Rural Development and Poverty Eradication showcased ASEAN’s vision to become the during the 9th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on global leader in disaster management. Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (AMRPDE) on 17 October 2015 in Vientiane, Youth Lao PDR for their contribution to the quality of life of poor communities and rural 77. We were encouraged that the focus of ASEAN development. to achieve a truly people-oriented, people- centred ASEAN Community has provided 82. We were encouraged by the achievements for the greater participation of the youth in of ASEAN Member States in attaining the promoting the ASEAN Community. This has Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by also raised awareness on the importance 2015 as reflected in the ASEAN Regional of preparing youth who represent the future Assessment on MDG Achievements and leaders of ASEAN. Post-2015 Development Agenda that was completed in August 2015. We looked forward 78. We noted with pleasure the development to the continued efforts in the implementation of the ASEAN Work Plan on Youth of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable 2016-2020, under the Chairmanship of Development. Cambodia, which aims to sustain the momentum for youth participation and youth Health development in ASEAN, particularly on youth entrepreneurship, youth employability, 83. In line with the ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead enhancing awareness and appreciation of an Together, we expressed our support for the ASEAN Community, youth involvement, and efforts of the ASEAN Health Sector to realise youth competencies and resilience a Healthy, Caring and Sustainable ASEAN Community through the implementation of 79. We took note of the ongoing development the ASEAN Post-2015 Health Development of an ASEAN Youth Development Index that Agenda endorsed by the ASEAN Health would assist ASEAN Member States to keep Ministers in 2014, with its 20 health priorities track on the evaluation of the outcomes and under the health cluster categories of effectiveness of youth initiatives or youth Promoting Healthy Lifestyle; Responding development programs, and provide the to All Hazards and Emerging Threats; suitable environment for young people to Strengthening Health System and Access to participate in, and benefit from the ASEAN Care; and Ensuring Food Safety. Community building.
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84. We further acknowledged that the cluster implemented by ASEAN, and promulgating approach to the implementation of the ASEAN the benefits of ASEAN Information Sector to Post-2015 Health Development Agenda will the above mentioned draft document. effectively and efficiently enhance coordination and collaboration in cross-cutting issues that Education includes among others, prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, addressing 89. We recognised that education remains an the threat of communicable and emerging important enabler to achieve an ASEAN infectious diseases including pandemics, Community that is politically cohesive, universal health coverage, human resources economically integrated, and socially for health and disaster health management. responsible which in the long term promotes a truly people-oriented, people-centred and 85. We welcomed the promotion of sustainable rules-based ASEAN. We noted the adoption health financing systems for social protection, of the ASEAN Work Plan on Education 2016- particularly universal health coverage and 2020, under the leadership of Lao PDR, sharing of experience in increasing technical which signals the renewed interest and efforts capacity to develop affordable systems of of the ASEAN Member States in deepening health services. cooperation in education and in expanding the scope of education cooperation towards Culture development of a more coordinated, cohesive and coherent ASEAN position and 86. We recognised that culture remains an its contribution to global education issues. In important catalyst in the promotion of the support of its implementation, we recognised ASEAN identity and strengthening the the need to strengthen existing as well ASEAN peoples’ sense of belonging to the as build new partnerships with Dialogue wider regional Community. We commended Partners and international organisations to the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Culture ensure complementarity and optimum use and Arts’ ongoing development of the ASEAN of resources. We also expressed support Strategic Plan for Culture and Arts 2016-2025, to the cross-sectoral approach in education which aims to deepen an ASEAN mindset and cooperation in ASEAN to maximise efforts facilitate inter-cultural dialogue among the and leverage expertise and good practice. peoples of ASEAN through the engagement of various stakeholders in raising awareness on, 90. We were pleased with the efforts towards the and appreciation for, the histories, cultures, development and harmonisation of higher arts, traditions and values of ASEAN. education and technical and vocational education and training in ASEAN which Information is expected to prompt greater integration and connectivity in the region through 87. We were pleased with the ASEAN Ministers harmonisation and mobility of skilled labour Responsible for Information’s (AMRI) and intra-ASEAN student mobility. In support continued efforts to implement the ASEAN of this, we welcomed the Kuala Lumpur Communication Master Plan. We appreciated Declaration on Higher Education that was AMRI’s commitment to work with all ASEAN sponsored by Malaysia, and was adopted th ASEAN Summit. We were also sectors to further raise ASEAN awareness of during the 27 encouraged that basic education remains the benefits and opportunities offered by the a core business of the Education Sector ASEAN Community and strengthen the sense in ASEAN, particularly in ensuring quality, of belonging in this integrated region. equity and inclusivity of education. We noted with appreciation the endorsement by the 15th 88. We welcomed the adoption of the ASEAN Meeting of the ASCC Council of the ASEAN Strategic Plan for Information and Media Declaration on Strengthening Education for 2016-2025, which will guide the information Out-of-School Children and Youth (OOSCY) sector in supporting other community pillars which will be submitted for adoption by the and sectors with their communication needs, ASEAN Leaders at the 28th ASEAN Summit. advocating the policies and initiatives
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Sports Officials to prepare the Vientiane Declaration on the Adoption of the MPAC 2025. We th 91. We recognised the importance of sports also look forward to the convening of the 7 in fostering social inclusion and mutual ASEAN Connectivity Symposium to be held understanding among the peoples of ASEAN. in Vientiane, Lao PDR in October 2016, We acknowledged that sports continue to which will provide a platform and opportunity be one of the most effective instruments in to socialise and explore ways and means increasing ASEAN awareness and enhancing towards the successful implementation of the people-to-people connectivity. In pursuit of MPAC 2025. this, we were pleased with the development of the ASEAN Work Plan on Sports 2016- 95. We welcomed contributions from our 2020, which focuses on improving ASEAN Dialogue Partners and external parties which awareness, building a strong ASEAN have supported the implementation of MPAC, Community and developing the resilience and we look forward to their further support to of ASEAN peoples through supporting the MPAC 2025, in further enhancing ASEAN activities and exchange programmes that Connectivity. We encouraged all Dialogue promote healthy lifestyles, sports dynamism, Partners and external parties to intensify competitiveness and competencies. cooperation including through resources mobilisation for infrastructure development 92. We were encouraged by the Resolution of the and other initiatives with a view to promoting United Nations General Assembly on Sports ASEAN Connectivity. on 20 October 2015 which reaffirmed the role of sports in generating positive social change. EXTERNAL RELATIONS We also noted with pleasure the establishment of the ASEAN Plus Japan Ministerial Meeting 96. We emphasised the importance of maintaining on Sports (AMMS+Japan) Frameworkwhich ASEAN Centrality in the evolving regional will take effect in 2017 and is in support of architecture, and agreed to work closely with the Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan all our partners through the various ASEAN- Friendship and Cooperation. led mechanisms such as ASEAN Plus One, ASEAN Plus Three, ARF, ADMM-Plus and ASEAN CONNECTIVITY East Asia Summit (EAS).
93. We were encouraged by the significant 97. We expressed our satisfaction with the progress achieved in the implementation progress made in our relations with Dialogue of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity Partners and other external parties. As an (MPAC) adopted in 2010, towards promoting outward-looking Community, we reaffirmed economic growth, narrowing development our commitment to strengthen this gaps as well as realising the ASEAN engagement to further promote dialogue and Community. We reaffirmed the need to cooperation in support of the implementation address various challenges encountered of ASEAN Community Vision 2025, the MPAC in implementing MPAC such as resource 2025 and the IAI Work Plan III (2016-2020), mobilisation, capacity building and effective as well as to promote peace, stability and coordination. prosperity in the region.
94. We are pleased with the efforts by the 98. We reiterated the importance of ensuring that ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee engagement between ASEAN and external (ACCC) and the significant progress made parties is based on the key principles of in the formulation of the Master Plan on mutual respect and mutual benefit, by firmly ASEAN Connectivity 2025 (MPAC 2025), upholding the principles and purposes of the which would prioritise relevant, time-bound Charter of the United Nations, the ASEAN and implementable strategies and initiatives Charter and international law; governed by that support the ASEAN Community Vision the Guidelines forASEAN External Relations, 2025. We look forward to the adoption of based on the principles of equality and parity the MPAC 2025 by our Leaders at the 28th of treatment for all ASEAN Member States, as ASEAN Summit in Lao PDR in September well as adherence to the principle of ASEAN 2016. In this regard, we tasked our Senior Centrality.
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99. We commended the role of the CPR ASEAN Member States to study/undertake in facilitating cooperation with external professional development in Australia in 2016, partners. We are also pleased to note that and noted the extended New Colombo Plan. there are 86 Ambassadors of Non-ASEAN We noted with satisfaction the establishment Member States accredited to ASEAN and 50 of the Australia-ASEAN Council in2015 ASEAN Committees in Third Countries and and welcomed the Council’s initial focus International/Regional Organisations. on knowledge development for trade and economic development, technology and ASEAN-Australia entrepreneurship, and culture and education.
100. We welcomed the progress of the ASEAN ASEAN-Canada Australia Plan of Action (POA) 2015-2019 to implement the ASEAN-Australia Strategic 105. We welcomed the establishment of Canada’s Partnership and the decision in 2015 to Mission to ASEAN in Jakarta and the convene the first biennial Leaders’ Summit in appointment of Canada’s first dedicated 2016. Ambassador to ASEAN in 2016, as well as the establishment of Canadian diplomatic offices 101. We appreciated Australia’s efforts to continue in Lao PDR and Cambodia, thus ensuring to deepen cooperation and consultations with Canadian representation in all ten ASEAN ASEAN through, among others, co-chairing Member States. and supporting several key activities and initiatives in the areas of counter-terrorism, 106. We noted with satisfaction the progress maritime security and disaster response. We achieved in implementing the POA to also recognised that ccombating trafficking Implement the Joint Declaration of ASEAN- in persons is a key area of collaboration Canada Enhanced Partnership (2016-2020). between ASEAN and Australia, with the We encouraged both sides to enhance ongoing implementation of the AUD 50 million cooperation in areas including countering – Australia-Asia Programme to Combat terrorism, transnational crime border security Trafficking in Persons (AAPTIP). and people smuggling, infrastructure development, trade and investment, Micro, 102. We noted with satisfaction that ASEAN and Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME), Australia have actively pursued opportunities narrowing the development gap and poverty to deepen the already close economic eradication, air connectivity, good governance relations, including Australia’s strong private and human rights, disaster risk management, sector outreach in 2015-2016 to promote climate change, environment, education as awareness of the ASEAN Economic well as people-to-people contacts. Community. 107. We look forward to commemorating the 40th 103. We expressed appreciation for Australia’s Anniversary of ASEAN-Canada Dialogue support for the extension of the ASEAN- Relations in 2017 and welcomed the proposal Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area to organise commemorative activities Economic Cooperation Support Programme throughout 2017. (AECSP), which has so far made significant achievements in advancing the built- ASEAN-China in agenda of the Agreement. We also appreciated Australia’s extended support for 108. We are pleased with the progress of relations ASEAN economic integration through the and cooperation between ASEAN and ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation China in the past years. We look forward Programme Phase II (AADCP II) from 2015 to the convening of the ASEAN-China to 2019. Commemorative Summit to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of ASEAN-China 104. We are committed to intensify people- Dialogue Relations on 7 September 2016 to-people links with Australia, especially in the Lao PDR and the conduct of various in education, and welcomed Australia’s commemorative activities throughout 2016, commitment to provide Awards, and grants including the exchange of congratulatory scholarships to over 900 students from
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messages between the Prime Minister of the EU Enhanced Partnership (2013-2017). Lao PDR, as ASEAN Chair and the Premier of We appreciated the EU’s continued support the People’s Republic of China and between for the ASEAN Community building efforts the Secretary-General of ASEAN and Minister through various ASEAN-EU cooperation of Foreign Affairs of China. programmes across the political-security, economic and socio-cultural areas, including 109. We noted with satisfaction the successful enhancing ASEAN Connectivity and the IAI. conclusion of the 2011-2015 Plan of Action to implement the Joint Declaration on the 115. We are encouraged by the growing dialogue ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership for and engagement between ASEAN and the Peace and Prosperity. We look forward to EU. We welcomed the fruitful outcomes of the effective implementation of the new POA the ASEAN-EU Coordinating Meeting on (2016-2020) to advance cooperation in the 13 October 2015 in Bangkok, the Informal next five years. ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting on 6 November 2015 in Luxembourg, as well 110. We took note of the convening of the Special as the Meeting between the CPR and H.E. ASEAN-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Federica Mogherini, High Representative of Yuxi, Yunnan Province, on 14 June 2016, at the European Union for Foreign Affairs and which both sides reaffirmed that the ASEAN- Security Policy and Vice President of the China relations will continue to be guided, European Commission on 9 April 2016 in inter-alia, by the principles enshrined in Jakarta. the United Nations Charter, the TAC, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, 116. We reaffirmed our shared commitment to Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the work with the EU to develop a roadmap South China Sea (DOC), and other relevant towards realising a strategic partnership, and international laws, treaties and conventions. to explore new areas of cooperation based on shared interests and mutual respect to further 111. We noted with satisfaction the progress made strengthen ASEAN-EU relations. We also in the implementation of the ASEAN-China welcomed the EU’s engagement with and Air Transport Agreement (AC-ATA) and look contribution to the ASEAN-centred regional forward to working towards full liberalisation architecture through participation in ASEAN- of the AC-ATA in support of the upgrading of led mechanisms. the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement. 117. We are encouraged by the strong trade and 112. We welcomed the various activities held in investment ties between ASEAN and the EU. ASEAN Member States and in China this We welcomed progress made in 2015 on year to celebrate the ASEAN-China Year of trade agenda between both regions, both at Educational Exchange to promote mutual the bilateral and region-to-region levels. We th understanding among students and youth of also noted the positive outcome of the 14 both sides through education. We also look ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM)-EU Trade forward to the designation of 2017 as the Commissioner Consultations on 3 March 2016 ASEAN-China Year of Tourism Cooperation. in Chiang Mai, Thailand, which commended the progress made in the implementation of 113. We noted the role of the ASEAN-China Centre the ASEAN-EU Trade and Investment Work in promoting trade, investment, tourism, Programme for 2015-2016 and in the joint education and culture between ASEAN and stock-taking exercise towards the resumption China. In this connection, we look forward of an ASEAN-EU Free Trade Agreement. to the conclusion and signing of the revised Memorandum of Understanding on the 118. We valued the EU’s important role and Establishment of the ASEAN-China Centre. significant contribution to ASEAN Connectivity through ongoing programmes, such as the ASEAN Regional Integration Support from ASEAN-European Union (EU) the EU (ARISE), the ASEAN Air Transport Integration Project (AATIP) and the EU 114. We noted with satisfaction the progress in the Support to Higher Education in ASEAN implementation of the Bandar Seri Begawan Region (EU-SHARE). We look forward to Plan of Action to Strengthen the ASEAN-
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commencing negotiations on a mutually crimes as well as maritime issues, including beneficial ASEAN-EU Comprehensive Air through capacity building for ASEAN Member Transport Agreement to deepen connectivity States and sharing best practices. between and beyond both regions. 124. We noted the importance of enhancing 119. We look forward to the convening of the 21st ASEAN-India connectivity by focusing not ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting AEMM on 13- only on infrastructure but also on institution 14 October 2016 in Bangkok, Thailand and the and people-to-people connectivity. We also 3rd High Level Dialogue on Maritime Security noted the ongoing efforts to enhance air Cooperation to be co-hosted by Thailand connectivity between ASEAN and India and and the EU on 15-16 September 2016 in look forward to the convening of the first Bangkok. We look forward to commemorate Meeting of the ASEAN-India Working Group the 40th Anniversary of ASEAN-EU Dialogue on Regional Air Services Arrangement and Relations in 2017. the expeditious conclusion of an ASEAN- India Air Transport Agreement based on ‘open ASEAN-India skies’ principles covering both air freight and passenger services. 120. We noted with satisfaction that ASEAN and th India continue to strengthen their Strategic 125. We look forward to commemorate the 25 Partnership with the renewed commitment of Anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue the Leaders at the 13th ASEAN-India Summit Relations with activities throughout 2017. in November 2015, in Kuala Lumpur. We look In this regard, we are pleased to note that forward to the effective implementation of the list of commemorative activities is being the new POA of ASEAN-India to Implement developed. the ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace, Progress and Shared Prosperity (2016-2020) ASEAN-Japan to advance cooperation in the next five years through various ASEAN-India cooperation 126. We noted with satisfaction the steady progress projects across the political-security, made in ASEAN-Japan relations in the past economic and socio-cultural areas. To that year, and look forward to further strengthening end, we welcome that both sides are preparing the partnership across all areas through a list of priority activities and projects to be the effective implementation of the Vision implemented during 2016-2018. Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation and its Implementation Plan. 121. We are encouraged by the steady development of the economic partnership and 127. We valued Japan’s support for ASEAN cooperation between ASEAN and India. We Community building efforts, including noted that the ASEAN-India Trade in Services in narrowing the development gap and and Investment Agreements had entered enhancing regional integration, and into force on 1 July 2015 and would serve recognised the important contribution of as catalysts to deepen and broaden trade the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) in services and investment between the two towards the implementation of various sides. projects under ASEAN-Japan cooperation.
122. We look forward to the signing of the 128. We welcomed the progress made in reviewing Memorandum of Understanding on the the ASEAN-Japan 10-year Economic Establishment of the ASEAN-India Centre Cooperation Roadmap and the efforts to align (AIC) which would serve as a platform to it with the objectives of the AEC Blueprint promote cooperation in various areas and 2025. contribute to the strengthening of ASEAN- India dialogue relations. 129. We welcomed the Strategic Vision of the ASEAN-Japan Centre and expressed 123. We are encouraged by the commitments appreciation for its continuous contribution by ASEAN and India to further enhance in promoting trade, investment, tourism and cooperation in counter terrorism, transnational people-to-people exchange, as well as in raising the level awareness of ASEAN in Japan.
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130. We also welcomed Japan’s efforts through 2018, which has contributed significantly its Industrial Human Resource Development towards advancing the built-in agenda of the Cooperation Initiative to support human AANZFTA. resources development and sustainable growth across the ASEAN region, as well 135. We noted with satisfaction the good progress as its establishment of the Japan-ASEAN made in people-to-people linkages, including Women Empowerment Fund which is aimed the commencement of the New Zealand Prime at strengthening cooperation in empowering Minister’s Fellowship, the ASEAN Young women. Diplomats Study Tour, the Young Business Leaders’ Initiatives (YBLI), the ASEAN-New 131. We noted with satisfaction the progress made Zealand scholarships for ASEAN students, at the First Meeting of the ASEAN-Japan and the English Language Training for Consultations on Regional Air Services Officials (ELTO) Programme. Arrangements in Tokyo, Japan, in March 2016 and look forward to the early conclusion ASEAN-Republic of Korea (ROK) of a more liberal and mutually beneficial ASEAN-Japan Air Services Agreement based 136. We noted with satisfaction the successful on the principle of meaningful exchange of conclusion of the POA to implement the Joint traffic rights over and above what has been Declaration on the ASEAN-ROK Strategic exchanged bilaterally between Japan and Partnership for Peace and Prosperity (2010- each ASEAN Member State, to substantially 2015). We look forward to the effective increase market access between and beyond implementation of the POA (2016-2020) to ASEAN and Japan. advance cooperation in the next five years.
ASEAN-New Zealand 137. We noted the heightened expectations of the ASEAN Transport Ministers for the early 132. We welcomed the elevation of the ASEAN- conclusion of a more liberal and mutually New Zealand Dialogue Relations from a beneficial air services agreement with the comprehensive to a strategic level; and the ROK. To this end, we look forward to the adoption of the “Joint ASEAN-New Zealand proposed convening of the 2nd Meeting of the th Leaders’ Statement on the 40 Anniversary ASEAN-ROK Working Group on Regional Air of ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue Relations: Services Arrangements soon. Advancing our Strategic Partnership towards Greater Mutual Benefit and Prosperity”. 138. We welcomed the establishment of the ASEAN Culture House in Busan as well 133. We noted with satisfaction the progress as the observance of the ASEAN-ROK made in the implementation of the new Cultural Exchange Year in 2017. We support ASEAN-New Zealand POA to Implement the the activities to further deepen ASEAN- Joint Statement for ASEAN-New Zealand ROK cooperation while at the same time Strategic Partnership (2016-2020) to supporting ASEAN Community building, such advance cooperation in the next five years. as Korea’s ASEAN Next Generation Leaders’ We welcomed the significant increase in New Programme. We noted the increase of culture Zealand’s contribution to the People Strategy and people-to-people contact especially youth and the Prosperity Strategy and reiterated the exchange, capacity building program, art and importance of their effective implementation. culture training program, and scholarship which would further promote friendship and 134. We expressed appreciation to New Zealand mutual understanding between the peoples for its continued technical and financial of ASEAN and the ROK. assistance to increase ASEAN capacity building in the implementation of the ASEAN- 139. We encouraged cooperation among private- Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement sector and micro, small and medium (AANZFTA) through the AANZFTA Economic enterprises (MSMEs) through enhanced Cooperation Support Programme (AECSP). innovation capacity, human resource We also appreciated New Zealand’s support development, sharing of best practices, and for the extension of the AECSP to 30 June
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participation in the regional value chain, have been planned and carried out to mark the including through the proposed establishment broadening and strengthening of cultural ties of the ASEAN-ROK Innovation Centre. between ASEAN and the Russian Federation. In this regard, we welcomed the successful 140. We were pleased with the ASEAN-Korea convening and fruitful outcome of the Meeting Centre’s contribution in promoting ASEAN- of ASEAN-Russia Culture Ministers on 19 ROK relations, particularly in trade and May 2016 in Sochi, Russian Federation. We investment, culture and tourism, as well as noted that as part of the commemoration of th people-to-people contacts. We support the the 20 Anniversary of the Dialogue Relations, role of the Centre in continuing to enhance ASEAN and Russia jointly developed and ASEAN-ROK cooperation as well as initiatives adopted joint sectoral work plans in the areas and programmes related to narrowing the of science & technology, agriculture and food development gap in ASEAN. security, and energy.
ASEAN-Russia 145. We were pleased to note the continued commitment by ASEAN and Russia to implement the ASEAN-Russia Trade and 141. We welcomed the successful convening of Investment Cooperation Roadmap which the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit th is aimed at further institutionalising a to commemorate the 20 Anniversary of the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Partnership comprehensive dialogue mechanism on held on 19-20 May 2016 in Sochi, Russian trade-related issues with a view to promoting Federation, during which the Leaders adopted cooperation in sectors of mutual interest the Sochi Declaration of the ASEAN-Russian to ASEAN and Russia taking into account Federation Commemorative Summit to Mark regional and global developments. the 20th Anniversary of ASEAN-Russian Federation Dialogue Relations “Moving ASEAN-United States of America (U.S.) Towards a Strategic Partnership for Mutual Benefit.” We appreciated the achievements 146. We welcomed the significant progress made over the past 20 years of ASEAN- made in ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue Relations, Russia Dialogue Relations across a wide particularly with the elevation of relations to range of areas, which have strengthened and a strategic partnership at the 3rd ASEAN-U.S. enhanced the relations. Summit in Kuala Lumpur in November 2015, as well as with the convening of the ASEAN- 142. We also welcomed the adoption of the U.S. Special Leaders’ Summit in Sunnylands, Comprehensive Plan of Action (CPA) to California in February 2016, in which the Promote Cooperation between the Association Leaders adopted the Joint Statement of of Southeast Asian Nations and the Russian the ASEAN-U.S. Special Leaders’ Summit: Federation (2016-2020) and look forward to Sunnylands Declaration. the effective implementation of the CPA to further deepen and widen political-security, 147. We noted with satisfaction the progress made economic, socio-cultural and development in implementing the POA to Implement the cooperation as well as to realise the full ASEAN-US Strategic Partnership (2016-2020) potential of the ASEAN-Russia partnership in to further support the ASEAN Community in its the next five years. three pillars, particularly within the five priority areas of economic integration, maritime 143. We took note of the Report of the ASEAN- cooperation, transnational challenges Russia Eminent Persons Group (AREPG) including climate change, emerging leaders, and encouraged our relevant senior officials and women’s opportunities. to study the recommendations contained therein, as tasked by the Leaders, for tangible 148. We agreed to continue to advance ASEAN- implementation, working closely with Russia U.S. cooperation to address traditional and on this matter. non-traditional security challenges such as terrorism, violent extremism, drug trafficking, 144. We noted with satisfaction that a number of maritime security, cyber security, trafficking commemorative activities as well as initiatives in persons and explore possible cooperation from the ASEAN-Russia Year of Culture 2016 in the area of illicit trafficking in wildlife and timber, through increased engagement and collaboration.
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149. We welcomed the progress made on ASEAN- cooperation framework to promote peace, U.S. economic cooperation, including through security and prosperity in East Asia, noting the ASEAN-U.S. Trade and Investment that this will continue to contribute to the Framework Arrangement Joint Council (TIFA ASEAN Community and deepen regional JC) Meeting on 17 February 2016 and the integration. outcomes of the Third AEM Roadshow to the U.S. in 2016, which helped raise awareness 154. We noted the good progress made in the about the ASEAN Community and its implementation of the APT Cooperation Work economic potential to key stakeholders, and Plan (2013-2017) especially in the areas of showcase ASEAN’s economic integration in finance, food security, tourism, agriculture the U.S. We also welcomed the new initiatives and health cooperation and encouraged the to strengthen ASEAN-U.S. cooperation, implementation of the remaining measures in namely U.S.-ASEAN Connect; and ASEAN- the Work Plan. We noted that the CPR and U.S. Trade Workshops and the ASEAN- the Ambassadors of the Plus Three countries U.S. Internship Programme for ASEAN to ASEAN will conclude the succeeding Work Young Professionals. We look forward to Plan in 2017. enhancing ASEAN-U.S. aviation relations and to both sides concluding an ASEAN-US 155. We noted with satisfaction the significant Aviation Cooperation Framework covering progress made in the finalisation and comprehensive economic and technical endorsement of action plans for the East Asia components. Vision Group (EAVG) II recommendations selected for implementation, as well as in the 150. We agreed to continue to advance ASEAN- implementation of action plans which have U.S. cooperation in various socio-cultural fields already been adopted. We look forward to such as humanitarian assistance and disaster the progress report on the implementation of relief, fisheries and marine conservation, the EAVG II action plans to be submitted to climate change and environment, green the 19th APT Summit in September 2016. We financing, education, health and cultural emphasised that the follow-up initiatives to exchanges. the EAVG II Report should support ASEAN’s integration process. 151. We appreciated the U.S.’ continued support for ASEAN integration and community East Asia Summit building efforts through various development cooperation programmes, including the 156. We recognised the important contribution of ASEAN Connectivity through Trade and the EAS to the maintenance and promotion Investment (ACTI) and the ASEAN-U.S. of peace, security, stability and prosperity in Partnership for Good Governance, Equitable the region. In this regard, we reaffirmed our and Sustainable Development and Security commitment to further strengthen the EAS (ASEAN-U.S. PROGRESS), as well as as a Leaders-led forum for dialogue and its commitment to intensify the people- cooperation on broad strategic, political, and to-people connectivity, particularly young economic issues of common interest and people, through among others, Fulbright US- concern with ASEAN playing a central role ASEAN Visiting Scholars Initiative, ASEAN- and driving force in line with the Kuala Lumpur U.S. Science and Technology Fellows Pilot Declaration on the 10th Anniversary of the Program, Young Southeast Asian Leaders’ East Asia Summit adopted on 22 November Initiative (YSEALI) and the ASEAN-U.S. 2015, and based on the established Science Prize for Women. principles, objectives and modalities of the EAS. We reiterate our support for the EAS’ 152. We look forward to commemorating the contributions to a rules-based approach in th 40 Anniversary of ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue managing inter-state relations in the region, Relations in 2017. promoting strategic trust and helping ensure transparent and predictable behaviour. ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation 157. We welcomed the establishment of regular 153. We reaffirmed our commitment to further engagement among the EAS Ambassadors strengthen the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) in Jakarta and supported the continuation of
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such meetings to enhance EAS cooperation 162. We welcomed the successful convening of as well as to assist in the coordination and the inaugural ASEAN-Norway Joint Sectoral implementation of Leaders’ decisions. We Cooperation Committee (AN-JSCC) Meeting also welcomed the establishment of the EAS on 11 December 2015 to mark the start of Unit in the ASEAN Secretariat to facilitate EAS ASEAN-Norway formal engagement and to cooperation. In this context, we look forward discuss modalities to carry the partnership to finalising the Terms of Reference (TOR) on forward. We look forward to forging substantial the Engagement of the EAS Ambassadors in cooperation with Norway. Jakarta and the ASEAN Secretariat’s paper on standardising the EAS processes. ASEAN-United Nations (UN)
158. We noted with satisfaction the progress made 163. We noted the ongoing cooperation between in the six priority areas of EAS cooperation, ASEAN and the UN, including on promoting namely energy, education, finance, global complementarities between ASEAN health including pandemics, environment Community Vision 2025 and the UN 2030 and disaster management, and ASEAN Agenda for Sustainable Development, and Connectivity. In this regard, we stressed the reaffirmed our commitment to continue need to continue effectively implementing the engaging with the UN to further strengthen Plan of Action (2016-2017) of the Phnom Penh our mutually beneficial cooperation. We Declaration on EAS Development Initiatives. look forward to the early adoption of the We also underlined the need to enhance EAS POA to Implement the Joint Declaration on cooperation to address pressing issues of Comprehensive Partnership between ASEAN common interest and concern, and to respond and the UN (2016-2020). to emerging challenges related to peace, stability and security in the region. We also 164. We noted with satisfaction the successful encouraged the effective implementation of convening of the ASEAN-UN Secretariat- th EAS. the EAS statements adopted at the 10 to-Secretariat (S2S) Meeting in Jakarta on 30 March 2016, where both sides agreed to 159. We underscored the importance of maritime step up the cooperation on areas of priorities cooperation in order to effectively manage towards the implementation of ASEAN maritime-related issues in the region, including Community Vision 2025 and the 2030 Agenda maritime security, maritime connectivity, for Sustainable Development. freedom of navigation and over-flight, search and rescue, marine environmental protection, 165. We noted the success of the ASEAN-UN fisheries, energy and food security. In this Regional Dialogue (AURED) series and regard, we look forward to the implementation look forward to the next AURED Workshop of the EAS Statement on Enhancing Regional on Conflict Prevention and Preventing Maritime Cooperation adopted at the 10th Violent Extremism to be held in Indonesia in East Asia Summit in November 2015. November 2016.
160. We welcomed the proposal to convene an Regional Organisations EAS Regional Seminar for Capacity Building to Counter Violent Extremism in Indonesia this year as one of the concrete activities to 166. We noted the growing interest of regional implement the EAS Statement on Countering organisations to forge stronger cooperation Violent Extremism, which was adopted at the with ASEAN. We therefore encouraged our 10th EAS Summit. senior officials, CPR and sectoral bodies to explore means and ways to further strengthen cooperation with those regional organisations. ASEAN-Sectoral Dialogue Partners 167. We welcomed the engagement between the 161. We look forward to the convening of the 6th CPR and the Group of External Relations ASEAN-Pakistan Joint Sectoral Cooperation of the Pacific Alliance at their meeting in Committee Meeting to be held later in 2016, Bangkok, Thailand on 10 May 2016 and look with a view to enhancing and renewing forward to the adoption of the ASEAN-Pacific cooperation between both sides.
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Alliance Framework for Cooperation at the Regional Security Architecture 3rd Meeting of the ASEAN-Pacific Alliance Foreign Ministers in September 2016. 171. We noted with satisfaction the progress made in the implementation of the Work Plan on 168. We look forward to the convening of a Maintaining and Enhancing ASEAN Centrality CPR-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) which provides the fundamental principles Ambassadors’ Meeting to be held later in and specific measures to promote ASEAN 2016 in Jakarta and the drafting of a new Centrality in view of the geostrategic shifts in ASEAN-GCC Plan of Action that would shape the region. the future cooperation between the two sides. 172. We welcomed the outcomes and Application for Formal Partnership with ASEAN developments of the discussion on regional security architecture at the 5th EAS Workshop 169. We are pleased to note the growing interest on Regional Security Architecture in Beijing, of external parties in pursuing formal China, 27-28 June 2016, which stressed the partnership with ASEAN. We agreed to importance of ASEAN Centrality in the regional consider the new and official applications in security architecture and underscored the accordance with the Guidelines for ASEAN’s need to strengthen it. We looked forward to External Relations and undertake the continuation of the discussion on the future necessary ASEAN processes. In this regard, regional security architecture in the next EAS we reviewed and agreed to grant the status Workshops. of Sectoral Dialogue Partner to Switzerland and the status of Development Partner to Timor-Leste’s Application for ASEAN Membership Germany. 173. We noted the completion of the three ASEAN REGIONAL FORUM independent studies on the implications of Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership application 170. We reaffirmed the importance of the ARF as to the APSC, AEC and ASCC pillars. We were the most inclusive forum in the Asia-Pacific pleased to note that a number of ASEAN region to foster constructive dialogue and sectoral bodies have started exploring the cooperation on political and security issues of possibility of Timor-Leste’s participation in common interest and concern. In the context their respective activities for capacity building th of evolving regional security architecture, it is purposes, in line with the decisions at the 5 imperative that the ARF maintains its relevance ASEAN Coordinating Council Working Group with ASEAN at its core. We welcomed the Meeting in June 2015. We looked forward growing interest of the ARF participants in to the continued discussion of the ASEAN addressing the increasing complex regional Coordinating Council Working Group this and emerging non-traditional security year, taking into consideration the results of challenges through effective implementation the studies. ofconcrete and practical activities in line with the Hanoi Plan on Action to Implement the REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ISSUES ARF Vision Statement as well as other ARF work plans.We remained committed to work South China Sea towards the Preventive Diplomacy phase in the ARF process at a pace comfortable to 174. We remain seriously concerned over recent all participants as well as to further enhance and ongoing developments and took note of the Confidence Building Measures in order the concerns expressed by some Ministers to promote peace, security and stability in on the land reclamations and escalation of the region and the world. In this regard, we activities in the area, which have eroded trust welcomed the successful conduct of ARF and confidence, increased tensions and may training courses on preventive diplomacy in undermine peace, security and stability in the November-December 2015 in Indonesia and region. in March 2016 in Viet Nam.
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175. We reaffirmed the importance of maintaining Situation in the Middle East and promoting peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation in and over – flight 182. We reaffirmed ASEAN’s support for the above the South China Sea. inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to self-determination, for 176. We further reaffirmed the need to enhance an independent state of Palestine and a Two- mutual trust and confidence, exercise self- State solution for Israel and Palestine that restraint in the conduct of activities and will usher in an environment where Israel and avoid actions that may further complicate the Palestine live alongside each other in peace. situation, and pursue peaceful resolution of We also urged both parties to actively take disputes in accordance with international law, positive steps to allow for negotiations to including the 1982 United Nations Convention gain traction in order to reach a final, just and on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). comprehensive settlement to the conflict.
177. We emphasised the importance of non- 183. We acknowledge the international efforts militarisation and self-restraint in the conduct for a peace process in the Middle East and of all activities, including land reclamation render our support to ensure the successful that could further complicate the situation and convening of the international peace escalate tensions in the South China Sea. conference before the end of this year. Countering Violent Extremism, Radicalisation 178. We underscored the importance of the full and Terrorism. and effective implementation of the DOC in its entirety, and while noting the momentum and 184. We strongly condemned the violence and new phase of consultations, urged all parties brutality committed by terrorist groups whose to work expeditiously for the early adoption impact increasingly poses a serious threat to of an effective Code of Conduct (COC), regional and international peace and security. including through increasing the frequency We reiterated our commitment to working of ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Meetings with the international community and our and Joint Working Group Meetings on the support for relevant United Nations Security Implementation of the DOC. Council (UNSC) resolutions to combat violent extremism and terrorism in all their forms 179. We highlighted the urgency to intensify efforts and manifestations and address conditions to achieve further substantive progress in the conducive for terrorism as well as the root implementation of the DOC in its entirety as causes of violent extremism and terrorism, well as substantive negotiations for the early including through the promotion of the Global conclusion of the COC including the outline Movement of Moderates. and timeline of the COC. 185. We reaffirmed our commitment to the full 180. Pursuant to the full and effective implementation of the ASEAN Convention implementation of the DOC in its entirety, on Counter Terrorism and the ASEAN and pending the early adoption of an Comprehensive Plan of Action on Counter effective COC, we stressed the importance Terrorism. of undertaking confidence building and preventive measures to enhance, among 186. We recognised the important role of education others, trust and confidence amongst parties. in ASEAN’s collective efforts in promoting a culture of peace and understanding among 181. We reiterated the need to establish the MFA-to- different cultures and religions in ASEAN MFA hotline to manage maritime emergencies through relevant key messages in the in the South China Sea. We looked forward curriculum, learning content, and teaching to the adoption of a joint statement on the strategies. We put high regard on the role observance of the Code for Unplanned of teachers and education leaders, as well Encounters at Sea (CUES) in the South as their development and empowerment China Sea. Both are seen as deliverables as moderates in promoting harmony and for the ASEAN-China Commemorative peaceful co-existence and in the prevention Summit. In our view, these are practical of violent extremism. measures that could reduce tensions, and the risks of accidents, misunderstandings and miscalculation.
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187. We encouraged the relevant parties to 50th ASEAN FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING undertake regional initiatives that would support the Langkawi Declaration on the Global Movement of Moderates and to instil 191. We looked forward to the convening of the th respect for cultural diversity and promote 50 ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting, Post th the values of moderation, tolerance, non- Ministerial Conference, 18 APT Foreign th violence and mutual understanding towards Ministers Meeting, 7 EAS Foreign Ministers th preventing the spread of violent extremism Meeting and 24 ARF to be held in the and addressing its root causes. Philippines in 2017.
Developments on the Korean Peninsula 192. We also looked forward to the celebration in 2017 of the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN, commemorating five decades of cooperation 188. We shared concern over current developments and community-building in ASEAN and in the Korean Peninsula, including the nuclear support the initiatives of the Philippines, tests on 6 January 2016, rocket launch as Chair of ASEAN in 2017, the ASEAN on 7 February 2016 and ballistic missile Secretariat and other ASEAN Member launch on 9 July 2016, by the Democratic States, including Dialogue Partners, in People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) which commemorating this momentous occasion. are in violation of the UNSC resolutions. We look forward to collaborating with the We reaffirmed the importance of peace AMRI and other sectoral Ministerial bodies and security in this region and reiterated in implementing commemorative activities ASEAN’s support for the denuclearization of on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner. establishment of ASEAN. We also urged the DPRK to comply with all relevant UNSC resolutions, including the UNSC Resolution 2270 and acknowledged *** the importance to exercise self-restraint and called on all parties to exert common efforts to ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ maintain peace and security in the said region Statement on the Occasion of and create an environment conducive to the th early resumption of the Six-Party Talks to the 40 Anniversary of the Treaty make further progress in denuclearization of of Amity and Cooperation in the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner. Southeast Asia (TAC) Group of Twenty (G20) Vientiane, Lao PDR, 24 July 2016 189. We welcomed the continuous engagement between ASEAN and the G20 through the • Recalling the signing of the Treaty of Amity participation of the ASEAN Chair in the and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) on G20 processes including the G20 Leaders’ 24 February 1976 in Bali, Indonesia and the Summit. In this regard, we looked forward to subsequent Protocols amending the TAC; the G20 Leaders’ Summit on 4-5 September 2016 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. • Noting that there are presently ten High Contracting Parties in Southeast Asia, and Group of Seven (G7) twenty-two High Contracting Parties from outside Southeast Asia;
190. We welcomed the first engagement between • Recognising the positive contributions of ASEAN and G7 through the participation of the TAC to promoting peace and stability in the ASEAN Chair in the Outreach Meeting rd the region over the past 40 years, and which of the 43 G7 Summit and looked forward to continue to be an important foundation for further engagement in the future the development of an inclusive, rules-based, people-oriented, people-centred ASEAN Community and to the promotion of ASEAN centrality;
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• Recalling the ASEAN Charter which urges of their commitment to the purposes State Parties to resolve disputes peacefully and principles contained in the TAC, to and in accordance with the rule of law; strengthen cooperation with ASEAN and contribute to peace and security in the • Recalling also the Declaration of ASEAN region; Concord II (Bali Concord II) which states that the TAC is the key code of conduct governing º Agree to consider new applications in relations between States and a diplomatic accordance with the Revised Guidelines instrument for the promotion of peace and for Accession to the TAC; stability in the region; º Appreciate the importance of the TAC • Emphasising that the aspirations of, and as one of the key codes of conduct in the commitment to, the TAC serve as a foundation ASEAN-centred regional architecture; upon which is built an ASEAN vision of an integrated, peaceful and stable community º Commit to uphold ASEAN Centrality in with shared prosperity as envisaged in the all ASEAN-led mechanisms to ensure ASEAN Community Vision 2025; that the evolving regional architecture can better meet challenges from global • Recognising the importance of maintaining developments; and peace and stability in the region by resolving differences and disputes by peaceful means, º Explore a legally binding instrument in accordance with the ASEAN Charter and building upon the TAC for the wider region. principles of international law;
• We, the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN, *** on this auspicious occasion of the 40th anniversary of the signing and the entry into force of the TAC, Joint Statement of the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN Member º Reaffirm the importance of the TAC as a key instrument governing relations States on the Maintenance of between States to maintain regional peace Peace, Security, and Stability in and stability; the Region º Underscore the continuing importance and relevance of the purposes and principles 25 July 2016 of the TAC, encompassing peaceful settlement of disputes, renunciation of the threat or use of force and promotion of rule We, the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN Member of law, as cardinal principles in the conduct States, reiterate ASEAN’s shared commitments to: of peaceful relations amongst States; 1. Ensure that Southeast Asia and its º Agree to work together to strengthen surroundings remain a peaceful, stable and respect for the purposes and principles secure region; of the TAC, and in this connection, to undertake the relevant action lines on this matter as agreed to in the ASEAN Political- 2. Promote mutually beneficial relations to Security Community Blueprint 2025; maintain peace, security and stability, and prosperity with nations in the region and the º Call on all High Contracting Parties, global community of nations; including High Contracting Parties from outside Southeast Asia, to continue to 3. Continue upholding the Charter of United fully respect and promote the effective Nations, ASEAN Charter, and the Treaty of implementation of the TAC, especially the Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia; as purposes and principles contained therein; well as purposes and principles contained in the Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality º Recognise the growing interest of other Declaration and the Declaration of the East non-ASEAN Member States to accede to Asia Summit on the Principles for Mutually the TAC, which reflects a positive signal
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Beneficial Relations; which shall serve as the region; basic norms governing friendly relations and cooperation among states; COMMITTED to the full and effective implementation of the DOC in its entirety and working substantively 4. Reaffirm ASEAN’s common position in the towards the early adoption of a Code of Conduct in Joint Communiqué of the 49th ASEAN Foreign the South China Sea (COC) based on consensus; Ministers’ Meeting;
th 5. Exercise self-restraint and refrain from RECALLING the Joint Statement of the 15 activities that might raise tension in the ASEAN-China Summit on the 10th Anniversary of region; and the DOC adopted in 2012;
6. Enhance our unity, solidarity and centrality HEREBY state the following: and call on other states to respect ASEAN’s norms and principles. 1. The Parties reaffirm their respect for and commitment to the freedom of navigation in *** and overflight above the South China Sea as provided for by the universally recognised Joint Statement of the Foreign principles of international law, including the Ministers of ASEAN Member 1982 UNCLOS. States and China on the Full and 2. The Parties concerned undertake to resolve Effective Implementation of the their territorial and jurisdictional disputes by peaceful means, without resorting to the threat Declaration on the Conduct of or use of force, through friendly consultations Parties in the South China Sea and negotiations by sovereign states directly concerned, in accordance with universally Vientiane, Lao PDR, 25 July 2016 recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS;
We, the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN Member 3. The Parties undertake to exercise self- States and the People’s Republic of China met in restraint in the conduct of activities that would Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, on complicate or escalate disputes and affect 25 July 2016. peace and stability including, among others, refraining from action of inhabiting on the presently uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, RECOGNISING that maintaining peace and cays, and other features and to handle their stability in the South China Sea region serves differences in a constructive manner. the fundamental interests of ASEAN Member States and China (“the Parties”) as well as the 4. The Parties may explore or undertake international community; cooperative activities, in fields such as navigation safety, search and rescue, marine REAFFIRMING that the Declaration on the scientific research, environmental protection, Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) is and combating transnational crimes at sea. a milestone document that embodies the collective commitment of the Parties to promote peace, 5. The Parties encourage other countries to stability, mutual trust and confidence in the region, respect the principles contained in the DOC. in accordance with the UN Charter and universally recognized principles of international law, including 6. The Parties concerned reaffirm that the the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of adoption of a code of conduct in the South China Sea would further promote peace and the Sea (UNCLOS); stability in the region and agree to work, on the basis of consensus, towards the eventual REAFFIRMING the importance and role of the attainment of this objective. DOC in maintaining peace and stability in the ***
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ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ efforts to maintain peace and security in the said region and create an environment conducive to the Statement on the Explosion in early resumption of the Six-Party Talks to help pave Davao the way for maintaining and strengthening peace, security and stability in the region and the world. 4 September 2016 *** ASEAN strongly condemns explosion, an act of terrorist attack, in Davao, the Republic of the Joint Press Release of ASEAN Philippines on 2 September 2016, which caused the loss of lives and injuries. Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with the United Nations Secretary- ASEAN extends its deepest sympathies and General and the President of the condolences to the Government of the Philippines, 71St Session of the UN General especially to the families of the victims of the explosion. Assembly
ASEAN fully supports the Government of the New York, USA, 22 September 2016 Philippines in bringing the perpetrators of this violence to justice and returning the situation to ASEAN and the United Nations today reaffirmed normalcy. commitment to strengthen their comprehensive partnership by effectively implementing the new ASEAN reiterates its commitment to working with five-year Plan of Action (2016-2020) between the international community to combat violent ASEAN and the UN, including the realisation extremism and terrorism in all their forms and of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. manifestations, regardless of their motivation, This commitment was made at the ASEAN-UN wherever, whenever and by whom so ever it is Ministerial Meeting held at the UN Headquarters committed. in New York. The Meeting was chaired by H.E. Saleumxay Kommasith, Minister of Foreign Affairs *** of the Lao PDR, and was attended by the United Nations Secretary-General, H.E. Ban Ki-moon, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ President of the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, H.E. Peter Thomson, the Statement on the Nuclear Test Foreign Ministers of ASEAN, Secretary-General of by the Democratic People’s ASEAN, H.E. Le Luong Minh, and senior officials Republic of Korea of ASEAN and the United Nations. The Meeting welcomed the successful convening 9 September 2016 of the 8th ASEAN-United Nations Summit on 7 September 2016 in Vientiane, Laos, where the Leaders emphasised the importance of On 6 January 2016, the Democratic People’s strengthening ASEAN-UN Comprehensive Republic of Korea (DPRK) conducted another Partnership towards the common goals of peace, nuclear test, which is in violation of the relevant stability and sustainable development. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Meeting also welcomed the progress of ASEAN- resolutions. UN cooperation as reflected in the 2015-2016 Joint Report submitted by the Secretariats of ASEAN ASEAN reaffirms the importance of peace and and the UN on the implementation of the Joint security on the Korean Peninsula and reiterates its Declaration on the Comprehensive Partnership full support for the denuclearization of the Korean between ASEAN and the United Nations. Peninsula in a peaceful manner. We urge the DPRK to comply with all the relevant UNSC resolutions The United Nations reaffirmed its continued support and call on all parties concerned to exert common to ASEAN Community building and integration as
86 ASEAN POLITICAL-SECURITY COMMUNITY well as ASEAN’s centrality in the evolving regional Strategic Plan of Action on Disaster Management architecture. The Meeting also exchanged views (JSPADM), which forms an integral component of on regional and international issues of common the five-year ASEAN-UN Plan of Action and aligns interest and concern. These included peacekeeping with ASEAN’s Comprehensive Work Programme and conflict prevention as well as efforts to counter 2016-2020 on disaster management. The United terrorism and prevent violent extremism in the Nations expressed appreciation for ASEAN’s region and globally. The Meeting noted the UN engagement in the World Humanitarian Summit Secretary-General’s Plan of Action on Preventing (WHS), including the ASEAN Joint Statement for Violent Extremism. Both sides also looked forward the World Humanitarian Summit and ASEAN’s role to the forthcoming ASEAN-UN Regional Dialogue in the launching of the Regional Organizations on Conflict Prevention and Preventing Violent Humanitarian Action Network (ROHAN). The Extremism to be held in Indonesia. Meeting reaffirmed the commitment to implement the Agenda for Humanity and the ASEAN 2025 The Meeting also agreed on the need for Vision. strengthened cooperation in combating transnational organised crime including drug Both sides agreed to further intensify ASEAN-UN trafficking and trafficking in persons, the irregular cooperation through the effective implementation movement of persons, disaster management of the new five-year Plan of Action (2016-2020) and risk reduction, food and energy security, between ASEAN and the UN, including in enhancing the promotion and protection of human rights, coordination especially on cross-cutting issues and global health issues. The Meeting also and exploring stable funding sources. They agreed affirmed the importance of peaceful settlement of to strengthen concrete cooperation in each pillar disputes, including respect for legal and diplomatic of the ASEAN-UN Comprehensive Partnership, processes, in conformity with international law, the including Secretariat-to-Secretariat cooperation UN Charter, including the 1982 UNCLOS. and to explore new areas of engagement to further promote peace, stability and sustainable The Meeting further recognised the importance development. The meeting also exchanged views of promoting the complementarities between the on the importance of mainstreaming human rights ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the 2030 and gender in future cooperation. Agenda for Sustainable Development in line with the ASEAN-UN Plan of Action, particularly in The Meeting looked forward to the Special Session reducing poverty and hunger, tackling inequalities of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting focusing and promoting women’s empowerment, fostering on Sustainable Development and the Special Panel sustainable economic growth and equitable Discussion on Developing Complementarities social development, including issues related to between the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and economic integration and connectivity, protecting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development on the environment, sustainable management of 24 September 2016. These sessions will further resources, ensuring peoples’ access to clean water enhance ASEAN’s value-added contribution to and clean air, disaster risk reduction, minimising sustainable development efforts at both the national adverse impact of climate change and building and global levels through developing concrete effective institutions to achieve sustainable and activities towards this end. Both sides agreed inclusive development. on the importance of working closely together to implement the sustainable development agenda The Meeting agreed on the importance of with particular attention to the principle of ‘no one addressing climate change and welcomed the left behind’. recent ratification of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change adopted in 2015 by some ASEAN The Meeting welcomed ASEAN’s continuing efforts Member States along with other ASEAN Member to engage with the UN and, in this connection, States working towards ratification. The Meeting noted that candidatures from ASEAN Member also welcomed the development of the ASEAN-UN States have been submitted to the UN bodies, Action Plan on Environment and Climate Change reflecting ASEAN Member States’ continuing (2016-2020) following the adoption of the ASEAN interest to contribute positively to the work of these Post 2015 Strategic Plan on Environment. bodies and to multilateralism in general.
The Meeting welcomed the progress made in strengthening cooperation under the Joint ***
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ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ fostering sustainable economic growth and equitable social development, protecting the Statement on ASEAN environment, ensuring peoples’ access to Cooperation on Sustainable clean water and clean air, minimising adverse impact of climate change, and building Development effective institutions to achieve sustainable and inclusive development. New York, United States, 24 September 2016 4. The Ministers also believed that it would be useful to develop a Roadmap to help guide efforts to enhance such complementarities. 1. A Special Session of the ASEAN Foreign The Roadmap should contain a clear Ministers’ Meeting Focusing on Sustainable timeline on the identification of priority areas, Development was convened at the United implementation of activities to enhance Nations Headquarters in New York on 24 complementarities, as well as monitoring and September 2016 to discuss and develop ways evaluation of implementation. in which ASEAN could contribute to regional and global efforts in promoting sustainable 5. The Ministers recognised that in ensuring development. In this connection, the ASEAN the attainment of the 2030 Agenda for Foreign Ministers recalled the importance of Sustainable Development and all its related individual and collective efforts to achieve goals, global partnership is necessary, the twin goals of implementing the UN 2030 particularly in mobilising the means of Agenda for Sustainable Development and implementation. In this regard, the Ministers attaining the SDGs, and of realising the agreed to enhance regional cooperation in ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and its science and technology development as well Blueprints, to help ensure that no one is left as capacity building, including but not limited behind. to, strengthening statistical capacity.
2. Recognising that complementarities exist 6. The Ministers agreed that it is important between the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable to identify best practices of Agenda 2030 Development and the ASEAN Community Implementation in every country that could Vision 2025, the Ministers exchanged views be replicated in other countries so as to on how such complementarities could be ensure the attainment of the 2030 Agenda enhanced to promote further progress in throughout the region and in turn accelerate pursuing sustainable development and the achievement of the global agenda. community-building in tandem. The Ministers agreed that it would be useful for ASEAN 7. The Ministers recalled the decision of the to play a value-added role in contributing ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) on to sustainable development efforts at the 6 September 2016 tasking the ASEAN national and global levels, while bearing in Secretariat to coordinate with ASEAN Sectoral mind resource constraints and the need to Bodies to examine how complementarities avoid duplication of effort. between the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable 3. The Ministers agreed that in order to Development could be developed in the fields enable ASEAN’s effective contributing role pertinent to those Sectoral Bodies. in the sustainable development efforts, a holistic approach needs to be adopted in 8. The Ministers recognised the importance of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, dialogue and cooperation between ASEAN emphasising the balance of the three and the UN in taking forward the work on pillars of sustainable development. The enhancing complementarities between the UN Ministers further agreed that it would be 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development important to identify priority areas whereby and the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, as complementarities could be enhanced, reflected in the ASEAN-UN Plan of Action particularly in the areas such as reducing 2016-2020. The Ministers looked forward to poverty and hunger, tackling inequalities further developing concrete activities with the and promoting women empowerment,
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UN, including UNESCAP and other relevant ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ UN agencies, on this matter on the basis of mutual benefit. Statement on the Assassination of Russian Ambassador to 9. The Ministers underscored the importance Turkey of sharing home-grown experiences and best practices of the ASEAN Community and noted with appreciation the readiness of 23 December 2016 UNESCAP to work with ASEAN and ASEAN Member States, and international community, ASEAN strongly condemns the assassination of in the area of sustainable development and the Russian Ambassador to Turkey, Andrey G. community-building, including through fora such as the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Karlov, in Ankara on 19 December 2016, for which Development. there can be no justification.
10. The Ministers appreciated the efforts of ASEAN expresses its deep sympathies and Thailand as the ASEAN Coordinator on condolences to the Government and people the issue of ASEAN-UN cooperation on of the Russian Federation and to the family of sustainable development, and requested Ambassador Karlov. Thailand to continue its efforts, with the support of the ASEAN Secretariat, to develop further the priority areas and roadmap for the ASEAN fully supports the efforts in bringing the enhancing of complementarities between perpetrator(s) of this barbaric act to justice. the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the ASEAN Community ASEAN reaffirms its strong commitment to working Vision 2025, for further consideration. closely with the international community in the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, Issued in New York on 24 September 2016 regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever it is committed. *** *** ASEAN Foreign Ministers ASEAN Defence Ministers Statement on the Earthquake in Aceh, Indonesia Meeting (ADMM)
A c e h, Indone s ia , Joint Declaration of the ASEAN 11 December 2016 Defence Ministers on Promoting Defence Cooperation for a ASEAN Member States are saddened by the Dynamic ASEAN Community earthquake in the north-east coast of Sumatra island, Aceh province, Indonesia, on 7 December Vientiane, Lao PDR, 25 May 2016 2016, which caused numerous deaths and injuries, and extensive damage to properties. ASEAN expresses its deepest sympathies and WE, the Defence Ministers of the Kingdom of condolences to the Government and people of Cambodia, the Republic of Indonesia, the Lao Indonesia, especially the families of the victims of People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the the earthquake, during this difficult time. ASEAN Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Republic stands ready to extend its cooperation and of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore, the support in whatever way it can to contribute to Kingdom of Thailand, and the Socialist Republic of the Government and people of Indonesia to bring Viet Nam, ·the Minister of Energy and Industry at about a speedy recovery. the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam, gathered here in Vientiane, the Lao People’s ***
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Democratic Republic on 25 May 2016 for the 10th (CSOs) Cooperation on Non-Traditional Security, ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (hereinafter the Use of ASEAN Military Assets and Capacities referred to as “ADMM”); in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), ASEAN Peacekeeping Centers Network ADHERING with full commitments to the purposes (APCN), ASEAN Defence Industry Collaboration and principles of the ASEAN Charter that are to (ADIC), ADMM Logistics Support Framework serve the interests of the peoples of the ASEAN (LSF), ASEAN Defence Interaction Programme Member States and to ensure they live in peace (ADIP), ADMM Direct Communications Link (DCL), with one another and the world at large in line with ASEAN Militaries Ready Group (AMRG) on HADR the ASEAN motto “One Vision, One Identity and and ASEAN Center of Military Medicine (ACMM); One Caring and Sharing Community”; SUPPORTING the results of the pt Consultative 4th WELCOMING the formal establishment of the Group (CG) of ADIC and ADIC Workshop that ASEAN Community 2015 on 31 December finalised the Framework for the Implementation of 2015 comprising the ASEAN Political-Security ADIC with prospects for future defence industry Community (APSC), the ASEAN Economic cooperation amongst the ASEAN Member States; Community (AEC) and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC), which is a culmination of a WELCOMING the significant outcomes of the 10th five-decade long effort of community building since ADMM held on 25 May 2016 in Vientiane, Lao the signing of the Bangkok Declaration in 1967; People’s Democratic Republic under the theme of “Promoting Defence Cooperation for a Dynamic WELCOMING the adoption of the “ASEAN 2025: ASEAN Community” aiming to foster a united, Forging Ahead Together” especially the APSC resilient and prosperous community; Blueprint 2025 at the 27th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, providing practical directions WELCOMING the meaningful activities undertaken for defence capacity building and cooperation to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the ADMM; between and amongst the ASEAN Member States and the Plus countries in responding to existing UNDERSCORING the commitment of all parties and future challenges, including non-traditional to fully and effectively implement the Declaration security issues, particularly transnational crimes on the Conduct of Parties in the South China and transboundary challenges in an effective and Sea (DOC), ASEAN’s Six-Point Principles on the timely manner; South China Sea and the Joint Statement of the 15th ASEAN-China Summit on the 10th Anniversary REAFFIRMING ASEAN’s role and its centrality of the DOC, and reiterating the importance of as a key driving force in defence and security expeditiously working towards an early conclusion cooperation with the Plus countries in an open, of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea transparent and inclusive architecture; (COC);
ACKNOWLEDGING the inaugural and monumental RECOGNISING the inaugural and historic milestone of the ADMM in Kuala Lumpur in 2006 milestone of the ADMM-Plus platform and that lays a vital foundation for defence cooperative encouraged by the continuous progress in the six mechanisms between the ASEAN Member States areas of defence cooperation between the ASEAN and inspired by the ten years of achievements of Member States and the Plus countries; the ADMM in maintaining regional peace, security, stability and prosperity; COMMENDING the hard work and efforts of the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Groups (EWGs) in COGNISANT of the significant achievements six areas of cooperation namely HADR, Maritime and progress of defence and military interactions Security (MS), Military Medicine (MM), Counter that have led to the establishment of various Terrorism (CT), Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) fundamental mechanisms namely ASEAN Defence and Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA); Establishments and Civil Society Organisations
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NOTING the conduct of the ADMM-Plus exercises effectively address contemporary security such as on PKO and HMA and on CT and MS; challenges in accordance with the ASEAN Charter and international law; WELCOMING the success of the 13th ASEAN 3. Welcome the proof-of-concept of Phase 1 Chiefs of Defence Forces Informal Meeting of the DCL in the ADMM Process and the (ACDFIM) that contributes to the promotion of adoption of the Standard Operating Procedure mutual trust, confidence and military-tomilitary and look forward to the official launch which in cooperation between and amongst the ASEAN effect, brings about the full implementation and Member States; operationalisation of Phase 1 of the DCL as a permanent, rapid, reliable and confidential NOTING the outcomes of the 9th Network of means of communication between the ASEAN ASEAN Defence and Security Institutions (NADI) Defence Ministers to arrive at mutual decision and its Track II Defence Diplomacy role in providing in handling crisis or emergency situations; an important proposal for defence cooperation in handling emerging security issues and challenges; 4. Adopt the Terms of Reference (TOR) of the ACMM, which outlines the operational details and modalities for its implementation; CONCERNED over the frequency, scale and complexity posted by non-traditional threats and 5. Adopt the Concept Paper on the Establishment reaffirming the need, commitment and collective of the ADMM-Plus EWG on Cyber Security, responsibility of the ADMM to address such threats which will serve as a framework for cooperation to promote peace, security and prosperity of the on cyber security among the ADMM-Plus; region; 6. Adopt the TOR of the AMRG on HADR which CONDEMNING strongly the terrorist attack in outlines the principles and modalities for its Jakarta, Indonesia on 14 January 2016, that implementation; caused the loss of innocent lives, injuries, and damages to properties and extending our deepest 7. Welcome the adoption of the ADMM LSF as guidelines towards effective execution of sympathies and solidarity with Indonesia and the logistics in ASEAN multinational response victims’ families, and expressing concerns over the operations, which was validated and reviewed rise of global spread of Islamic State (IS) and other during the ADMM LSF TableTop Exercise, held terrorist and radicalised groups and their activities in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam; creating threats to both regional and global peace and stability; 8. Acknowledge the adoption of the Framework for the Implementation of ADIC, which would serve as guidelines for future defence industry DO HEREBY DECLARE TO: cooperation; 1. Strengthen the ADMM’s efforts in promoting 9. Intensify the practical cooperation in the regional peace and security through dialogues ADMM-Plus EWGs to strengthen mutual and cooperation towards a dynamic ASEAN trust, confidence and capacity in addressing Community; security issues of common concerns; 2. Support the existing framework and new 10. Commit to support the ADMM-Plus exercises initiatives of practical cooperation of ASEAN such as Command Post Exercises and Field defence forces based on the principles Training Exercises on HADR and MM; and of respect for sovereignty and territorial MS to be conducted in 2016; integrity, consensus-based decision making, participation on the basis of a flexible, voluntary and non-binding nature, assets 11. Approve the new set of co-chairs of the remaining under national command and ADMM-Plus EWGs for the third cycle from control and at a pace comfortable to all to 2017 to 2020 starting after the ADSOM-Plus promote open and inclusive cooperation to in 2017 in the Philippines;
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12. Encourage civil-military cooperation and For the Kingdom of Cambodia: collaboration on HADR capacity building in GENERAL TEA BANH order to minimise or potentially avoid loss of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National lives and properties; Defense;
13. Practise and observe international protocols For the Republic of Indonesia: such as Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES) and commence work on crafting GENERAL (Ret.) RYAMIZARD RYACUDU protocols of interaction to maintain open Minister of Defence; communications, to avoid misunderstanding and prevent undesirable incidents; For the Lao People’s Democratic Republic: LIEUTENANT GENERAL HANSAMONE 14. Reiterate the importance of maintaining CHANYALATH peace, stability and security as well as Minister of National Defence; upholding freedom of navigation in, and over- flight above, the South China Sea as provided for by universally recognized principles of For Malaysia: international law, including the 1982 United DATO’ SERI HISHAMMUDDIN TUN HUSSEIN Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Minister of Defence; (UNCLOS); For the Republic of the Union of Myanmar: 15. Work together to combat terrorism in all its LIEUTENANT GENERAL SEIN WIN forms and manifestations, including through Union Minister for Defence; cooperation in areas such as the sharing of information and intelligence, conducting coordinated operations where feasible, and For the Republic of the Philippines: enhancing confidence and capability building VOLTAIRE T. GAZMIN mechanisms; Secretary of national Defense;
16. Welcome the Philippines’ chairing of ASEAN For the Republic of Singapore: and its hosting of the 11th ADMM and 4th DR. NG ENG HEN ADMM-Plus in 2017. Minister for Defence; Done at Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, this Twenty Fifth Day of May in the Year For the Kingdom of Thailand: Two Thousand and Sixteen, in a single original GENERAL PRAWIT WONGSUWON copy in the English language. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence;and For Brunei Darussalam: PEHIN DATU SINGAMANTERI COLONEL (RTD) DATO SERI SETIA (DR) HAJI MOHAMMAD For the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam: YASMIN HAJI UMAR GENERAL NGO XUAN LICH Minister of Energy and Industry at the Prime Minister of National Defence Minister’s Office;
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ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on • Our leaders had recognised the global nature of this drug problem and formulated Drug Matters (AMMD) three international drug conventions.
• These conventions allowed us to tackle ASEAN Statement at the 59th the drug problem together in three ways: Session of the Commission a. First, it enables a collective on Narcotic Drugs (CND) determination and response from all nations. Special Session on UNGASS Preparations b. Second, it builds and taps on the collective wisdom of all nations. Vienna, Austria, 14 March 2016 c. Third, it provides a collective platform for all nations to discuss issues, like Mr Chairman what we are doing today.
1. On behalf of the ASEAN group, I would like 4. While we work collectively on such platforms, to congratulate and welcome Your Excellency we also respect the sovereign right of each th as the Chair of the 59 CND. state to decide and implement policies that best cater to its individual needs, based on • I am confident that under your able the unique circumstances and norms of its leadership, this session will be a positive society. and fruitful one. • ASEAN remains steadfast in our dedication • ASEAN would also like to extend our to the three international drug conventions appreciation to the Chair of UNGASS as the cornerstone of all drug policies. Board, His Excellency Ambassador Shamaa, for his dedication and hard work • We also pledge equal support to the CND towards the important preparatory work in its role as the principal body for all for UNGASS. drug related policies and issues. ASEAN strongly supports this affirmation in the • The ASEAN group assures the CND of its outcome document. full cooperation and dedication in carrying out its duties and functions. Implementing the Conventions Holistically 2. I now seek the Chair’s permission to deliver a statement as agreed upon by the countries of 5. ASEAN had, over the years, put in our best the Association of South-East Asian Nations, efforts to implement the conventions. As including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, a result, we have prevented the scourge of Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, drugs from overwhelming our communities, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet crippling our economies, and robbing our Nam during the 4th Ministerial Meeting on youths of their future. Drug Matters (AMMD) held in October 2015. 6. Our collective efforts must continue. Affirming the International Drug Conventions • We are acutely aware of the disastrous 3. ASEAN shares the concern of many in this effects of drugs, not just on the drug room on the world drug problem. abuser and the society at large, but also on national security and development.
• We are committed to suppress and • The problem is evolving and nations need eliminate the scourge of drugs to achieve to work with one another to tackle this the vision of a Drug-Free ASEAN. common and shared threat.
7. To achieve this vision, ASEAN has continued to intensify its efforts to implement a
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comprehensive and balanced approach to reduction efforts, we will be able to realise the tackling drugs, giving equal importance to regional vision of a Drug-Free ASEAN, so as both demand and supply reduction efforts. to provide our people and communities with a society free from drug abuse and its ill-effects. • This approach recognises that a wide spectrum of factors may contribute to Shared Responsibility the drug problem, such as insufficient family support for individuals or a lack of 12. With UNGASS approaching next month, enforcement effort to reduce supply. ASEAN looks forward to the discussions on policy evaluation and the sharing of best • The overall outcome of our efforts is to practices. protect individuals and families from the dangers of drugs, and wean abusers off • We will remain grounded in our work, their addiction. support the centrality of the international drug control conventions and stand firm 8. Our approach includes targeted preventive against drugs, including being resolute education to protect our young and vulnerable, against calls to legalise controlled drugs. as well as rehabilitation and recovery programmes that incorporate scientific • We will participate actively in all the evidence-based practices. roundtable sessions, including at the plenary, with this respect and humility. • To end the vicious cycle of drug abuse, we also actively engage the community and 13. UNGASS reminds us of the responsibility non-governmental organisations to build entrusted to us by our countries to work support for the effective reintegration of comprehensively together to achieve a the individuals into the society. society free from drugs.
9. We have also undertaken efforts to tackle 14. We look forward to the adoption of the supply side problems, including taking a outcome document to better achieve the tough stance against drug traffickers, with goals set out in the 2009 Political Declaration equal importance and urgency. and Plan of Action. • For instance, in ASEAN, we have created 15. In conclusion, the ASEAN group extends our new platforms, such as an Airport best wishes and cooperation for the 59th CND Interdiction Task Force and a regional as well as for a successful UNGASS ahead. Narcotics Coordination Centre to enhance Thank you. joint operations and investigations to disrupt the network of regional drug syndicates. Delivered by Mr Desmond Lee 10. Effective laws have to be implemented in Senior Minister of State concert with an effective enforcement and criminal justice system. For Home Affairs and National Development
11. We are confident that with our comprehensive Singapore approach, in both demand and supply 14 Mar 2016
***
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ASEAN Statement at the United 5. Despite our diverse drug situations, ASEAN remains united in our core commitment to a Nations General Assembly drug free vision, so as to provide our people Special Session on the and communities with a society free from drug abuse and its ill-effects. We are acutely aware World Drug Problem in 2016 of the disastrous effects of drugs, not just on (UNGASS 2016) the drug abuser and the society at large, but also on national security and development.
New York, United States, Affirming the International Drug Conventions 19 April 2016 Mr. President,
Mr President, 1. ASEAN strongly supports the centrality of the Mr. Secretary General, three international drug control conventions Excellencies, which remain relevant and shall continue to Distinguished Delegates, serve as the cornerstone of the world drug policy. Besides empowering a collective determination and response from all nations, 1. On behalf of the ASEAN group, I would like these conventions also build and tap on the to congratulate and welcome Your Excellency collective wisdom of all and provide a collective as the President of this General Assembly platform for us to discuss the emerging Special Session on the World Drug Problem. I challenges of drug control. In light of this, am confident that under your able leadership, ASEAN stands firm against drugs, including this session will be a positive and fruitful one. being resolute against calls to legalise controlled drugs. 2. ASEAN would also like to extend our appreciation to the Commission on Narcotic Supporting the Role of CND Drugs for its dedication and hard work towards the important preparatory work for UNGASS. 6. We also pledge equal support to the CND in its role as the principal policy making organ of Mr. President, the UN for all drug related policies and issues. ASEAN strongly supports this affirmation in the outcome document. 3. I now seek your permission to deliver a statement as agreed upon by the countries of Respect the Sovereignty of Each Member the Association of South-East Asian Nations, State consisting of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, 7. While we work collectively on such platforms, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet we also respect the sovereign right of each Nam, during the 4th ASEAN Ministerial state to decide and implement policies that Meeting on Drug Matters (AMMD) held in best cater to its individual needs, based on October 2015. the unique circumstances and norms of its society. There is no one-size-fits-all approach 4. ASEAN is proud to have contributed towards addressing the drug issue, as each constructively to the successful completion country has its own unique set of challenges. of the UNGASS Outcome Document, which While some countries may choose to adopt we recognise as an important milestone in the certain approaches, depending on their own discussions for a new drug plan in 2019. We circumstances, these approaches should look forward to the adoption of the outcome not be imposed on other countries, including document to achieve the goals set out in those in ASEAN. the 2009 Political Declaration and Plan of Action. We share the understanding that the Implementing the Conventions Holistically recommendations put forth in the outcome document will be undertaken with the aim of Mr. President, bolstering our national and regional efforts in achieving a drug free society. 8. ASEAN is committed to suppress and eliminate the scourge of drugs to achieve
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the vision of a Drug-Free ASEAN. Thus, we Chairman’s Statement of the 5th have continued to intensify our efforts to implement a comprehensive, balanced and ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on holistic approach to tackling drugs, giving Drug Matters equal importance to both demand and supply reduction efforts. Singapore, 20 October 2016 9. This approach recognises that a wide spectrum of factors may contribute to the drug 1. The Fifth ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Drug problem, such as insufficient family support Matters (5th AMMD) was held on 20 October for individuals or a lack of enforcement 2016 in Singapore. His Excellency Mr. Teo effort to reduce supply. Therefore, upstream Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister and preventive measures, as well as downstream Coordinating Minister for NationalSecurity enforcement, intervention and rehabilitation was the Guest of Honour at the Opening measures, are necessary to address the drug Ceremony of the 5th AMMD and officially problem. opened the Meeting. The 5th AMMD was chaired by His Excellency Mr. K. Shanmugam, 10. The overall objective of our efforts is to protect Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for individuals and families from the dangers of Law, Singapore. The Meeting was attended drugs, wean abusers off their addiction and by ASEAN Ministers responsible for drug protect the security of our region. matters, the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies and their Shared Responsibility & International respective delegations. Cooperation
2. The Ministers recognised significant Mr. President, achievements made over the past four AMMDs, which had strengthened ASEAN’s 11. ASEAN affirms that supply reduction efforts resolve against drug abuse and renewed the remain an integral part of all drug control commitment towards the Drug Free ASEAN policies and have taken progressive steps in aspiration. The Ministers commended the integrating our regional efforts. Within ASEAN, ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Drug we have created new platforms, such as the Matters (ASOD) and its five working groups Airport Interdiction Task Force and the regional for their efforts in addressing the regional Narcotics Coordination Centre to enhance drug situation. They also acknowledged joint operations and investigations to disrupt the contributions made through regional the network of regional drug syndicates. cooperative mechanisms, such as the ASEAN Airport Interdiction Task Force (AAITF), 12. ASEAN is also fully committed to take ASEAN Seaport Interdiction Task Force collaborative and cooperative operational (ASITF) and ASEAN Narcotics Cooperation measures with other regions to a higher Centre (ASEAN-NARCO), including the level, as part of a global collaborative effort establishment of the ASEAN Drug Monitoring to address and mitigate the scourge of Network. illicit drugs. We look forward to continue our cooperation and partnership with UN 3. The Ministers commended ASEAN’s agencies, in particular the UNODC on this coordinated response at the United Nations matter. General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on the World Drug Problem including at the 13. In conclusion, the ASEAN group extends our meetings leading to the momentous event. Of best wishes and cooperation for a successful significance were the joint ASEAN statements UNGASS 2016. delivered by Singapore at the 59th Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) on 14 March 2016 Thank you. in Vienna, and Malaysia at the UNGASS on the World Drug Problem on 19 April 2016 in *** New York. The Statements asserted ASEAN’s commitment to:
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- Remain united in our commitment to a vision - Involvement of transnational criminal of Drug-Free ASEAN, so as to provide our syndicates in the region, especially in the people and communities with a society free manufacturing and trafficking of illicit drugs; from drug abuse and its ill-effects; - Exploitation of new technology and the - Supporting the centrality of the UN region’s interconnectivity for illicit purposes; international drug control conventions, and the role of the CND as the principal policy- - Providing sustainable alternatives and making organ; poverty alleviation solutions for communities affected by illegal crop cultivation; - Respecting the sovereign right of countries in deciding the most appropriate - The continuing threat posed by smuggling approaches to address their national drug of precursors into and the production and situations; and trafficking of illicit drugs from the Golden Triangle; and - Promoting cooperation with other regions, as part of a larger global effort to tackle the - Growing trend of trafficking of illicit drugs by drug problem. sea in the region.
- The Ministers called on Member States to 6. In response to these challenges, the Ministers maintain ASEAN unity and solidarity in their recognised the achievements of ASOD in participation at the UN CND and related implementing the ASEAN Work Plan on meetings, especially during discussions Combating Illicit Drug Production, Trafficking on the future global drug plan that will and Use (2009 – 2015), which has forged succeed the 2009 Political Declaration and closer regional cooperation and integration. Plan of Action on International Cooperation Moving forward, the Ministers appreciated towards an Integrated and Balanced the work of ASEAN Secretariat and ASOD Strategy to Counter the World Drug in developing the Post-2015 ASEAN Work Problem. As an expression of our unity, the Plan, and thanked Indonesia and Thailand for Ministers launched the green-and-white hosting workshops to facilitate the important Anti-Drug Abuse Ribbon, which signifies discussions on the new Work Plan. health, vitality and strength. Member States are encouraged to use the symbol 7. The Ministers adopted ASEAN Work Plan on in preventive education activities and Securing Communities Against Illicit Drugs campaigns throughout ASEAN, spreading 2016 – 2025 (ASEAN Work Plan 2016 – a common message among youths and 2025) and its regional theme. Aligned with the communities to be resilient against drugs. ASEAN Political-Security and Socio-Cultural Blueprints 2025, the ASEAN Work Plan 2016 4. The Ministers acknowledged that illicit drug – 2025 will guide Member States activities and production, misuse and trafficking remains cooperation on drug matters. The regional a challenge for ASEAN. In this regard, they theme of “Securing ASEAN Communities noted with appreciation Thailand’s Concept Against Illicit Drugs” provides the motivation Paper proposing ASEAN Cooperation to for ASEAN to remain resilient and committed Tackle Illicit Drug Production and Trafficking to protect our people and communities from in the Golden Triangle. The Ministers tasked the dangers of illicit drugs. The Ministers ASOD to consider the operational strategies noted that the ASEAN Work Plan 2016 – 2025 in greater detail. will be reviewed in 2020 (Mid-Term Review) and 2024 (Final Review), accompanied by 5. In their statements, the Ministers also shared interim internal reviews in 2018 and 2022. the following concerns: 8. The Ministers recalled the institutionalisation - Widespread misuse of illicit drugs, of the AMMD on 27 October 2015, which raised especially opiates and amphetamine-type the importance of the AMMD in providing stimulants (ATS), in our communities; political impetus and strategic guidance - New challenges, such as the emergence of to regional efforts in combating the drug New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), and problem. To complete the institutionalisation diversion of precursor chemicals;
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process, the Ministers adopted the Terms of that the ARF has been successful in bringing Reference (ToR) of the ASEAN Ministerial together diverse participants in promoting Meeting on Drug Matters. peace and stability in the region on the basis of consultation and consensus and moving 9. In keeping with the ToR, the AMMD will be forward at a pace comfortable to all ARF held every two years, hosted on a rotational participants. basis as per ASEAN practice. Noting that Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, 4. The Ministers noted with satisfaction Malaysia and Singapore have hosted the the growing number of ARF activities on AMMD, the Ministers welcomed the offer by Preventive Diplomacy (PD) conducted since Viet Nam to host the 6th AMMD in 2018. 2014 which have significantly increased the momentum in the development of regional 10. In concluding, the Ministers reaffirmed PD capacity and expertise. The Ministers ASEAN’s commitment to combat the drug stressed the importance of enhancing problem in the region with a view to “Securing this momentum by conducting further PD ASEAN Communities Against Illicit Drugs”. activities in accordance with the ARF Work Plan on Preventive Diplomacy and consistent 11. The Meeting was held in the traditional spirit with agreed ARF PD principles as contained of ASEAN solidarity and cordiality, in keeping in the ARF Concept and Principles of with ASEAN’s journey towards a region of Preventive Diplomacy adopted in 2001 and “One Vision, One Identity, One Community”. ARF principles as reflected in the ARF Vision Statement of 2004.
*** 5. The Ministers acknowledged the progress in the implementation of the Hanoi Plan of Action to Implement the ARF Vision ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Statement which has enabled the ARF to enhance its effectiveness in addressing the increasingly complex regional challenges. In rd this connection, the Ministers underlined the Chairman’s Statement of the 23 importance of ensuring the comprehensive ASEAN Regional Forum implementation of the remaining action lines of the Plan of Action as well as the current Vientiane, Lao PDR, 26 July 2016 ARF work plans under the respective priority areas in moving the ARF process forward.
“Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic Highlights of Discussions on Regional and ASEAN Community” International Issues
1. The Twenty-Third Meeting of the ASEAN 6. The Ministers welcomed the establishment Regional Forum (ARF) was held in Vientiane, of the ASEAN Community on 31 December Lao PDR on 26 July 2016. The Meeting was 2015 as well as the adoption of the ASEAN chaired by H.E. Saleumxay Kommasith, Community Vision 2025 together with three Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR. ASEAN Community Blueprints which includes the new ASEAN Political-Security Community 2. The Meeting was attended by the Foreign (APSC) Blueprint 2025. The Ministers Ministers and Representatives of all ARF also welcomed the signing of the ASEAN participants. The Secretary-General of Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, ASEAN was also in attendance. The list of Especially Women and Children (ACTIP) delegates appears as ANNEX 1. and noted the eight priorities for Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2016, namely the Overview of the ARF Process implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, narrowing of the development 3. The Ministers emphasised the importance of gap, trade facilitation, small and medium- the ARF as the primary forum for constructive sized enterprises (SMEs) development, dialogue and consultation on political and tourism development, connectivity, decent security issues of mutual interest and concern work promotion: transition to formal economy in the Asia-Pacific region. They recognised
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in ASEAN, and enhancement of regional accordance with international law, including cooperation for the preservation, protection the 1982 United Nations Convention on the and promotion of ASEAN cultural heritage. Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Ministers noted the commitment of the ASEAN Member 7. The Ministers welcomed the adoption of States and China to ensure the full and the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement effective implementation of the Declaration on the Occasion of the 40th Anniversary of on the Conduct of Parties in the South China the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) Sea in its entirety as well as substantive and reaffirmed the TAC as the key code of negotiation for early conclusion of a Code of conduct governing inter-State relations in Conduct in the South China Sea. the region and an indispensable foundation for the maintenance of regional peace and 10. The Ministers reiterated the need for a security. comprehensive, just, and sustainable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in order to 8. The Ministers shared concern over current achieve peace and stability in the Middle developments in the Korean Peninsula, East region. The Ministers urged both sides including the nuclear test on 6 January to actively take positive steps to allow for 2016, rocket launch on 7 February 2016 negotiations to gain traction and work together and ballistic missile launch on 9 July 2016, towards the resumption of direct negotiations by the Democratic People’s Republic of to achieve an enduring peace through a two- Korea (DPRK) which are in violation of the state solution where Palestinians and Israelis UNSC resolutions. The Ministers reaffirmed live side by side in peace. The Ministers the importance of peace and security in this acknowledged the international efforts, in region and reiterated ASEAN’s support for the support of the Middle East Peace Process, th denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a including the convening of the 5 Extraordinary peaceful manner. Most Ministers also urged Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) the DPRK to comply with all relevant UNSC Summit on Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif in resolutions, including the UNSC Resolution Jakarta on 6-7 March 2016. 2270 and called on all parties to exert common efforts to maintain peace and security in 11. The Ministers condemned the recent heinous the said region and create an environment terrorist attacks in various regions including conducive to the early resumption of the Baghdad, Pathankot, Kabul, Dhaka, Nice, Six-Party Talks to make further progress in Istanbul, Brussels and Paris and the continued denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in violent and brutal terrorist acts of the self- a peaceful manner. The Ministers stressed proclaimed Islamic State (IS)/Da’esh and the importance of addressing humanitarian extended their deepest condolences to the concerns. victims and their families. They emphasised the need to counter the increasing terrorist 9. The Ministers exchanged views on maritime activities and global network as well as the issues and reaffirmed the importance of threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters. The maintaining and promoting peace, security Ministers welcomed the Fifth Review of the and stability, safety and freedom of navigation United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism in and over-flight above the South China Sea. Strategy and took note of the United Nations Several Ministers remain seriously concerned Secretary-General’s Plan of Action to Prevent over recent and ongoing developments Violent Extremism. The Ministers called for and the Ministers took note of the concerns a more coordinated and comprehensive expressed by some Ministers on the land approach to countering terrorism and violent reclamations and escalation of activities in extremism, respect for diversity, peace and the South China Sea, which have eroded moderation as a counter-narrative to violent trust and confidence, increased tensions and extremism, including through the promotion of may undermine peace, security and stability religious tolerance and the Global Movement in the region. The Ministers reaffirmed the of Moderates. The Ministers reaffirmed the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence, importance of the full implementation of the exercise self-restraint in the conduct of ASEAN Convention on Counter Terrorism, activities and avoid actions that may further the ASEAN Comprehensive Plan of Action on complicate the situation and pursue peaceful Counter Terrorism, and the relevant provisions resolution of disputes by parties concerned in
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of international law and the UN Charter. The implementing AADMER in the next ten (10) Ministers further resolved to work to limit the years. The Ministers also welcomed the recent access of terrorist groups to funding. launch of the AADMER Work Programme 2016-2020 at the Third AADMER Partnership 12. The Ministers recognised the immediate need Conference in April 2016 in Semarang, to address efficiently, the irregular movement Indonesia and the ASEAN-United Nations of people in Southeast Asia and the Joint Strategic Plan of Action on Disaster Mediterranean through a balance between Management 2016-2020 at the sidelines of humanitarian assistance, addressing the the World Humanitarian Summit in May 2016 root causes of irregular migration and in Istanbul, Turkey. The Ministers looked forced displacement, law enforcement and forward to the One ASEAN One Response cooperation with the countries of origin to strategy which would harness the individual ensure stability and sustainable development and collective strengths of relevant sectors and therefore address the root causes and stakeholders to respond to disasters both of migration. In this regard, the Ministers inside and outside the region. welcomed the adoption of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Combating Transnational 14. The Ministers reiterated the importance of Crime and the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on strengthening the international cooperative Irregular Movement of Persons in Southeast efforts in nuclear non-proliferation, nuclear Asia by the 10th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on disarmament and peaceful uses of nuclear Transnational Crime (AMMTC) in September energy. The Ministers of the States Parties 2015. They looked forward to the UN Summit to the NPT reaffirmed their unwavering on Addressing Large Movements of Refugees commitment to the NPT and stressed and Migrants on 19 September 2016. the importance of regional dialogues in implementing NPT commitments in a 13. The Ministers expressed condolences to the balanced manner. The Ministers recognised victims and their families of recent natural that transparency and confidence-building disasters, including the earthquakes in measures (TCBMs) and progress on global Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ecuador, India, nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation Japan, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan, can play a role in improving the security the floods in the United States, Europe environment of the Asia-Pacific region. The (France, Germany, Turkey, United Kingdom Ministers noted the importance of preserving and Italy), China and Sri Lanka and the the Southeast Asia region as a Nuclear wildfires in Russia, Canada and Australia. Weapon-Free Zone and free of all other The Ministers recognised the region’s weapons of mass destruction as enshrined in vulnerability to natural cooperation in disaster the ASEAN Charter and the Southeast Asia risk reduction, preparedness, response and Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) recovery through the existing regional and Treaty. The Ministers affirmed the importance international mechanisms. They reiterated of promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy the importance of strengthening synergies, that meets norms of safety, security and non- across related regional fora, for the effective proliferation. implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Review of Activities of the Current Inter- Response (AADMER) as the common Sessional Year (2015-2016) platform for disaster management in the region and reaffirmed support for the ASEAN 15. The Ministers noted with satisfaction the Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian implementation of ARF Track 1 activities in Assistance on disaster management (AHA the Inter-Sessional Year of 2015-2016 which Centre) as the operational engine of AADMER. has strengthened the ARF as a valuable The Ministers welcomed the adoption of the multilateral platform for constructive dialogue ASEAN Vision 2025 on Disaster Management and cooperation on political and security by the 3rd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on issues of common interests and concerns Disaster Management (AMMDM) and the in the Asia-Pacific region. The Ministers 4th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties commended the work of the ARF Senior (COP) to the AADMER held on 16 December Officials’ Meeting (ARF SOM) held in Luang 2015 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, to serve Prabang, Lao PDR on 8 May 2016 and the as broad direction and policy guidance on ARF Inter-sessional Support Group Meeting
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on Confidence Building Measures and e. 10th ARF Expert and Eminent Persons Preventive Diplomacy (ARF ISG on CBMs Meeting (EEPs), co-chaired by Singapore and PD), co-chaired by the Lao PDR and and Australia, in Singapore on 29 February India, that was held in New Delhi on 11-12 – 2 March 2016. April 2016. The Ministers noted the reports and endorsed the recommendations made 19. The Ministers also welcomed the outcomes of in the reports which appear as ANNEX 2 and ARF Track 1 activities which were successfully ANNEX 3. implemented in the inter-sessional year 2015- 2016 as follows: 16. The Ministers reiterated the importance of enhancing defence and security cooperation a. ARF Bio-Preparedness Table Top Exercise in the ARF as a means of strengthening civil- (TTX), Manila, Philippines, 11-13 August military cooperation and coordination, and 2015; to complement the work of the ADMM-Plus. In this regard, the Ministers appreciated the b. 19th ARF Heads of Defence Universities/ contributions of defence officials to the ARF Colleges/Institutions Meeting (HDUCIM), process and endorsed the recommendations th Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, 1-4 September of the ARF DOD and the 13 ARF Security 2015; Policy Conference (ASPC). The reports of the DOD in April and May and the report of c. ARF Workshop on Promoting the Nuclear- the 13th ASPC appear as ANNEX 4, ANNEX Weapon-Free Status of Mongolia, 5 and ANNEX 6. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, 3-4 September 2015; 17. The Ministers noted the assessment by ASEAN on the practicality of convening d. ARF Workshop on Raising Awareness and one ARF ISG on CBMs and PD in the inter- Promoting ARF Cooperation on CBRN sessional year 2015-2016 and endorsed Risk Mitigation, Manila, Philippines, 8-10 the continuation of the practice in next inter- September 2015; sessional years. e. ARF Workshop on First Response Support 18. The Ministers welcomed the outcomes of for Victims of Terrorism and Other Mass the following Meetings. The reports of these Casualty Events, Manila, Philippines, 22-23 meetings appear as ANNEX 7, ANNEX 8, September 2015; ANNEX 9, ANNEX 10, and ANNEX 11. f. ARF Seminar on Operationalizing Cyber a. 15th ARF ISM on Disaster Relief (ISM on CBMs in the ARF, Singapore, 21-22 DR), co-chaired by Myanmar, China and October 2015; Japan, in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on 25-26 February 2016; g. ARF Seminar and Training on Preventive Diplomacy and Mediation, Yogyakarta, b. 14th ARF ISM on Counter-Terrorism and Indonesia, 29 November – 2 December Transnational Crime (ISM on CTTC), co- 2015; chaired by Cambodia and European Union,
in Siem Reap, Cambodia on 21-22 March rd 2016; h. 3 ARF Workshop on Space Security, Beijing, China, 30 November – 2 December 2015; c. 8th ARF ISM on Maritime Security (ISM on MS), co-chaired by the Philippines, Japan and the United States of America, in Manila, i. ARF Workshop on Maritime Risks Philippines on 6-7 April 2016; Management and Cooperation, Beijing, China, 13-15 December 2015; d. 8th ARF ISM on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (ISM on NPD), co-chaired by Canada, New Zealand and Malaysia, held j. ARF Workshop on Marine Oil Spill in Putrajaya, Malaysia on 19-20 April 2016; Emergency Response Management and and Disposal Cooperation, Kunming, China, 17- 18 December 2015;
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k. 10th ARF Experts and Eminent Persons Ministers welcomed the convening of PD- (EEPs) Meeting, Singapore, 29 February – related training sessions and activities in the 2 March 2016; next inter-sessional year in moving forward the development of PD in the region. l. ARF Workshop on Operationalising Confidence Building Measures for 21. The Ministers welcomed the Philippines and Cooperation during Cyber-incident Canada as the Co-Chairs of the ARF ISG on Response, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2-3 CBMs and PD and ARF DOD for the inter- March 2016; sessional year 2016-2017.
m. ARF Training Course on Preventive 22. The Ministers welcomed the progress made Diplomacy, Ha Noi, Viet Nam, 2-4 March in the work of the ARF ISM on DR, on CTTC, 2016; on MS and on NPD in the previous Inter- Sessional Year. In this context, the Ministers n. ARF Workshop on Strengthening welcomed Thailand and the Republic of Korea Management of Cross-Border Movement of to co-chair the th ARF ISM on DR; Indonesia th Criminals, Guangzhou, China, 8-10 March and India to co-chair the 15 ARF ISM on 2016; CTTC; the Philippines, Japan and the United States to continue co-chairing the 9th ARF ISM on MS; and Malaysia, Canada and New o. ARF Workshop on Improving Fisheries th Management, Honolulu, United States, 22- Zealand to continue co-chairing the 9 ISM on 23 March 2016; NPD. The Ministers also welcomed Viet Nam, Australia and the EU to co-chair the ISM on MS for the next cycle of 2017-2020. p. ARF Workshop on Green Shipping, Hangzhou, China, 29-30 March 2016; 23. The Ministers recognised the importance of Security of and in the Use of Information q. ARF Workshop on Illegal, Unreported and and Communications Technologies (ICTs) Unregulated Fishing, Bali, Indonesia, 19 – and also affirmed the need to enhance 21 April 2016; cooperation to promote a peaceful, secure, open and cooperative ICTs environment and r. ARF Workshop on National Maritime Single to prevent conflict and crises by developing Points of Contact, Cebu City, Philippines, trust and confidence between states and 28-29 April 2016; by capacity building in accordance with the implementation of the ARF Work Plan on s. ARF Capacity Building Workshop on Ship Security of and in the Use of ICTs. They noted Profiling, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 24-25 various efforts by some ARF participants May 2016; to explore a way for further cooperation including the proposal for a meeting of ARF t. ARF Workshop on Climate Change ICT experts in the 2016-2017 Inter-Sessional Adaptation and Disaster Management, Year to make recommendations to establish Bangkok, Thailand, 31 May – 1 June 2016; an open-ended Study Group on Confidence and Building Measures to reduce the risk of conflict stemming from the use of ICTs, the proposal to u. ARF Workshop on Urban Emergency establish an ARF Directory of Cyber Points of Rescue, Shanghai, China, 10-14 July 2016. Contact, and possibility of the establishment of the Inter-Sessional Meeting on ICTs (ISM Programme of Work for the Next Inter- on ICTs). In this regard, the Ministers tasked Sessional Year (2016-2017) officials to continue consultations.
20. The Ministers reaffirmed the commitment 24. The Ministers welcomed the ongoing activities to continue promoting confidence building on space security and emphasized the role measures while at the same time developing of the ARF, such as ARF Space Security PD tools and expertise that are suited to Workshop to deepen understandings among the needs of the region. In this regard, the the member countries on the space security issues.
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25. The Ministers commended the work of the ARF 30. The Ministers emphasised that civil-military EEPs in advancing the ARF process through cooperation and coordination have been an their discussions and recommendations. essential element of effective disaster relief In this regard, the Ministers noted the and response. recommendations made by the ARF EEPs at th their 10 Meeting in Singapore and expressed 31. The Ministers reaffirmed the important role support for the proposed ARF EEPs Study of the Hanoi Plan of Action to Implement on Lessons Learned and Best Practices in the ARF Vision Statement in guiding the Managing Incidents at Sea. The Ministers ARF to become a more ‘action-oriented’ welcomed Viet Nam and Australia as the Co- forum at a pace that is comfortable to all th Chairs of the 11 ARF EEPs Meeting for the ARF participants. The Ministers noted the inter-sessional year 2016-2017. discussions on conducting an update of the Hanoi Plan of Action particularly on action 26. The Ministers reaffirmed the procedure that lines that have been implemented or are no all proposed ARF activities, work plans, longer relevant. The Ministers commended concept papers and statements should the ARF Unit of the ASEAN Secretariat for first be discussed at the ISG/ISM level and its effort in preparing the Matrix of the Status endorsed at the ARF SOM before it is brought of the Implementation of the Hanoi Plan of for the consideration of the ARF Ministers. Action and in highlighting the implementation The Ministers encouraged the respective rates of the action lines. The Matrix appears Co-Chairs of proposed activities to schedule as ANNEX 17. their respective activities so that they are conducted prior to the ARF SOM. In this 32. The Ministers emphasised the need for regard, the Ministers approved the List of enhanced coordination and synergy between Track 1 Activities for the inter-sessional Year the works of ARF with other ASEAN-led 2016-2017 which appears as ANNEX 12. mechanisms to ensure the complementarity of initiatives and avoid unnecessary duplication 27. The Ministers decided to adopt the following of efforts. Statements which appear as ANNEX 13, ANNEX 14, and ANNEX 15. 33. The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of strengthening partnerships with Track 2 a. ARF Statement on Strengthening organisations such as the Network of ASEAN Cooperation in the Management of Cross- Defense Institutes (NADI), Council for Security Border Movement of Criminals; Cooperation in the Asia Pacific (CSCAP) and the ASEAN Institute of Strategic and b. ARF Ministerial Statement on Enhancing International Studies (ASEAN-ISIS) in order Cooperation among Maritime Law to add value to the ARF process and enhance Enforcement Agencies; and ARF’s role and relevance as the central pillar in the evolving regional security architecture. c. ARF Ministerial Statement on Recent Tragic Terrorist Attacks. 34. The Ministers welcomed the involvement of ARF EEPs as well as Track 2 representatives 28. The Ministers noted the latest draft of the at the relevant ARF meetings and activities. ARF Statement on Cooperation to Prevent, The Ministers also expressed appreciation Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and to the EEPs for their active contributions in Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, co-sponsored by support of the ARF process. In this regard, Indonesia, the United States and Timor-Leste the Ministers noted the recommendation for to be further revisited at a later stage. The the EEPs to become Preventive Diplomacy latest draft is attached as ANNEX 16. focal points for the ARF.
Future Direction of the ARF Process 35. The Ministers expressed their appreciation for the ARF Unit of the ASEAN Secretariat in 29. The Ministers welcomed the Philippines as supporting the 23rd ARF Chair, Co-Chairs of the Chair of the 24th ARF, beginning on 1 ARF ISMs and other ARF endorsed meetings January 2017. and activities. The Ministers noted the Matrix of ARF Decisions and their Status which is
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regularly updated and has been a useful understanding and transparency among ARF document in charting the ARF’s progress participants. To this end, the Ministers called through the years. The Matrix appears as for regular contributions to the ARF ASO from ANNEX 18. a broader range of participants to promote further clarity and transparency. 36. The Ministers welcomed the publication of the 2016 ARF Annual Security Outlook *** (ARF ASO) which is an essential document in fostering confidence building, mutual
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106
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ASEAN Economic Ministers outlook, the region’s economy is projected to grow by 4.5 per cent in 2016, and while this Meeting (AEM) is 0.2 percentage point lower than the growth rate in 2015 growth is forecasted to accelerate to 4.8 per cent in 2017, supported by strong Joint Media Statement of the private and public consumption and improved 48th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ efficiency in infrastructure. (AEM) Meeting 4. The Ministers were encouraged that ASEAN total merchandise trade remained resilient Vientiane, Lao PDR, 3 August 2016 and reached US$2.28 trillion in 2015, of which 24 per cent was intra-ASEAN trade, highlighting the continuing development of th 1. The 48 Meeting of the ASEAN Economic regional production networks. Among its Ministers (AEM) was held on 3 August 2016 external trading partners, China remained in Vientiane, Lao PDR. It was chaired by the top trading partner of ASEAN with total H.E. Mrs. Khemmani Pholsena, Minister of bilateral trade at 15.2 per cent of total ASEAN th Industry and Commerce, Lao PDR. The 48 trade, followed by Japan at 10.5 per cent, AEM was preceded by a preparatory meeting EU-28 at 10.0 per cent, and the US at 9.3 of the Senior Economic Officials. The AEM per cent. also held joint meetings with the 30th ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) Council and the 19th 5. The Ministers also noted that foreign direct ASEAN Investment Area (AIA) Council. investment (FDI) inflows to ASEAN stood at US$120.0 billion in 2015. While intra-ASEAN 2. The Ministers exchanged views on the recent FDI remained stable at US$22.1 billion in global developments and their impact on 2015, its share of total FDI has increased to the economic performance and integration 18.5 per cent in 2015, signalling the positive agenda in the region. They highlighted that, impact of ASEAN economic integration on collectively, ASEAN has achieved important promoting the region as a preferred investment and positive achievements in its regional destination. The EU remained the largest integration initiatives, and, in general, ASEAN external source of FDI flows, accounting for Member States have remained relatively 16.4 per cent of the total inflows to the region, resilient in the midst of global uncertainties. followed by Japan at 14.5 per cent, the US The Ministers underscored the significance at 10.2 per cent and China at 6.8 per cent. of the year 2016 as the inaugural year of the The services sector remained as the largest ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) following recipient of FDI in 2015 with US$74.9 billion its formal establishment, and highlighted the or 62.5 per cent of total FDI inflows to ASEAN, need to use this momentum by strengthening followed by the manufacturing sector with its commitment towards deeper integration 24.2 per cent. under the AEC Blueprint 2025. 6. Despite ASEAN’s relatively robust economic Economic Performance performance in 2015, the Ministers acknowledged that the region is exposed to 3. The Ministers expressed concern over the both domestic and external risks and economic diminished outlook in global growth, which challenges, from continued moderation in the presented inevitable challenges to the Chinese economy to uncertainties over the region’s economic performance. Despite the new relationship between the UK and the external conditions, the Ministers highlighted EU after Brexit. To this end, the Ministers that ASEAN has continued to evolve to be reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to continue a significant contributor to the global growth the integration process and build on the with a collective GDP of US$2.43 trillion in 2015, based on preliminary ASEAN statistics. At the backdrop of moderate global economic
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region’s collective strengths and potentials 10. The Ministers highlighted the imperative towards a high-growth, sustainable and of effective monitoring to support effective resilient economic community. implementation of the Blueprint. The Ministers welcomed efforts to enhance integration ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint monitoring for AEC 2025, by going beyond 2025 compliance monitoring to cover outcomes monitoring and impact evaluation. To this 7. The Ministers reiterated their commitment end, the Ministers endorsed the AEC 2025 to implement the AEC Blueprint 2025, which Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. was adopted by the ASEAN Leaders at the 27th ASEAN Summit on 22 November 11. The Ministers emphasised the importance 2015 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and which of strengthened institutions, resource provides broad directions for the AEC for the mobilisation and communication efforts to next ten years. The Ministers were confident effective implementation of the Blueprint. The that the new Blueprint will elevate economic Ministers reiterated the value of partnership integration agenda in the region, building on arrangements with the private sector, industry the progress and achievements to date and associations and the wider community at the by being forward-looking, while taking into regional and national levels in ensuring an consideration the lessons learned and the inclusive and participatory approach to the evolving global and regional contexts. regional integration process.
8. The Ministers welcomed efforts to put in Priority Deliverables for Lao PDR’s Chairmanship place the implementation and monitoring mechanisms for the AEC Blueprint 2025. 12. The Ministers congratulated Lao PDR for its The Ministers welcomed the finalisation leadership in the successful delivery of the of the sectoral work plans on areas under priorities under its ASEAN Chairmanship. The its purview, and to this end adopted the Ministers noted that these priority deliverables following: AEC 2025 Strategic Action Plan would provide impetus to the advancement of for Trade in Goods; the Strategic Action ASEAN economic integration agenda under Plan for Services 2016-2025; the 2016- the AEC Blueprint 2025. The Ministers agreed 2025 Investment Work Programme; ASEAN that more outreach and commitment to follow Standards and Conformance Strategic Plan through on these priority deliverables would 2016-2025; ASEAN Competition Action Plan be required so as to realise their potential 2016-2025; ASEAN Strategic Action Plan for benefits. Consumer Protection 2016-2025; ASEAN Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Action Plan 13. To this end, the Ministers adopted the ASEAN 2016-2025; ASEAN Community Statistical Trade Facilitation Framework, which would System (ACSS) Strategic Plan 2016-2025; further the region’s trade facilitation agenda and ASEAN Work Plan for Enhancing the in line with the AEC Blueprint 2025; the GVC Agenda. ASEAN Food Safety Regulatory Framework, which would also be adopted in parallel by the 9. The Ministers noted that the sectoral work ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Fisheries plans under other AEC ministerial bodies and the ASEAN Health Ministers’ Meeting; the have also been finalised and adopted. To this ASEAN Institutional Framework on Access end, the Ministers noted the publication of the to Finance for the Micro, Small and Medium Strategic Action Plans for ASEAN Financial Enterprises (MSME), which would contribute Integration 2016-2025. The Ministers also to the development and empowerment noted that the sectoral work plans will be of MSMEs in the region; the Report and reviewed and updated periodically to ensure Work Programme on Starting a Business in their relevance and effectiveness. The ASEAN, which would advance the region’s Ministers further noted the development agenda in streamlining the starting a business of a consolidated strategic action plan, process; and the ASEAN Guidelines for as envisaged in the Blueprint, and looked Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Development forward to its finalisation. and Collaboration, which will serve as a non- binding reference of best practices in the development and operation of SEZs and
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potential collaboration/ complementarities (ATR), ASEAN Solutions for Investments, in the region. The Ministers expressed Services and Trade (ASSIST), ASEAN appreciation to the ASEAN Regional Single Window (ASW), and standards and Integration Support from the EU (EU-ARISE) conformance. and the Organisation for Economic Co- operation and Development (OECD) for their Self-Certification support to the development of some of these priority deliverables. 18. The Ministers welcomed the smooth implementation of the two Self-Certification 14. The Ministers were pleased to launch the Pilot Projects and the recent participation of ASEAN Tariff Finder (http://tariff-finder. Myanmar in the first Self-certification Pilot asean.org/), and highlighted that this is a new Project. The Ministers also noted the progress practical tool for businesses, particularly the made in converging the two Pilot Projects MSMEs in the form of a no-cost online search towards a trade-facilitative ASEAN-wide self- engine to obtain up-to-date information on certification regime. The Ministers recognised tariff related information applied by ASEAN that more time may be needed for all ASEAN Member States and their Free Trade Member States to develop the capacity and Agreement (FTA) Partners under the various expertise to implement a region-wide self- ASEAN+1 FTAs. certification regime, and encouraged ASEAN Member States to expedite work in this regard. 15. The Ministers welcomed the adoption of the Once the ASEAN-wide self-certification Pakse Declaration on the ASEAN Roadmap initiative is fully in place, it will provide the for Strategic Development of Ecotourism business community an added advantage by Clusters and Economic Corridors by the reducing the cost and time of doing business ASEAN Tourism Ministers, which signified in the region. the commitment to create more economic opportunities, empower the rural communities, Electronic ATIGA Form D and contribute to the protection of natural resources and biodiversity. The Ministers also 19. The Ministers were pleased to note that all welcomed progress made in the work on the ASEAN Member States have endorsed the ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award and the amended ATIGA’s Operational Certification Master Plan for CLMV Development. Procedure (OCP) to allow the acceptance of e-Form D under the ASW, which is aimed at Trade in Goods expediting cargo clearance and enhancing economic integration in ASEAN. 16. The Ministers welcomed the significant progress made in tariff liberalisation and ASEAN Trade Repository elimination in ASEAN. To date, import duties on 99.2% of ATIGA tariff lines of Brunei 20. The Ministers reiterated the importance of Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the developing initiatives to address non-tariff Philippines, Singapore and Thailand (ASEAN measures/barriers (NTMs/NTBs) in ASEAN 6) have been eliminated, while import duties more effectively. The Ministers were pleased on 90.9% of ATIGA tariff lines of Cambodia, to note that since the launching of the ATR Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam (CLMV) in November 2015, all ASEAN Members have been eliminated. Overall, 96.01% of States have established their National Trade all tariff lines in ASEAN have already been Repositories (NTRs) and are in the process eliminated. By 2018, the percentages of tariff of linking the information in their respective elimination for ASEAN-6, CLMV and ASEAN NTRs to the ATR, which provides a one-stop will be at 99.20%, 97.81% and 98.67% online database containing all ASEAN trade respectively. and customs related information, including the ASEAN NTM database. The ATR will enhance 17. The Ministers expressed ASEAN’s continued transparency and improve information access commitment to enhance trade facilitation to businesses. through implementation of various initiatives including self-certification, electronic ATIGA Form D (e-Form D), ASEAN Trade Repository
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ASEAN Solutions for Investments, Services and initiative in promoting seamless movement of Trade goods across the region, the Minister called for the finalisation of the Protocol 2 (Designation 21. The Ministers also commended the good of Frontier Posts) of ASEAN Framework efforts made by ASEAN Member States Agreement on Facilitation of Goods in Transit to prepare for the full operationalisation of (AFAFGIT) and the full ratification of Protocol the consultation mechanism through the 7 (Customs Transit System) of AFAFGIT by establishment of the ASEAN Solutions for all ASEAN Member States. Investments, Services and Trade (ASSIST). The ASSIST (http://assist.asean.org) is an Standards and Conformance internet-based and business–friendly facility for receiving and responding to complaints 25. The Ministers noted the progress made submitted by ASEAN-based businesses. by the ASEAN Consultative Committee TheMinisters welcomed the launch of the for Standards and Quality (ACCSQ) on th ASSIST at the 48 AEM Meeting, and eliminating Technical Barriers to Trade encouraged ASEAN-based businesses to (TBT) in ASEAN through the harmonisation make use of the new platform to address of standards and technical requirements, any concerns or difficulties that they may initiatives on conformity assessment and legal encounter while doing business in ASEAN. metrology, development and implementation The ASSIST system will initially be open to of mutual recognition arrangements (MRAs) business feedbacks in the area of trade in and harmonisation of regulatory regimes. goods, but will eventually be expanded to include trade in services and investment at a 26. The Ministers are pleased with the progress later time. on finalisation of the ASEAN MRA for Bio- Equivalence (BE) Study Reports of Generic ASEAN Single Window Medicinal Products, which facilitate the movement of generic medicinal products within 22. The Ministers commended the successful ASEAN without compromising quality, safety testing of the electronic exchange of the e-Form and efficacy of the products. The Ministers D between exchange-ready Member States, urged ASEAN Member States to intensify namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, necessary efforts for the early conclusion of Thailand and Viet Nam. The Ministers the MRAs on automotive, prepared foodstuff, welcomed the live exchange of the e-Form and building and construction materials. D by Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand through the ASW enabling infrastructure and 27. The Ministers are encouraged by the urged other ASEAN Member States to do so completion of the harmonised technical as soon as possible. requirements on traditional medicines and health supplements and looked forward to 23. The Ministers also urged ASEAN Member the finalisation of the ASEAN Agreement on States to exert best efforts in expediting Traditional Medicines and ASEAN Agreement the ratification of the Protocol on the Legal on Health Supplements as soon as possible. Framework to Implement the ASEAN Single The Ministers also underscored the Window so that the live operation of ASW can importance of completing the transposition commence in 2016. of the ASEAN Harmonised Electrical and Electronic Regulatory Regime in their national ASEAN Customs Transit System legislation or regulations in 2016, for its implementation. 24. The Ministers commended the on-going works on the implementation of the ASEAN Investment Customs Transit System (ACTS) Pilot Project to be conducted amongst three (3) Member 28. Pursuant to the ASEAN Comprehensive States namely Malaysia, Singapore and Investment Agreement (ACIA), which serves Thailand. The success of the ACTS Pilot as ASEAN’s main economic instrument in Project would pave the way for the ACTS realising the free flow of investment, ASEAN system to be rolled-out to other ASEAN Member States have implemented various Member States. Noting the importance of this domestic reforms to improve their business
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environment, particularly in terms of facilitating that this marked a step forward, and looked investment, increasing transparency and forward to the implementation of AQRF on achieving further liberalisation in the region. a voluntary basis, which is envisaged to facilitate skilled labour mobility in the region. 29. In line with this, the Ministers welcomed the completion of the Second Protocol to Amend Intellectual Property ACIA to put into effect the decisions made last year on the built-in-agenda of the ACIA 35. The Ministers noted that four strategic goals and noted the progress towards finalising the in the ASEAN Intellectual Property Rights endorsement of the revised Reservation List of Action Plan 2016-2025 will be achieved in Malaysia under the ACIA. As these measures the next ten years through nineteen initiatives would further enhance the implementation that span the full spectrum of the intellectual and effectiveness of this Agreement, the property (IP) life cycle. Ministers urged ASEAN Members States to complete their domestic procedures to 36. The Ministers welcomed the early progress endorse the said Reservation List as well as in the implementation of initiatives in the to sign the Protocol at the soonest. ASEAN IPR Action Plan 2016-2025 through the conduct of the IP diagnostics, which is 30. The Ministers also welcomed the inclusion of envisaged to assist the IP Offices in defining outcomes-level key performance indicators appropriate legal and institutional frameworks in the updated 2016-2025 Investment Work that will enable them to fulfil their mandates Programme to support monitoring of ASEAN’s and deliver quality services that meet the progress to achieve free flow of investment. expectations of stakeholders. The updated Work Programme also provides more information on the action lines and 37. The Ministers noted that five ASEAN Member corresponding activities. States (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Philippines, Singapore and Viet Nam) are already parties Trade in Services to the Madrid Protocol and commended efforts by the remaining ASEAN Member 31. The Ministers welcomed the completion of the States to move forward with their accession signing of the Protocol to Implement the Ninth processes. The Ministers commended the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services conclusion of the Madrid Protocol Project (AFAS) Package done on 27 November 2015 Phase 2 under the AANZFTA Programme and in Makati City, the Philippines. looked forward to the successful completion of the Madrid Protocol Project Phase 3, which 32. The Ministers also welcomed the completion will begin in the third quarter of 2016 to further of the ratification of the ASEAN Agreement assist the remaining ASEAN Member States on Movement of Natural Persons, which has in their accession initiatives. entered into force on 14 June 2016 and shall facilitate the movement of ASEAN people 38. The Ministers were pleased with the expanding engaging in trade: in goods, trade in services usage of the ASEAN Patent Examination and investment in the region. Cooperation (ASPEC) and welcomed efforts by the ASEAN Member States to enhance 33. The Ministers looked forward to the progress procedures to make the platform more user- made in the Tenth AFAS Package that will friendly. mark the final AFAS package towards free flow of services in the region. 39. The Ministers noted the role of Dialogue Partners in the implementation of the ASEAN ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework IPR Action Plan 2016-2025 and welcomed the signing of the new five-year Arrangement 34. The Ministers endorsed the ASEAN on Cooperation on IPR with the United States Qualification Reference Framework (AQRF) Patent and Trademark Office in March 2016, Governance and Structure document, and the endorsement of the ASEAN-Japan following its endorsement by the ASEAN Action Plan 2016-2017 in July 2016. The Labour Ministers and the ASEAN Education Ministers were pleased with the outcomes of Ministers respectively. They recognised the Third ASEAN-European Union Heads of IP
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Offices Meeting in July 2016, which reaffirmed aseanconsumer.org/accp/) were seen as key the list of priority areas for IP cooperation in initiatives towards strengthening consumer the context of the current EU-ASEAN Project protection in ASEAN. on the Protection of IP (ECAP-III) as well as the expected approval of the new five-year 43. The Ministers further welcomed the steps EU-ASEAN Project on IPR beginning in 2017. being put in place for a Common ASEAN Framework on Consumer Protection under Competition Policy ASAPCP 2025 through the development of a set of high-level principles, modernisation of 40. The Ministers welcomed the significant legislation and establishment of alternative progress in enacting comprehensive dispute settlement mechanisms, which competition laws, with nine ASEAN Member will be undertaken with the support of the States having such competition laws to ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation date. In addition, the Ministers welcomed Programme II (AADCP II). the initiatives on institution building such as expert secondments and exchanges, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises capacity building in investigations and economic analysis as well as measures to 44. The Ministers welcomed the implementation foster a competition aware region through of the ASEAN Strategic Action Plan for SME the revamped ASEAN Competition website Development 2016-2025 (SAPSMED 2025), (http://www.asean-competition.org/) and the following its launch in November 2015 on the ASEAN advocacy toolkit. side-lines of the 27th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. 41. The Ministers noted the key performance indicators (KPIs) identified in the ASEAN 45. The SAPSMED 2025 comprises five Competition Action Plan 2016-2025 (ACAP strategic goals: (a) promote technology, 2025), which would monitor progress towards productivity and innovation; (b) increase effective and enforceable competition rules access to finance; (c) enhance market that support a competitive ASEAN with access and internationalisation; (d) enhance efficient and well-functioning markets. In the policy and regulatory environment; and addition, the on-going work to implement (e) promote entrepreneurship and human the ACAP 2025 was noted and the Ministers capital development. The Ministers noted the expressed appreciation for the support from various projects initiated under each strategic the ASEAN-German Competition Policy and area, among others the 5th ASEAN–OECD Law programme (Phase II) and the ASEAN- Regional Policy Network (RPN) Meeting Australia Competition Law Implementation on promoting productivity, technology and (Phase II) Programme. innovation; a technology transfer programme for SMEs; a basic survey on credit guarantee Consumer Protection schemes; research studies on crowd funding and alternative financing; three 42. The Ministers noted the need to build sector-specific capacity building workshops consumer confidence in fair and transparent (automotive, digital economy, cosmetics) to ASEAN markets and to achieve this including assist in integrating MSMEs into the value/ through collaboration of national consumer supply chain; launching of the ASEAN SME administrations and consumer organisations. Academy and the Validation Workshop on Towards this end, the Ministers welcomed “Starting a Business” in ASEAN. the KPIs identified in the ASEAN Strategic Action Plan for Consumer Protection 2016- 46. Noting the progress, the Ministers encouraged 2025 (ASAPCP 2025) that contribute to these the relevant agencies and parties involved objectives. In supporting consumer protection to intensify their efforts towards delivering activities in ASEAN, the completion of the the SAPSMED 2025 strategic goals. In this public awareness models and guidelines, six connection, the Ministers welcomed the training modules, and the improved ASEAN on-going collaboration and support of the consumer protection website (http://www. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia
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(ERIA), the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund Ministers noted the efforts made by the and the AEM-METI Economic Cooperation ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN- Committee (AMEICC), the Korea-ASEAN BAC) to initiate engagement of relevant Industrial Technology Cooperation, the OECD ASEAN sectoral bodies, starting with the Programme for ASEAN SMEs (OPAS) and ASEAN Coordinating Committee on MSME, the Government of Canada, and the USAID aside from its annual high-level engagement ASEAN Connectivity through Trade and through dialogue with the ASEAN Economic Investment project (US-ACTI). Ministers, and with the ASEAN Leaders. The Ministers also welcomed the ASEAN-BAC’s Narrowing the Development Gap efforts to build a more structured engagement process with the other business councils. 47. The Ministers re-affirmed their commitment The more coordinated approach would also to address the narrowing of development help in supporting the dialogues between the gap through the CLMV Senior Economic ASEAN Economic Ministers and the other Officials Meeting (SEOM) Action Plan and ASEAN Plus 1 Business Councils, especially the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work on issues of common interest to the private Plan III (2016-2020). The activities are aimed sector. at assisting CLMV to enhance their capacity in implementing ASEAN commitments and 50. The Ministers also noted the ASEAN-BAC’s accelerate the regional integration process. work programme for 2016 which focuses on working with ASEAN sectoral bodies in operationalising its priorities to facilitate trade ASEAN Community Statistical System and investment in agri-food, retail (including e-Commerce), logistics, and healthcare. The 48. The Ministers welcomed the progress made Ministers welcomed the organisation of the by the ASEAN Community Statistical System AEC Symposium 2016 on Global Megatrends, (ACSS) Committee in further strengthening which will be held in collaboration with the the regional statistical cooperation among ASEAN-BAC and with support from the the ASEAN Member States under the ACSS ASEAN Australia Development Cooperation Strategic Plan 2016-2025. The Ministers Program (AADCP) II as part of this year’s welcomed the progress in key initiatives ASEAN Business and Investment Summit including the review of the Broad Framework (ABIS) 2016 on 5-7 September 2016, on the for the Sustainable Development of ASEAN side-lines of the 28th ASEAN Summit. Statistics, resumption of the ASEAN Advisory Group on System of National Accounts, the External Economic Relations ongoing harmonisation of key statistical areas of merchandise trade, trade in services and foreign direct investment, as well as the 51. The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of implementation of the ACSS Communication integrating ASEAN into the regional and global Strategy to engage users on ASEAN regional economies. They welcomed the respective data requirements. The Ministers also entry into force of the First Protocol to Amend expressed appreciation to the ACSS for its the Agreement Establishing the ASEAN- continuing efforts in enhancing the statistical Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement capacity of AMS and ASEAN Secretariat (AANZFTA) on 1 October 2015; of the Third to provide relevant, timely and comparable Protocol to Amend the ASEAN-Korea Trade statistics in support of integration monitoring in Goods Agreement on 1 January 2016; as well as an evidence-based policy and and of the Protocol to Amend the Framework decision making in ASEAN. Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Co- operation between ASEAN and China and Certain Agreements Thereunder on 1 July Public-Private Sector Engagement 2016.
49. The Ministers welcomed the strengthening 52. The Ministers were pleased with the progress of the role of the private sector as outlined in in the work to improve the existing FTAs with the AEC Blueprint 2025, which encourages the Dialogue Partners to ensure that these greater involvement and more structured agreements are trade facilitative and remain participation of the private sector in ASEAN relevant to the current global and regional integration work. In this connection, the
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contexts. Among the key achievements the AADCP II, EU-ARISE, the Regional EU- were the commencement of the review of ASEAN Dialogue Instrument (READI), the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement, EU-ASEAN Capacity Building Programme for the ongoing discussion to conduct general Monitoring Integration Progress and Statistics review of the AANZFTA Agreement, and the (EU-ASEAN COMPASS), the US ACTI, substantial conclusion of the ASEAN-Japan the German Federal Ministry for Economic Comprehensive Economic Partnership Cooperation and Development (BMZ) (AJCEP) investment negotiations. The projects as implemented by the GIZ and the Ministers welcomed the progress made in the support provided by the Asian Development ASEAN-Hong Kong, China FTA negotiations. Bank, the World Bank, International Monetary They also welcomed the collaboration Fund (IMF) and ERIA. activities with ASEAN’s non-FTA dialogue partners through the development and LIST OF MINISTERS implementation of the respective Work Programmes with these partners. The Hon. Pehin Dato Lim Jock Seng, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of 53. The Ministers welcomed the good progress Foreign Affairs and Trade, Brunei Darussalam; H.E. made in the Regional Comprehensive Pan Sorasak, Minister of Commerce, Cambodia; Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations, H.E. Vongsey Vissoth, Secretary of State, Ministry and commended the efforts made by all of Economy and Finance, Cambodia; H.E. Sar RCEP participating countries (RPCs) in Senera, Undersecretary of State (representing advancing negotiations towards its successful H.E. Sok Chenda Sophea, Minister attached conclusion. The Ministers noted progress in to the Prime Minister and Secretary-General of the drafting of texts for the agreed elements Cambodian Investment Board, Council for the under all areas of negotiation, and urged Development of Cambodia); Mr Iman Pambagyo, RPCs to keep the momentum in advancing Director General of International Trade Negotiation, the negotiations. Ministry of Trade, Indonesia (representing H.E. Enggartiasto Lukita, Minister of Trade, Indonesia); Technical Assistance and Capacity-Building H.E. Thomas Trikasih Lembong, Chairman of Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board; H.E. Mrs. Khemmani Pholsena, Minister of Industry 54. ASEAN’s integration efforts have been and Commerce, Lao PDR; H.E. Dato’ Sri Mustapa strongly supported through technical Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and assistance and capacity building rendered Industry, Malaysia; H.E. Kyaw Win, Union Minister by dialogue and development partners. This of Planning and Finance, Myanmar; H.E. Ramon cooperation covers key projects under the M. Lopez, Secretary of Trade and Industry, the trade in goods, services and investment, Philippines; H.E. Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade competition, consumer protection, MSMEs, and Industry (Trade), Singapore; H.E. Apiradi statistics, agriculture and the Initiative for Tantraporn, Minister of Commerce, Thailand; H.E. ASEAN Integration. The Ministers expressed Tran Tuan Anh, Minister of Industry and Trade, Viet appreciation to the assistance provided under Nam;and H.E. Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General of ASEAN.
***
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Joint Media Statement of the consideration the aspirations of the ASEAN th Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint 2025, 8 CLMV Economic Ministers’ particularly on narrowing the development gap Meeting and the AEC-related actions of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan III, which will be adopted by ASEAN Leaders in Vientiane, Lao PDR, 6 August 2016 September 2016 as part of the ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together. 1. The Eighth Cambodia – Lao PDR – Myanmar – Viet Nam (CLMV) Economic Ministers’ 5. The Ministers endorsed the recommended Meeting (EMM) was held on 6 August 2016 in work plan for the formulation of the Framework Vientiane, Lao PDR. The Meeting was chaired for CLMV Development, which is a deliverable by H.E. Mrs. Khemmani Pholsena, Minister of of Lao PDR’s Chairmanship of ASEAN in Industry and Commerce, Lao PDR. 2016. The Framework is envisioned to be an economic strategy for CLMV to advance economic development, enhance their 2. The Ministers noted the favourable growth capacity to reap the benefits arising from of combined CLMV’s merchandise trade in regional integration and increase the living the past ten years, not only in terms of trade standards of their people. The Ministers value but also as percentage of ASEAN’s total noted the review of CLMV sub-regional trade. In 2015, combined merchandise trade initiatives, conducted with the assistance of amounted to US$ 385.5 billion and contributed the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as an 16.9% to ASEAN’s total trade, compared with initial phase of the Framework. The review 14.1% in 2014. In the same period, foreign revealed, among others, the potential for direct investment into the four countries greater synergy among the various CLMV totalled US$17.4 billion, which constituted initiatives, particularly in the management of 14.6% of total inward direct investment to resources as well as formulation of selected ASEAN. projects which will generate greater benefits through cooperation. The development of 3. The Ministers noted favourably on the the Framework is targeted for completion by implementation of the CLMV Action Plan 2016 2018. where six out of the ten activities were already implemented or on-going and two projects 6. The Ministers expressed their appreciation scheduled for end-2016. These activities to the ASEAN-6, Dialogue Partners, ASEAN included trade fairs in CLMV countries Secretariat and external parties for the support which were self-funded as well as the one- in the development of CLMV countries. The year attachment programme at the ASEAN Ministers looked forward to the continued Secretariat for CLMV officials, three-year cooperation in realising the benefits of programme on “Support to the Initiative for regional economic integration and narrowing ASEAN Integration (IAI) within the Framework of the development gap. of the ASEAN Single Market” and two projects related to ASEAN Good Aquaculture Practice and ASEAN Harmonised Electrical and LIST OF MINISTERS Electronic Equipment, which were supported by external funding. The Ministers also noted H.E. Pan Sorasak, Minister of Commerce, that 72.7% of the activities in the CLMV Cambodia; H.E. Mrs. Khemmani Pholsena, Action Plan 2015 were realised, including two Minister of Industry and Commerce, Lao PDR; H.E. projects related to consumer protection and Kyaw Win, Union Minister of Planning and Finance, agriculture. Myanmar;and H.E. Nguyen Cam Tu, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Viet NamH.E. Le 4. The Ministers endorsed the CLMV Action Plan Luong Minh, Secretary-General of ASEAN. 2017-2018 which consists of four key areas, namely trade and investment cooperation; *** implementation of regional commitments; Framework for CLMV Development and human resource development. The formulation of the action plan took into
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Joint Media Statement of the Statistics Law in December 2015 (vii) Indonesia’s th implementation of the Statistical Capacity Building 6 Session of the ASEAN for the Development of Statistics, (viii) Malaysia, Community Statistical System Philippines and ASEANstats’ participation as peer reviewers of the Myanmar National Statistical (ACSS) Committee System (NSS).
Vientiane, Lao PDR, To ensure good governance and accountability, 1-3 November 2016 we endorse the key performance indicators of the ACSS Strategic Plan 2016-2025, the ACSS Communication Strategy, and the Implementation The 6th Session of the ACSS Committee, hosted by Plan on the Policies and Guidelines on Lao Statistics Bureau (LSB), Ministry of Planning Confidentiality, Data Sharing, Analysis, and and Investment, was chaired by Dr. Samaychanh Dissemination to measure and monitor outcomes Boupha, Head of LSB and Vice-Minister. Dr. Lisa in the process of building robust statistical systems Grace S. Bersales, National Statistician and Civil at both regional and national levels. Registrar General of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), served as Co-chairperson. We welcome the conduct of pilot exercise on the Cascading and Echoing of Outcomes of Meetings On this day, 3rdof November 2016, the 6th Session of ACSS and ASEAN bodies by PSA and Central of the ACSS Committee represented by the Heads Statistical Organisation (CSO) of Myanmar to of the National Statistical Office of the ASEAN improve national coordination and visibility of the Member States (AMS) jointly issues this Joint ACSS in the NSS. Media Statement and reaffirms our commitment to respond proactively to emerging statistical Improvement of Response to Greater ASEAN requirements in the implementation of ASEAN Data Needs 2025: Forging Ahead Together. We recognise the continuing initiatives of the Institutional Strengthening, Enhancement of Working Groups on International Investment ACSS and its Sustainability Statistics, Statistics of International Trade in Services, and the International Merchandise In pursuit of the ACSS Vision of “A responsive Trade Statistics to comply with internationally ASEAN Community Statistical System providing agreed frameworks in the harmonisation of high quality statistics”, we appreciate the efforts ASEAN statistics and the implementation of the of the AMS to further strengthen statistical ACSS Code of Practice Assessment Measures on cooperation. Recent initiatives were undertaken at Statistical Process and Statistical Output. the national level such as (i) Brunei Darussalam’s appointment of the National Statistics Committee We welcome the creation of the Working Group focal person, (ii) Myanmar’s establishment of on the System of National Accounts (SNA) to the Central Committee on Data Accuracy and oversee ASEAN SNA-related data requirements. Quality of Statistics as well as the endorsement We commend the efforts of DOS Singapore, DOS of its National Strategy for the Development Malaysia (DOSM), PSA, and LSB in the compilation of Statistics, (iii) Viet Nam’s enhancement of and dissemination of National Accounts statistics statistical legal environment through the passing based on the SNA 2008 framework. We thank of the Statistics Law 2015 which came into effect Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS-Statistics Indonesia) in July 2016 and the implementation of Strategy for taking on the leadership role at the resumption of the Viet Nam Integration into ASEAN Statistics of the groundwork on SNA in ASEAN. Community for the period 2016-2020, (iv) Thailand’s implementation of the second phase of We endorse the revised Broad Framework for the the Statistical Master Plan and the issuance of the Sustainable Development of ASEAN Statistics new Cabinet order in September 2016 designating to better respond to developments arising from its National Statistics Office as the national data ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and to incorporate integration agency, (v) Lao PDR’s mid-term these new regional priorities into the ASEAN assessment on the implementation of Strategy for statistical framework. the Development of the National Statistical System 2010-2020 and extended to 2025, and revision of We resolve to continue to support ASEAN Lao Statistics Law (vi) Cambodia’s approval of its integration monitoring effort, including in support of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) 2025
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Monitoring and Evaluation Framework that has Viet Nam. To further promote the use of statistics, been endorsed by the ASEAN Economic Ministers the PSA organised the 13th National Convention on and the AEC Council. Statistics in October 2016 highlighting two plenary sessions and 139 papers on 50 scientific sessions Response to Emerging Global Initiatives including a session on ASEAN statistics.
In our commitment to the global call for the effective Bridging the Gaps toward Sustainable implementation of Sustainable Development Development in ASEAN Statistics Goals (SDG) by 2030, we endorse the Terms of Reference of the Working Group on Sustainable We have embarked on the development of the Development Goals Indicators in the development ASEAN Statistical Training Agenda which aims to of ASEAN SDG indicators. We commend on- identify the needs and capacities of the NSS on the going national open data initiatives along with proposed organization of statistical trainings in the the application of advanced tools and technology framework of ASEAN-Help-ASEAN cooperation to ease data access by general public users. and envisaged to complement the programmes of For instance, Singapore has made available international institutions and donor-projects. BPS- SingStat Table Builder, a web-based application Statistics Indonesia hosted a study visit for GSO within the SingStat Website, with access to over Viet Nam on Gross Regional Domestic Products 22,000 time series data on key economic and methodology; while Malaysia’s Statistical Training socio-demographic characteristics from 60 public Institute held two regional trainings on survey agencies. DOSM has also successfully launched methodology and seasonal adjustment. the Statistics Data Warehouse (StatsDW) in June 2016 with historical data since 1974. This We endeavour to establish a pool of regional interactive platform provides the eDataBank, experts in the key areas of statistics through the data visualisation and location intelligence which ASEAN-help-ASEAN scheme and advance the enable users to visualise and download data. statistical capacities of the ASEAN Member States LSB has successfully launched the results of and the ASEANstats with the continuous provision the Population and Housing Census 2015. BPS- of trainings, workshops, and study visits and Statistics Indonesia will disseminate the results of participation in international meetings. Economic Census 2016 by end-2016. Expanding Statistical Cooperation Enhancement of Dissemination, Communication, Visibility, and Use of ASEAN We acknowledge the participation of the Statistics International Monetary Fund, PARIS 21, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for We underscore the progress made by the Asia and the Pacific, UN-World Food Programme ACSS, at the national and regional levels, in the as well as the EU-ASEAN COMPASS Project, dissemination and communication of statistics ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation with the launch of new websites, use of interactive Program II, GOPA, and the National Bureau of tools and infographics, and new communication Statistics of China in the 6th Session of the ACSS channels including the social media to reach a Committee. The Committee highly appreciates the wider target group of data users. We appreciate assistance from our Development Partners and the efforts of the Working Group on Data Sharing, International Organisations towards our journey Analysis and Dissemination of ASEAN Statistics as “A responsive ASEAN Community Statistical to improve dissemination and communication of System providing high quality statistics.” statistics including the development of a Glossary for Laymen for the ASEANstats webpage, Hosting of the Meeting illustrating key regional statistics and definitions in simple terms in infographics. Following the regional We express our sincere gratitude to the training on infographics, BPS-Statistics Indonesia Government of Lao PDR, through the LSB, for its replicated the training at the headquarter/provincial/ warm hospitality and excellent arrangements of municipality/district levels and built a repository the 6th Session of the ACSS Committee. of infographics for internal users. Moreover, an expert from DOSM will conduct a national training We confirm the Chairmanship of the Philippine on infographics in General Statistics Office (GSO) th Statistics Authority at the 7 Session of the ACSS Committee in October 2017.
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ASEAN Community Statistical System (ACSS) brings to the forefront the objective of Committee narrowing development gaps among RPCs by maximising mutual benefits from the BRUNEI DARUSSALAM: Mr. Asrul Adrain Ahmad; RCEP through effective implementation and KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA: Mrs. Hang Lina; utilisation of the Agreement. REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA: Mr. Mohammad Ari Nugraha; LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC 3. The Ministers urged all negotiators to REPUBLIC: Dr. Samaychanh Boupha; MALAYSIA: seize the positive impetus derived from Datuk Dr. Abdul Rahman Hasan; THE REPUBLIC these developments by sustaining strong OF THE UNION OF MYANMAR: Dr. Wah Wah commitment and intensifying efforts towards Maung; REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES: Dr. Lisa forging a modern, comprehensive, high-quality Grace S. Bersales; REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE: and mutually beneficial RCEP Agreement, Mr.Tang Hsiu Chin; KINGDOM OF THAILAND: Ms. as envisaged in the Guiding Principles and Nuannapa Thanasak; THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC Objectives for Negotiating the RCEP. To this OF VIET NAM: Dr. Vu Thanh Liem;and ASEAN end, the Ministers provided strategic policy SECRETARIAT: Dr. Ahmad Zafarullah guidance to advance negotiations, especially in the core areas of trade in goods, trade in services, investment as well as other areas of *** negotiation.
Joint Media Statement of the 4. The Ministers drew attention to the prevailing Second Regional Comprehensive subdued outlook for the global economy, characterised by still feeble and uneven growth Economic Partnership (RCEP) in advanced economies and continued growth Intersessional Ministerial moderation in key emerging markets, as well as the soft outlook for world trade growth Meeting and increasing protectionist sentiment. The Ministers, therefore, underscored the urgency Cebu, Philippines, of a swift conclusion of the RCEP negotiations 3-4 November 2016 as a single undertaking, which will provide a much needed boost to confidence for the global economy. 1. The Ministers from the 16 Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership 5. To this end, the Ministers tasked all negotiators (RCEP)Participating Countries (RPCs) to follow through on the strategic guidance assembled for the 2nd RCEP Intersessional provided, cognisant of the need to exercise Ministerial Meeting held from 3 to 4 November flexibility in addressing the sensitivities and 2016 in Cebu, Philippines. The Ministers interests of each Participating Country and to recalled the instruction from Leaders, as respond in a positive and cooperative manner stated in the Joint Leaders’ Statement on the in the negotiations. RCEP Negotiations issued on 8 September 2016, to further intensify negotiations for a LIST OF MINISTERS/REPRESENTATIVES swift conclusion of RCEP negotiations. The Ministers noted that the 15th Round has just The Hon. Keith Pitt MP, Assistant Minister for been concluded in October 2016 in Tianjin, Trade, Tourism and Investment, Australia; H.E. China. The Ministers met to assess the Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof, Deputy Minister of progress made and provide further strategic Foreign Affairs and Trade, Brunei Darussalam; H.E policy guidance going into the 16th Round Pan Sorasak, Minister of Commerce, Cambodia; in December in Indonesia, the last round H.E. Wang Shouwen, Vice Minister of Commerce, scheduled for 2016. People’s Republic of China; H.E. Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State for Commerce 2. The Ministers welcomed the important and Industry (Independent Charge), India; H.E. achievement of concluding the Chapter Enggartiasto Lukita, Minister of Trade, Indonesia; on Economic and Technical Cooperation H.E. Yoshifumi Matsumura, State Minister of during the 15th Round. This has added Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan; H.E. Joo momentum to the negotiations. The Chapter Hyunghwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, Republic of Korea; H.E. Mrs. Khemmani
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Pholsena, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Lao global economy. We exchanged views with PDR; H.E. Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia; Ms. World Bank, the International Monetary Fund Saw Kalaya Su, Director, Ministry of Planning (IMF) and the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic and Finance (representing H.E. Kyaw Win, Union Research Office (AMRO) on the economic Minister for Planning and Finance, Myanmar); Hon. outlook, risks, opportunities and policy Todd McClay, Minister of Trade, New Zealand; H.E. challenges facing our region, in our effort to Ramon M. Lopez, Secretary of Trade and Industry, foster sustainable and inclusive growth. Republic of the Philippines; H.E. Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade), Singapore; 4. We welcomed the successful launch of H.E. Winichai Chaemchaeng, Vice Minister for ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and Commerce, Thailand; H.E. Tran Quoc Khanh, its Blueprint 2025 that will guide us in our Vice Minister of Industry and Trade, Viet Nam; and regional cooperation for the next ten years. H.E. Lim Hong Hin, Deputy Secretary-General of We endorsed the Strategic Action Plans for ASEAN. ASEAN financial Integration 2025 that have been developed by the Working Committees. *** We are committed to implementing the Strategic Action Plans to promote financial ASEAN Finance Ministers’ and integration, financial inclusion and financial stability in our region, in support of ASEAN Central Bank Governors’ Joint macroeconomic stability and growth. Meeting (AFMGM) Regional Economic Update and Policy Challenges Joint Statement of the 2nd ASEAN Finance Ministers’ and 5. We noted that the ASEAN economy grew by 4.4 percent in 2015, despite challenges in Central Bank Governors’ Meeting the global economy. Going forward, domestic (AFMGM) demand will continue to support growth in our economies. Investment in the ASEAN region will be driven in part by infrastructure Vientiane, Lao PDR, 4 April 2016 development to improve connectivity. Nonetheless, we are mindful that there are “Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic downside risks arising from external factors this year. ASEAN Community” 6. In facing the challenging external environment, Introduction we are committed to implementing appropriate monetary, fiscal and macroprudential 1. We, the ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central policies to maintain sustained economic Bank Governors, convened the Joint Meeting growth and promote macroeconomic and of the ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central financial stability. We will continue to engage Bank Governors under the co-chairmanship in multilateral discussions in the areas of H.E. Dr. Liane Thykeo, Minister of Finance of macroeconomic policy and financial of Lao PDR, and H.E. Dr. Somphao Phaysith, cooperation in the ASEAN region. The Governor of the Bank of Lao PDR. implementation of structural reforms remains a key priority for the region. These reforms 2. We, the ASEAN Finance Ministers and are aimed at strengthening the functioning of Central Bank Governors together with the our economies. We also agreed to intensify ASEAN Secretary-General, expressed our our cooperation and integration initiatives to gratitude to the Honourable Mr. Thongsing strengthen the ASEAN region’s resilience Thammavong, Prime Minister of Lao PDR, for against potential market vulnerabilities, meeting us at the Government Office. external shocks, and volatile financial market conditions. 3. We continue our commitment to promote economic growth and financial stability in the ASEAN region, amid uncertainties in the
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Roadmap for Monetary and Financial Integration of bond market development in the region of ASEAN (RIA-Fin) and provide information for other related initiatives. We welcomed the efforts of WC- 7. We noted the significant progress made by CMD and the ASEAN Capital Markets the Working Committees under the Roadmap Forum (ACMF) to cooperate and streamline for Monetary and Financial Integration of their roles, and encouraged the WC-CMD ASEAN in further integrating the ASEAN to engage with the relevant stakeholders financial sector to support regional economic to address implementation issues in the integration. We welcomed the conclusion ASEAN Collective Investment Scheme (CIS) of negotiations for the Seventh Package of Framework, such as those related to tax and Financial Services Commitments under the foreign exchange matters. To enhance the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services effectiveness of the ASEAN CIS Framework, (AFAS). We recognised the need to intensify we endorsed the formation of a cross- ongoing efforts under the ASEAN Banking committee taskforce comprising WC-CMD, Integration Framework (ABIF) to encourage ACMF and the ASEAN Forum on Taxation more Qualified ASEAN Banks (QABs). We to address implementation issues related to endorsed the establishment of the Working taxes. Committee on ABIF. 11. We commended the work of the ACMF 8. We welcomed the establishment of the in enhancing regional capital market ASEAN Insurance Forum (AIFo) to interconnectivity through creating an enabling strengthen the collaboration between the environment for regional integration, building Working Committee on Financial Services capital market infrastructure, facilitating the Liberalisation (WC-FSL) and the ASEAN development of regionally focused products Insurance Regulators’ Meeting (AIRM). and intermediaries, and strengthening the This will facilitate coordination in supporting implementation process. We noted that regional insurance integration and provide the Streamlined Review Framework for the mutual benefit through capacity building. ASEAN Common Prospectus has been Synergy from such collaboration will help implemented with the launch of a Handbook to achieve significant progress in ASEAN to provide guidance to the industry on the insurance integration to support trade, administrative and procedural matters investment and economic integration in line concerning the Framework. We welcomed the with the AEC. positive industry response to the Framework for Cross-border Offerings of Collective 9. We commended the work of the Working Investment Schemes (CIS) with thirteen funds Committee on Payments and Settlements already recognised as Qualifying ASEAN System (WC-PSS) towards safer and CIS. We acknowledged the ACMF’s efforts more efficient payments and settlement to undertake a holistic review to enhance mechanisms within the ASEAN region. We ASEAN stock exchange connectivity and also commended the progress made by the review the modality of the associated post- Steering Committee on Capacity Building trade infrastructure. (SCCB) in intensifying capacity building activities to support the ASEAN financial 12. We endorsed the ACMF Vision 2025 to integration process. achieve an inter-connected, inclusive and resilient ASEAN capital market and the ACMF Capital Market Development Action Plan 2016-2020. We are pleased with the progress of the ACMF Market Development Programme (A-MDP) with 10. We are pleased with the progress made by the launch of the ASEAN Young Regulators the Working Committee on Capital Market Programme, as well as the establishment of Development (WC-CMD) in developing and the ACMF Industry Consultative Panels as a deepening bond markets in the ASEAN formal platform for dialogue with the industry. region, particularly in facilitating retail access We acknowledged ACMF’s initial efforts to to domestic bond markets. We noted that facilitate the movement of capital market the ASEAN bond market scorecard has professionals within the region. been continuously updated to serve as a monitoring tool to evaluate the progress
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Financial Services Liberalisation capacity-building efforts have been made in this area to ensure that all countries can 13. We are pleased that the negotiations for improve their readiness for integration. the Seventh Package of Financial Services Commitments under the AFAS have been 16. We are committed to further liberalisation of concluded. We look forward to the signing remaining restrictions on flows related to trade of the Protocol to Implement the Seventh and direct investment. Portfolio investment Package on 3 May 2016. We commended and other capital flows will be liberalised the significant progress made in the Seventh subject to having the domestic pre-conditions Package to liberalise the insurance sector and and appropriate safeguards. Strengthening noted that eight ASEAN Member States (AMS) ASEAN Finance Cooperation and Economic have fully liberalised the cross-border supply Integration of international Maritime, Aviation, and Transit (MAT) insurance. This will position ASEAN Enhancing Regional Surveillance insurance institutions and intermediaries to perform a more meaningful role in supporting 17. We are pleased with the work of the ASEAN intra-ASEAN trade. We look forward to the Integration Monitoring Office (AIMO) in commencement of the negotiations for the monitoring the implementation of measures Eighth Package in 2016 to further liberalise under the AEC Blueprint 2015. We welcomed our financial services sector. the regularisation of AIMO as ASEAN Integration Monitoring Directorate (AIMD) of 14. We are encouraged by the negotiations the ASEAN Secretariat, and encouraged AMS undertaken by the WC-FSL in the ASEAN+1 and external partners to continue to support Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and in AIMD in implementing its work and fulfilling its reviewing the financial services obligations mandate. in the form of a chapter in the ASEAN Trade in Services Agreement (ATISA). We support 18. We acknowledged the work of AMRO the collaboration between WC-FSL and the in closely monitoring and assessing the Sub-Working Group on Financial Services macroeconomic and financial developments (SWG-FIN) in negotiating a financial services in the East Asian region. We welcomed the annex under the Regional Comprehensive establishment of AMRO as an international Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement. organisation and congratulated AMRO on the official opening of its office in Singapore Capital Account Liberalisation and the recruitment of AMRO’s Senior Management. We recognised the significant 15. We are pleased with the progress made by enhancement in the surveillance work of the Working Committee on Capital Account AMRO. We encouraged AMRO to continue Liberalisation (WC-CAL) to support the strengthening its surveillance and operational freer flow of capital across the ASEAN capabilities to fulfill its mandate and enhance region to facilitate greater investment, trade the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation and business activities, and to support the (CMIM) as an effective and readily-available integration of our markets with the global regional financing facility. We pledged to work economies. We are pleased that the WC- with our Plus Three partners to support AMRO CAL continues to enhance the CAL Heat and to ensure macroeconomic and financial Map methodology to guide countries’ plans stability in the region. and timelines towards further liberalisation of their capital account regimes based on Infrastructure Financing the readiness of individual economies. We welcomed the efforts to strengthen the policy 19. We welcomed the progress of work under dialogue process to include discussions the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund (AIF), on safeguard mechanisms to ensure that and reiterated AIF’s very important role the liberalisation efforts will bring economic in strengthening the regional physical benefits, while supporting financial integration connectivity, and narrowing the infrastructure and stability. We are pleased that continuous development gap in the region. We were pleased that seven projects are already on the AIF project list, and we look forward to more projects being in the pipeline for AIF support.
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20. We noted the efforts of the AIF to enhance of collaboration in excise taxation and its operations and administration, and information sharing among AMS on common encouraged the AIF to continue working excisable products. We endorsed the six with the ADB and other relevant partners broad strategies of taxation action plans and and stakeholders for the key tasks for 2016, task the Forum to work out the details of the particularly those related to credit ratings, strategies including their timeline. preparations for bond issuance, capital adequacy framework, continuation of project Cooperation in Insurance processing and product diversification. 24. We acknowledged the progress made Cooperation on Customs Matters under the auspices of the ASEAN Insurance Regulators’ Meeting (AIRM), particularly in 21. We welcomed the signing of the Protocol the development of insurance regulatory and on the Legal Framework to Implement the supervisory frameworks through observance ASEAN Single Window (PLF-ASW) last year, of the International Association of Insurance which would expedite the implementation of Supervisors (IAIS) insurance core principles ASW measures in further facilitating trade and on the sharing of developments in in goods within the ASEAN region. We member states’ domestic insurance policies encouraged AMS to actively participate in and regulations. We recognised that the the implementation of the ASW Pilot Project Regulators have continuously discussed and to facilitate the development of the ASW and intensified efforts on capacity building and National Single Windows (NSWs). research to further develop the insurance sector in ASEAN. 22. We noted the progress of the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) in facilitating trade 25. We welcomed the strengthening of in the ASEAN region. We also encouraged cooperation and dialogue between the AIRM AMS to support the ACTS project in the pilot and the WC-FSL to further develop and countries and to expedite the signing and integrate the insurance sector in ASEAN, ratification of the relevant protocols under particularly through the establishment of the the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the AIFo to ensure that the integration of the Facilitation of Goods in Transit (AFAFGIT). insurance sector is implemented in a prudent manner and benefits all AMS. Cooperation on Taxation 26. We are pleased that the Japan-ASEAN 23. We noted the recent developments in the Integration Fund (JAIF) had agreed to provide establishment of bilateral tax agreements support for the first phase of the ASEAN under the ASEAN Forum on Taxation (AFT). Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance (DRFI). We look forward to Cambodia’s first bilateral We encouraged AMS to fully participate in the agreement on avoidance of double taxation, implementation. which is with Singapore. We also call on all AMS to continue with their commitment under Financial Inclusion the AEC Blueprint 2025 to complete a network of ASEAN bilateral avoidance of double 27. We welcomed the endorsement of the taxation agreements, and work towards the establishment of the Working Committee enhancement of the withholding tax structure on Financial Inclusion (WC-FINC), in order to promote the broadening of investor base to facilitate greater financial inclusion in in ASEAN debt issuance. We encouraged the ASEAN region, enhance economic all AMS to improve the implementation of growth, alleviate poverty and reduce income exchange of information for tax purposes in inequalities. We look forward to effective accordance with international standards, and deliberations and close coordination between to enhance cooperation on capacity building WC-FINC and the other relevant working on taxation matters. We also welcomed AFT’s committees and partners. We reiterate our plan to further explore the possibility of the commitment that financial inclusion will be a Global Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), policy priority and one of the pillars of ASEAN to discuss Base Erosion and Profit Shifting financial cooperation under the AEC Blueprint (BEPS) issues, and to explore the possibility 2025.
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Engaging and Building a Stronger ASEAN the Strategic Plan for ASEAN Cooperation in Food, Agriculture and Forestry 2016-2025 28. We welcomed Indonesia’s hosting of the 11th (SP-FAF 2016-2025). ASEAN Finance Ministers’ Investor Seminar (AFMIS) this year to promote ASEAN as an 3. To realise the strategic thrusts of the SP-FAF attractive investment destination. We agreed 2016-2025, we adopted the Key Performance that the AFMIS is an important platform to Indicators (KPIs) for the SP-FAF 2016-2025 communicate to stakeholders and investors and the respective Strategic Plans of Action on developments and competitiveness, (SPA) for ASEAN Cooperation in Livestock, including future prospects and opportunities Crops, Fisheries, SPS Measures and ASEAN of doing business in ASEAN. Cooperation in Agricultural Cooperatives for the period 2016-2020, as well as the Strategic Acknowledgement Plan of Action for ASEAN Cooperation in Forestry for 2016-2025. We noted the progress of streamlining the structure under AMAF and 29. We thanked Lao PDR for hosting the nd urged the Senior Officials to complete the 2 AFMGM this year and welcomed the Philippines as Chair and Host in 2017. process and present the outcomes to the AMAF for ad-referendum approval. *** Food Security
ASEAN Ministers Meeting 4. We noted the progress made in the on Agriculture and Forestry implementation of the ASEAN Integrated Food Security (AIFS) Framework and Strategic (AMAF) Plan of Action on ASEAN Food Security (SPA- th FS) 2015-2020, particularly the cross-sectoral Joint Press Statement of the 38 coordination in ensuring supply of sufficient, Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers affordable, safe and nutritious food through the development of the Matrix of Key Areas on Agriculture and Forestry of Cooperation and Joint Activities for ASEAN th (38 AMAF) Multi-sectoral Cooperation on Food Security and Nutrition. Singapore, 6 October 2016 Food Safety and Product Quality
1. We, the ASEAN Ministers of Agriculture 5. We were pleased with the progress and and Forestry (AMAF), held our 38th Meeting achievements made in the harmonisation of on 6 October 2016 in Singapore, under the standards of foods, agriculture and forestry Chairmanship of H.E. Lawrence Wong, products in ASEAN to ensure safe and good Minister for National Development & Second quality agriculture produce and to facilitate Minister for Finance of Singapore. ASEAN trade of these products. We endorsed the following documents: (i) Intra-ASEAN Moving Towards 2025 Phytosanitary Guidelines for mango and corn; (ii) Revised Principles of Harmonisation for the 2. We were pleased with the successful Establishment of ASEAN Maximum Residual implementation of the initiatives related to Limits (MRLs); (iii) List of four ASEAN MRLs food, agriculture and forestry cooperation in for selected agriculture produce; (iv) ASEAN supporting the completion of the Roadmap for Standards for Bitter gourd, Loofah, Broccoli, the ASEAN Community (2009-2015) and the Cauliflower, Head Lettuce; and (v) ASEAN establishment of the ASEAN Community. We Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) reiterated our commitments to intensify our for Animal Welfare and Environmental cooperation to contribute to the realisation Sustainability Module. We recalled that the of the ASEAN Community 2025. We tasked ASEAN Food Safety Regulatory Framework all Sectoral Working Groups under AMAF (AFSRF) has been endorsed in order to to implement the relevant measures in the enhance consumer health protection and ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together and facilitate movement of safe food in the region.
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6. We welcomed the full signing of the logging and its associated trade in timber and Agreement on the Establishment of ASEAN timber products through enhancing national Coordinating Centre for Animal Health and forest policy and regulations and inter- Zoonoses (ACCAHZ), and looked forward agency coordination among enforcement to the establishment and operations of the agencies; Developing a regional framework Centre to provide and facilitate a unified for mutual recognition of timber legality approach and broader framework of regional system; Strengthening co-ordination of joint coordination. We expressed our appreciation strategies, approaches and actions to seek to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of greater market access and promote ASEAN the United Nations (FAO) for the valuable forest products that are sourced legally; support extended in the establishment and Strengthening collaboration on information eventual operations of ACCAHZ. exchange and technology transfer with all relevant stakeholders and international 7. Antimicrobial Resistance in Agriculture: communities; and Adopting ASEAN common Recognising the expansive and adverse positions on issues related to timber legality impact of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and associated trade at international fora, in agriculture on public and animal health, where possible. livelihoods, food security and safety, we agreed to strengthen regional cooperation in AMR 10. We adopted the Work Plan for Forest Law mitigation through: (i) Raising awareness and Enforcement and Governance in ASEAN advocacy on AMR issues and promote the 2016-2025, and mandated the ASEAN Senior prudent use of antimicrobials; (ii) Enhancing Officials on Forestry (ASOF) to spearhead capacities on surveillance, diagnosis and the implementation of the Work Plan in research on AMR and antimicrobial usage collaboration with other relevant ASEAN (AMU); (iii) Promote good animal husbandry sectoral bodies and international partners. practices and the development of viable alternatives; and (iv) Enhancing collaboration Fisheries with relevant sectors and stakeholders including development partners and donor 11. We are pleased with the progress made in agencies. the fishery sector, focusing on enhancing sustainable fisheries management, Forestry collaborative research, information and data exchange and collaboration between the 8. We acknowledged the significant progress public and private sectors. In this regard, we made in the forestry sector, particularly adopted the ASEAN Regional Plan of Action in (i) Promoting Sustainable Forest for the Management of Fishing Capacity Management (SFM); (ii) International Forest (RPOA-Capacity) and Regional Guidelines on Policy Processes; (iii) Timber Certification Traceability System for Aquaculture Products Initiative; (iv) Herbal and Medicinal as well in the ASEAN Region. as forest products development; (v) Wildlife Enforcement and CITES Cooperation; (vi) 12. Cooperation in Combating Illegal, Unreported Forest and Climate Change; and (vii) Social and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing and enhancing Forestry. the competitiveness of ASEAN Fish and Fishery products: Recognising serious threat 9. Strengthening Forest Law Enforcement of IUU fishing in the sustainability of the and Governance (FLEG): Recognising that region’s fisheries resources and economic effective FLEG would provide environmental, viability, we agreed to: (i) Strengthen the social and economic benefits to the region, Fisheries Monitoring, Control and Surveillance further enhance the competitiveness of systems; (ii) Enhance traceability of fish and ASEAN forestry products in the global market fishery products; (iii) Manage fishing capacity; and expand developmental opportunities (iv) Promote the implementation of Port State for future generations, we emphasised the Measures; (v) Enhance regional cooperation in urgent need for effective co-operation in this managing trans-boundary fisheries resources area at the national, regional and international and combating IUU fishing; (vi) Regulate the levels, particularly through: Strengthened quality and safety of fish and fishery products; efforts in preventing and combating illegal (vii) Address issues on fisheries labour; and
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(viii) Develop preventive measures for the The Meeting was attended by: rehabilitation of resources and recovery of fish stocks. We recognised the importance H.E. Dato Ali bin Apong, Minister of Primary of enhancing collaboration with regional/ Resources and Tourism, Brunei Darussalam; H.E. international organizations to implement Veng Sakhon, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry these measures. In this regard, we noted and Fisheries, the Kingdom of Cambodia; the Joint ASEAN-SEAFDEC Declaration on H.E Amran Sulaiman, Minister of Agriculture, Regional Cooperation for Combatting IUU Republic of Indonesia; H.E. Dr. Phouang Parisak rd Fishing issued on 3 August 2016. Pravongviengkham, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Lao People’s Democratic Republic; Cooperation with Dialogue Partners and H.E. Dato’ Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Minister of International Organisations Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry, Malaysia;H.E Dr. Aung Thu, Union Minister of Agriculture, 13. We were pleased that cooperation with Livestock and Irrigation, Republic of the Union of ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners, particularly Myanmar; H.E. Ariel Cayanan, Undersecretary Australia, China, Germany, India, Japan, for Operations of the Department of Agriculture, the Republic of Korea and Russia, has been Republic of the Philippines; H.E. Lawrence Wong, further strengthened in the areas of food Minister for National Development & Second security, food safety, products quality and Minister for Finance, Republic of Singaporel; H.E. trade facilitation of agriculture, fisheries and General Chatchai Sarikulya, Minister of Agriculture forestry products. and Cooperatives, Kingdom of Thailand; H.E Ha Cong Tuan, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural 14. We also appreciated the valuable support Development, Socialist Republic of Viet Nam;and extended by the Asian Development H.E. Lim Hong Hin, Deputy Secretary General of Bank (ADB), the Food and Agriculture ASEAN. Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Organisation for Economic Cooperation *** and Development (OECD), the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) of Agreement on the Establishment the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and of the ASEAN Coordinating World Economic Forum (WEF) – Grow Asia Centre for Animal Health and Partnerships for the implementation of the Strategic Plan for ASEAN Cooperation in Zoonoses Food, Agriculture and Forestry 2016-2025. 7 Oktober 2016 15. We adopted the ASEAN Common Position, and agreed to enhance coordination, on agriculture issues in the upcoming 22nd The Governments of Brunei Darussalam, the Meeting of the Conference of the Parties Kingdom of Cambodia, the Republic of Indonesia, (COP-22) to the United Nation Framework the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Republic November 2016 in Marrakesh, Morocco. of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of Thailand, and the Socialist Republic The 39th AMAF Meeting of Viet Nam, being members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (hereinafter referred 16. We agreed to convene the 39th ASEAN to collectively as ASEAN Member States or Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry Meeting individually as ASEAN Member State); in Thailand in 2017. NOTING that each of the ASEAN Member States has a national approach to managing animal health 17. We expressed our sincere appreciation and and zoonoses; gratitude to the Government and People of Singapore for hosting the 38th AMAF Meeting and for their warm hospitality and excellent NOTING that current regional coordination is arrangements made for the Meeting. provided by different mechanisms in an ad hoc manner in response to specific challenges in
126 ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY animal health and zoonoses; AFFIRMING the need for effective and concerted actions to be taken by the ASEAN Member States RECALLING the Declarations of ASEAN Concord aimed at prevention, control, and eradication of I and II signed in Bali, Indonesia, on 24 February transboundary animal diseases and zoonoses; 1976 and 7 October 2003 respectively, which provide that the ASEAN Member States shall take HAVE AGREED as follows: cooperative actions in their national and regional development programmes; Article I Definitions RECALLING the ASEAN Ministerial Statement on “ASEAN Cooperation on Animal Health and For the purposes of this Agreement, the following Zoonoses: HPAI and Beyond” adopted at the 32nd definitions shall apply unless the context otherwise ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry require Meeting on 23 October 201 O in Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia; a. “ACCAHZ” means the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Animal Health and Zoonoses established under Article II; CONSIDERING animal health and zoonoses are crosscutting concerns within and among the b. “Agreement” means this Agreement, its ASEAN Member States as they affect regional Appendices and any amendments thereto; public health and food safety, with direct economic implications; c. “Governing Board” means the ACCAHZ Governing Board established under Article DESIRING a comprehensive, integrated, and V; concerted regional approach that will coordinate national approaches in animal health and zoonoses d. “Office” means the ACCAHZ Office measures, including disease surveillance, established under Article VI; diagnosis and control, and quick response, for the ASEAN region; e. “Operational Cost” means any payment for professional services, administrative and maintenance expenses of the ACCAHZ REITERATING the need for a unified approach and its Office, relocation costs, installation and broader framework of regional coordination, costs, official travel expenses, and to address current priority animal diseases and expenses of other authorised activities; and implement regional strategies, that will enhance the animal health sector’s capacity to effectively f. “Project Cost” means any cost spent in the collaborate with the human health sector in implementation of project activities and addressing significant zoonoses in the ASEAN initiatives of the ACCAHZ. region; Article II Establishment and Purposes of the ACCAHZ RECOGNISING ASEAN regional cooperation in the field of animal health and zoonoses that builds ASEAN Member States agree to establish the on the strengths of ASEAN Member States; ACCAHZ for the purpose of facilitating and providing a framework of cooperation and coordination RECOGNISING the need to reduce disparity among ASEAN Member States, with relevant in capacity in dealing with animal health and ASEAN Dialogue Partners, ASEAN Development zoonoses among the ASEAN Member States, Partners and other stakeholders, in the prevention, control and eradication of transboundary animal through coordination of regional activities related diseases and zoonoses in ASEAN. The ACCAHZ to animal health and zoonoses, which is vital and also aims to contribute towards food security strategic to ASEAN’s interests in view of increasing and safety, animal and human health, poverty global competition; and alleviation, and the well-being and livelihood of the peoples of ASEAN.
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Article III h. monitor and follow up on coordination Functions of the ACCAHZ efforts at the regional level.
The ACCAHZ shall perform the following functions: Article IV Governance and Institutional Arrangements a. facilitate and promote cooperation among the ASEAN Member States, and between 1. The ACCAHZ shall be governed by a the ASEAN Member States and ASEAN Governing Board and managed by an Office Dialogue Partners, ASEAN Development whose responsibilities and functions are set Partners, private sectors and international forth in Articles V and VI, respectively. and regional collaborative platforms on animal health and zoonoses; 2. The Focal Agencies designated for the purpose of coordination, implementation, and b. foster and enhance collaboration between exchange of information among the ASEAN ASEAN Member States and relevant Member States under this Agreement are set national and international partners, public out in Appendix 1. health sector and related stakeholders on Article V the prevention, control, and eradication Governing Board of transboundary animal diseases and zoonoses; 1. There shall be established a Governing Board to assume overall responsibility for the c. provide policy and technical advisory implementation of this Agreement. support to the ASEAN Sectoral Working Group on Livestock (ASWGL) and other 2. The composition of the Governing Board and relevant ASEAN bodies in the development its Terms of Reference are set out in and implementation of regional strategies Appendix 2. for the prevention, control, and eradication of transboundary animal diseases and 3. The decision-making and other modus zoonoses; operandi of the Governing Board shall be governed by rules and procedures that shall d. facilitate and coordinate the development be drawn up by the Governing Board and of initiatives and projects, including vertical endorsed by the Senior Officials Meeting (disease specific) and horizontal (cross- of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and cutting thematic) initiatives in animal health Forestry (SOM-AMAF). and zoonoses, in line with regional and Article VI national strategies; Office and Staff e. promote strengthening the capacity of 1. There shall be established an Office to veterinary services in the prevention, carry out and implement the functions of the control, and eradication of transboundary ACCAHZ, as stipulated under Article Ill. animal diseases and zoonoses, including emerging infectious diseases in ASEAN; 2. The Office shall be located in the territory of one of the ASEAN Member States, which shall f. support an information sharing mechanism be decided upon by the ASEAN Ministers that will facilitate sharing of information Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) and best practices in animal health and upon the recommendation of the Governing zoonoses among ASEAN Member States Board. The arrangement and key elements and between ASEAN Member States and for hosting the Office of the ACCAHZ are its partners; stipulated in Appendix 3. g. develop proposals to seek support and 3. The Office shall be headed by an Executive available assistance from donors and Director to be appointed by the Governing ASEAN Development Partners in the Board in accordance with the terms and development and implementation of conditions drawn up by the Governing Board regional strategies for the prevention, and approved by SOM-AMAF and AMAF. control and eradication of transboundary animal diseases and zoonoses;and
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4. The Executive Director shall: 4. The ASEAN Member States may make additional voluntary contributions and a. be responsible and accountable for the financial assistance to the Operational Cost day-to-day operations of the ACCAHZ and and Project Cost. any other functions as may be assigned by the Governing Board; 5. With the approval of the Governing Board, voluntary contributions and financial b. appoint staff members in accordance with assistance may be accepted from other the terms and conditions established by the sources, including on a grant basis from Governing Board; non-ASEAN Member States and from other international entities. c. be a citizen of an ASEAN Member State and be selected by open recruitment; and 6. Additional contributions from ASEAN Member States may take the form of contributions in d. be appointed for a contractual term of office kind or in cash. of three 7. An independent consultant or firm shall e. years, which term may be extended based conduct an audit of the ACCAHZ’s funds and on performance and the decision of the its management. The result of the audit shall Governing Board. be reported to the Governing Board for further reporting to SOM-AMAF and AMAF.
5. Staff members shall perform such tasks in Article VIII accordance with the terms and conditions Host Country and Host Country Obligations of their appointments and any other tasks assigned by the Executive Director. 1. The Government uf the ASEAN Member Article VII State where the Office of the ACCAHZ is Funding Arrangements and Financial located, hereinafter referred to as the Host Management Country, shall provide adequate premises at its own expense, operational facilities, and such other support needed for the operation 1. The funding arrangements to support the of the ACCAHZ in accordance with the Host operations of the ACCAHZ shall comprise the Country Agreement to be concluded between Operational Cost and Project Cost. Details ACCAHZ and the Host Country. of the funding arrangement are set out in Appendix 4. 2. The Host Country will also grant to the ACCAHZ, Executive Director and staff 2. The funding arrangements and financial members, where appropriate, privileges and management of the ACCAHZ shall be immunities as may be necessary for the governed by the rules and procedures, which performance of their duties and functions in shall be adopted by the Governing Board and accordance with the laws and regulations endorsed by SOM-AMAF and approved by prevailing in the Host Country. Such privileges AMAF. and immunities shall be specified in the Host Country Agreement that will be concluded 3. There shall be equal annual contributions between the ACCAHZ and the Host Country. from each ASEAN Member State to finance the Operational Cost. Notwithstanding this, Article IX an interim arrangement shall be applied Legal Personality for the initial period of four (4) years, commencing from the date of entry into The ACCAHZ, as an inter-governmental force of this Agreement. Arrangements for organisation, shall be conferred with legal the annual contribution, including the interim personality as may be required for the exercise arrangement, are set out in Appendix 4. of its functions, including inter a/ia, the capacity to enter into contracts, acquire and dispose of movable and immovable properties, and be a party ·to legal proceedings.
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Article X States and shall come into force on such date Settlement of Disputes as may be decided by the ASEAN Member States. 1. Any differences or disputes between two or more ASEAN Member States concerning the 3. Appendices to this Agreement shall form the interpretation, implementation, or application integral parts of this Agreement. of this Agreement shall be settled amicably by negotiation, or by any other peaceful means 4. Notwithstanding Paragraphs 1 and 2 of this as may be agreed upon by them. Article, any ASEAN Member State may propose amendments to the Appendices to 2. If the disputing ASEAN Member States are this Agreement by communicating them in unable to achieve a peaceful settlement of writing to the Governing Board, who shall refer the dispute pursuant to the procedure set the proposed amendments to the SOM-AMAF forth in Paragraph ·1 of this Article, any of the for deliberation. After deliberation by the ASEAN Member States concerned may refer SOM-AMAF, the proposed amendments shall the dispute to the Governing Board, failing be submitted to AMAF for its endorsement. which, the dispute may be referred to the SOM-AMAF for final resolution. 5. Any amendment shall not prejudice any rights and obligations arising from or based on this Article XI Agreement prior and up to the date of such Suspension amendment.
1. Each ASEAN Member State reserves the Article XIII right for reasons of national security, national Withdrawal interest, public order, or public health to suspend temporarily, either in whole or in An ASEAN Member State may withdraw from this part, the implementation of this Agreement. Agreement by giving written notification to the Depositary. Such withdrawal shall take effect upon 2. Lifting of the suspension is a sovereign right the expiry of six months from the date on which of each ASEAN Member State, when it deems the notification of withdrawal is received by the that the prevailing circumstances that led to Depositary. Such withdrawal shall be promptly the suspension of the Agreement no longer notified to all ASEAN Member States by the exist. Depositary.
3. The suspension of this Agreement and the Article XIV lifting of the suspension of this Agreement Termination shall be effective thirty days after a written notification has been received by the 6. This Agreement shall be terminated by Executive Director of ACCAHZ. Suspension agreement in writing provided by all ASEAN of this Agreement shall take effect without Member States after having satisfied prejudice to the funding commitment of the themselves that the termination may be ASEAN Member State seeking suspension. conducted in such manner as to not prejudice their respective interests in this matter. Upon Article XII termination of this Agreement, the ACCAHZ Amendments shall stand dissolved.
1. Any ASEAI\J Member State may propose 7. Upon the dissolution of the ACCAHZ, the amendments to this Agreement at any time disposal of the assets and liabilities of the by communicating in writing to the ASEAN ACCAHZ shall be determined jointly by all Secretariat who shall promptly notify the ASEAN Member States and there shall be a other ASEAN Member States of the proposed written record of such joint determination. amendments in writing. 8. Termination of this Agreement will not 2. Amendments to this Agreement shall be affect the implementation of activities or agreed upon in writing by all ASEAN Member programmes that were decided upon prior to termination.
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Article XV For Goverment of the Republic of the Union Myanmar Final Provisions HE. DR AUNG THUN Union Minister Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation; 1. This Agreement shall be signed and subject to ratification, acceptance or approval by the For the Goverment of the Republic Philippines ASEAN Member States. H.E. PROCESO J. ALCALA Secretary, Department of Agriculture; 2. The instruments of ratification, acceptance, For the Goverment of the Republic of Singapore or approval shall be deposited with the H.E. LAWRENCE WONG Depositary, who shall promptly inform all Minister for National Development; ASEAN Member States, of such deposit. For the Goverment of the Kingdom of Thailand 3. The Secretary-General of ASEAN shall be the H.E. GENERAL CHATCHAI SARIKULYA Depositary. Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives; and
4. This Agreement shall enter into force on the For the Goverment of the Socialist Republic of thirtieth {30th) day after the date on which all Viet Nam ASEAN Member States have deposited their H. HACONGTJAN instruments of ratification, acceptance or Vice Minister of Ministry of Agricultural and Rural approval with the Depositary. Development.
5. This Agreement shall be deposited with the *** Depositary who shall submit certified true copies to all ASEAN Member States. Module of ASEAN Good Animal Husbandry Practices 6. No reservations shall be made to this Agreement. (GAHP) Animal Welfare and Environmental Sustainability IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being duly authorised by their respective Governments Module, Layers, Broilers and have signed this Agreement; Ducks
DONE on this Seventh day of October ( in the Year Link : Module of ASEAN Good Animal Husbandry Two Thousand and Sixteen, in a single original copy in the English language. Practices (GAHP) Animal Welfare and Environmental Sustainability Module, Layers, Broilers and Ducks For the Government of Brunei Darussalam H.E DATO ALI APONG Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism; *** For The Kingdom of Cambodia Final1 VEN SAKHON Minister; ASEAN Regional Plan of Action For Goverment of the Republic of Indonesia for the Management of Fishing AMAN SULAIMAN Capacity (RPOA-Capacity) Minister;
For the Goverment of the Lao Circulated to SEAFDEC Council Director for People’s Democratic Republic endorsement by 30 May 2016 PHOUANGPARISAK PART 1 PRAVONGVIENGKHAM, Ph.D INTRODUCTION Vice Minister; During the last three to four decades, many For the Goverment of Malaysia Southeast Asian countries including Indonesia, DATO’ SRI AHMAD SHABERY CHEEK Thailand, Philippines, Myanmar, Viet Nam, and Minister of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry; Malaysia ranked among the top ten countries with the largest fisheries industries in the world. The ASEAN fisheries sector has played very important
131 ASEAN DOCUMENTS SERIES 2016 role in providing fish for food security, generating the supply of raw materials for the processing livelihood and employment, alleviating poverty, industries considering that the region’s fishery and increasing national revenues. In 2013, the resources are facing heavy exploitation, fishing total fishery production by two sub-sectors: inland activities have been expanded from the coastal and marine capture fisheries, was about 19.1 areas to offshore waters and even outside of the million metric tons (MT) valued at about 23.5 billion national Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). Such US$ (SEAFDEC, 20152). The introduction of new expansion takes place both with and without proper fishing gear technologies as well as post-harvest authorization and licensing – causing widespread and processing equipment had since 1960s led to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the rapid and intensive development of fisheries including encroachment into other countries’ EEZs. industry in the region, particularly in Thailand, The depletion of fishery resources in the region Indonesia, Philippines and Viet Nam. by excessive fleet capacity and harvesting effort needs to be considered in the perspective of related The growing fishing fleets throughout the region trans-boundary management issues together with coupled with rapid increases in harvesting capacity, expected losses in the generation of national has not been matched with the development of economic revenues. Illegal and unsustainable national capacities and regional/sub-regional fisheries that end up with trade restrictions would cooperation to manage the fishing effort with due have direct implications on the trade of fish and consideration given to the sustainability of fishery fishery products not only to world markets but also resources. Limited management, or regulation and within the ASEAN region. control, of the active fishing capacity has allowed fisheries to operate in an “open-access regime” It is well recognized that there is an urgent need leading to continued increase in number of vessels for countries to cooperate in order to improve and people engaged in fisheries. Therefore, there fisheries management, especially, with regards to is a need to improve and implement licensing the management of fishing capacity at national, schemes and other capacity management sub-regional and regional levels. In order to match measures that effectively limit entry into the fishing effort with available resources, management fisheries, replacing the present inadequately of fishing capacity is one of the most basic tools designed systems. available in support of sustainable fisheries. Moreover, fishing effort should be controlled to The number of fishing vessels in the ASEAN protect important habitats while regulations should Member States (AMSs) is tremendous and almost be enforced to safeguard the interest of, specifically all are small-scale fishing vessels. Since 1980s, the vulnerable groups of people. most of the near shore fishing areas in Southeast Asia are overfished (Silvestre, G.T., 20033). In It is in responding to requests of the AMSs that many coastal areas however, the catch per unit SEAFDEC had organized since 2006 experts efforts and other biological parameters and/or consultation and regional technical consultations reference target points indicate declining status of highlighting on the critical importance of addressing fish stocks. Even though management instruments the management of fishing capacity in Southeast had been introduced to protect vulnerable fish Asia. This is meant to reduce pressure on stocks (e.g. closed areas and seasons, gear available stocks, mitigate conflicts over resources restrictions) together with efforts to contain the and promote sustainability for people dependent growth of the numbers of fishing fleets, the impact on fishery resources. Unregulated (and/or un- of such efforts still could not be seen in terms of enforced) fisheries and over-capacity, relative securing sustainability of available resources. to available resources, also tend to increase incidences of illegal fishing within countries, as In order to meet the demand for fish by the well as across boundaries resulting in increased growing populations, and to maintain or increase difficulties faced by smaller communities. To
1This Final Draft was adopted during the Second RTC on Regional Plan of Action for Management of Fishing Capacity in December 2015, based on Zero Draft developed by the AMSs Experts at the Experts Group Meeting in August 2015 taking into consideration the results from the 1st RTC on Regional Plan of Action for Management of Fishing Capacity in February 2015
2SEAFDEC, 2015. Fishery Statistical Bulletin of Southeast Asia 2013. Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, Bangkok, Thailand.
3Silvestre, G.T. et al., 2003. South and Southeast Asian Coastal Fisheries: Their Status and Directions for Improved Management – Conference Synopsis and Recommendation. WorldFish Center Conference Proceedings 67 (2003)
132 ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY improve the levels of sustainability and promote Recognizing the importance of management equal sharing of the benefits from fisheries, it is of fishing capacity, the ASEAN sought the necessary that immediate efforts are called for to collaboration of SEAFDEC to develop the Regional reduce over-capacity, improve (implementation Plan of Action for Management of Fishing Capacity of) regulatory measures and combat illegal fishing (RPOA-Capacity) during the Fourth Meeting of throughout the ASEAN region. It should be noted the ASEAN Fisheries Consultative Forum (AFCF) that the importance of management of fishing in 2012 in Indonesia. The development of such capacity to the sustainability of fisheries and food activity was considered and supported by the security was one of the central themes raised during SEAFDEC Member Countries during the 47th the ASEAN-SEAFDEC Conference on Sustainable Meeting of the SEAFDEC Council in 2014. Fisheries for Food Security Towards 2020, held in Bangkok, Thailand, 13-17 June 2011 under Sub- The overall objective of the RPOA-Capacity theme 1.2 that fully focused on the “Management would be to serve as guide for the management of Fishing Capacity” and subsequently reflected in of fishing capacity in an ASEAN perspective and the adopted 2011 Resolution and Plan of Action. also to support the ASEAN Member States in the development and implementation of their Referring to the FAO Code of Conduct respective NPOA-Capacity (SEAFDEC, 20065). for Responsible Fisheries (1995), several The RPOA-Capacity is also meant to support recommendations on the need to improve fisheries the need to enhance regional cooperation on management have been included. Furthermore, fisheries management and/or management of the FAO Member States subsequently adopted the fishing capacity in sub-regional areas such as International Plan of Action on the Management the Andaman Sea, Gulf of Thailand, South China of Fishing Capacity 1999 (IPOA – Capacity). The Sea6 and Sulu-Sulawesi Seas. Strengthened IPOA-Capacity specified a number of steps to be regional and sub-regional cooperation on the taken including: a) assessment and monitoring of management and control of fishing capacity fishing capacity; b) preparation and implementation would provide an effective platform for the of national plans of action (NPOA-Capacity); and AMSs to support efforts to combat IUU fishing. c) international (regional) considerations and recommendations for immediate steps to address The RPOA-Capacity has been developed the management of fishing capacity. through dialogue with ASEAN-SEAFDEC Member Countries such as the regional technical In general, the fisheries management schemes consultations and expert meeting (1st RTC in that are being developed should aim to regulate February 2015 in Malaysia, Experts meeting in the active fishing effort by developing schemes and August 2015 in Thailand and 2nd RTC in December management plans to give directions on where, 2015 in Thailand) organized by SEAFDEC with the how, when and by whom to fish. The management funding support from the Government of Japan directions can include information on total number through SEAFDEC-Japanese Trust Fund and the of vessels allowed at a given time and area; the Government of Sweden through the SEAFDEC- type of gear to be used (and not to be used); special Sweden Project. The RPOA-Capacity contain restrictions on protected areas, protected species four (4) parts: Part 1 as an introduction part and defined seasonal restrictions; traditional rights includes rationale, problems on the sustainable to fish, exclusive rights and other specified rights4, fisheries management, and the needs for RPOA- as well as other additional aspects that should Capacity; Part 2 include the goals and objectives be considered and respected when regulating of the RPOA-Capacity; Part 3 refers to the guiding the actual fishing effort. A number of countries in principle in developing the RPOA-Capacity. Part 4 the region had developed or are in the process of is the main part of the Plan of Action for Managing developing their respective NPOA-Capacity. Some Fishing Capacity and this part comprises of 5 countries that had not yet developed the NPOA – Sessions as follows: 1) Assessment of Fishing Capacity have indicated that the necessary laws and regulations are in place and are supportive to the management of fishing capacity.
4The As stipulated in respective countries’ national laws and regulations 5SEAFDEC. 2006. Report of the Experts Meeting on Management of Fishing Capacity in Southeast Asia, 27-29 July 2006, Sihanouk Ville, Cambodia. Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center. 6The term “South China Sea” is used in its geographical sense and does not imply recognition of any territorial claims within the area (UNEP/GEF/SCS Project Document on “Reversing Environmental Degradation Trends in the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand”)
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Capacity; 2) Preparation and Implementation of PART 3 National Plans; 3) International Consideration; 4) GUIDING PRINCIPLE Required Urgent Measures for Regional Fisheries Management; and 5) Mechanisms to Promote of The RPOA-Capacity is developed based on the the Implementation. principles stipulated in international and regional instruments, such as the FAO Code of Conduct for Thus, it is expected that the RPOA-Capacity could Responsible Fisheries (CCRF), International Plan also serve as basis for the AMSs in formulating of Action for Managing Fishing Capacity (IPOA- relevant policies and provide an enabling Capacity), the relevant rules of international laws environment for clear direction and understanding that are reflected in the United Nations Convention of the need to effectively manage the fishing on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 capacity at national level. In addition, the RPOA- (UNCLOS), and the ASEAN-SEAFDEC Resolution Capacity is intended to respond to the need and Plan of Action on Sustainable Fisheries for for AMSs to strengthen regional cooperation in Food Security for the ASEAN Region (2001, 2011). managing fishing capacity in sub-regional areas such as the Gulf of Thailand, South China Sea5, The RPOA-Capacity is developed through Andaman Sea, Sulu-Sulawesi Seas, and other consultation processes with experts and officials sub-regional areas where the fisheries need to be from the ASEAN-SEAFDEC Member Countries in managed by concerned AMSs. February, August and December of 2015.
PART 2 PART 4 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES PLAN OF ACTION FOR MANAGING FISHING CAPACITY The RPOA-Capacity is intended to serve as guide for the AMSs in developing their respective National Section I: Assessment of Fishing Capacity Plans of Action for Managing Fishing Capacity (NPOA-Capacity) as well as in enhancing regional Diagnosis and identification of fisheries cooperation on sustainable fisheries management and fishing capacity and improving regulations on fishing effort at sub- regional/regional level. Thus, the ultimate goal of 1). States should assess and regularly update the RPOA-Capacity is to facilitate development of the availability of active fishing capacity at appropriate fishing capacity management to ensure local, national, trans-boundary, sub-regional that levels of fishing effort are commensurate with and regional levels as basis for cooperation sustainable use of available fishery resources. on the management of fishing capacity.
The specific objectives of the RPOA-Capacity are 2). States should improve collection system for to: catch and effort data to include all types of fisheries such as large-scale or commercial a) Enhance the effective, efficient, equitable fisheries and small-scale or artisanal fisheries. and transparent management of fishing capacity for long-term sustainability; 3). States should regularly conduct national assessments of fishery resources to estimate b) Ensure that fishery managers should appropriate reference points and compare endeavor to initially limit fishing capacity with the actual fishing efforts at given times at the present level and progressively as well as with the aggregated fishing effort in reduce the fishing effort applied to affected defined sub-region. fisheries; 4). States should adopt national measurements c) Avoid growth in fishing capacity that and definitions of fishing capacity including undermines the long-term sustainability vessels, gears, people engaged in fisheries. objectives; and Section II: Preparation and Implementation of d) Enhance sub-regional cooperation in National Plan of Action for the Management of managing fishing capacity, specifically Fishing Capacity with regards to trans-boundary species or shared species.
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2.1. Development of National Plans and Policies measures
1). States should establish system(s)/ g) Consider the development of fishing mechanism(s) to develop NPOA-Capacity and vessel construction and importation control to monitor, evaluate, review its effectiveness measures as a proactive approach for and revise (if necessary). controlling fishing capacity
2). States should not make insufficient h) Consider the introduction or development information on fisheries resources as the of fishing fees scheme such as economic reason to delay the implementation of policies rent of the fishery resources referred to as to control fishing capacity and reduce its level ‘resource rent’, as basis for fishing vessel where appropriate, and in accordance with registration and fishing licenses the precautionary principle using currently available information. 4). States should establish records of fishing vessels registration/licensing, fishing gear 3). States should develop measures to be licensing system, and undertaken to address overcapacity: a. improve the national procedures for fishing a) Implement schemes to limit the number of vessel registration and fishing licensing fishing vessels and fishing licenses systems (vessels, gears, fishers)
b) Put into place management systems b. share information on registered vessels and that would prevent fishing capacity from issued fishing licenses within sub-regions expanding beyond the optimum level which and/or the region as a whole (if needed) the available resources can support in the long run or related target levels, even c. establish national database for fishing though the current status does not indicate vessels registration and fishing licenses any overcapacity 5). States should conduct a systematic c) Develop measures and encourage the use assessment of the consequences of of supporting tools to prevent or eliminate overcapacity from production and economic excess fishing capacity to ensure that the perspective together with its impact on major levels of fishing effort are commensurate stakeholders at local, national and sub- with the sustainable use of fishery regional levels. resources to secure the effectiveness of conservation and management measures 6). States should strengthen, consistent with national fishery laws/regulations and other d) Consider the application of fishing related domestic laws, domestic mechanisms zones as a robust approach to manage to deter nationals and beneficial owners and restrict fishing capacity in certain from engaging in illegal, unreported and fisheries, especially for coastal and unregulated fishing activities, and States relatively stationary fisheries, in areas should facilitate the implementation of such reserved for traditional and smaller-scale mechanisms and ensure that enforcement fisheries supported by co-management actions are carried out. arrangements 7). States should consider, in the perspective of e) Consider the use of appropriate reference continued high pressure on available fisheries points e.g. Maximum Sustainable Yield resources (due to overfishing, habitat and (MSY), Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) environmental degradation and/or climate as indicators of resource status for the variability/change), to, at national and sub- management of fishing capacity at national regional level, develop and implement fishery and/or regional/sub-regional levels resources enhancement programs and/ or recovery plans. The plans should have f) Encourage industry-based capacity the multiple objectives of increasing the adjustments and implement input and fish stocks, providing breeding grounds of output control, and other management some target species, protecting and restore
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important habitats, increasing fish shelter 11). States should develop and promote areas including artificial habitats to replace the awareness-raising campaigns and programs deteriorated natural habitats. The following to all relevant stakeholders in order to actions are among the key approaches to increase the effective implementation of ensure that the status of fishery resources are NPOA-Capacity. maintained and/or enhanced: 12). States should work closely with stakeholders a. Coordinate with relevant agencies to in developing and adopting policy framework regularly compile information on the that would improve the suitability of input- status and availability of important fish output technical control levels that will be stocks, including information on areas of used in the formulation and implementation of importance for different stages of their life the NPOA-Capacity. cycle; 2.2. Subsidies and Economic Incentives b. Enhance understanding of the importance of stock enhancement including habitat 1). States should assess the effect that some conservation in order to conserve the early economic incentives, including subsidies, may life cycle stage of fishes such as spawning, have on the development and implementation nursery grounds, and protect the migratory of efforts to control fishing capacity. paths (that might be trans-boundary); 2). States should undertake a national/sub- c. Develop fishery management tools, regional review of the various subsidies and including fisheries refugia, closed areas, other economic incentives being provided to protected areas and aquatic reserves their respective fishing industries, together for both inland and marine areas for with qualitative assessments of their implementation at national level and likely impact on fishing capacity, expected in trans-boundary areas to effectively investment decisions, and sustainability. It conserve and manage fish stocks, trans- should be noted that not all subsidies and boundary fish stock and to protect habitats, economic incentives are necessarily faulty on a case-by-case basis in accordance with such as incentives related, for example, to the best available scientific information and safety, fish quality, infrastructures, buy-back precautionary approach; program.
8). States should strengthen their respective 3). States should reduce and progressively fisheries related institutions and provide eliminate fisheries subsidies and/or incentives adequate support to research on issues that contribute to overfishing, overcapacity related to the management of fishing capacity. and over-investment. Coordinated international research is also recommended, especially with regard to the 2.3. Regional Considerations and Cooperation development of tools and policy instruments which could be more appropriate at country/ 1). States should provide mutually agreed data sub-regional/regional levels. on vessels, gears and people engaged in fisheries as well as other fisheries-related 9). States should harmonize and coordinate the information with regards to catches, landing implementation of the NPOA-Capacity with and available stocks to provide a complete, other related NPOAs/Policies and Programs accurate and timely way to support efforts to achieve effective control of fishing capacity. to manage fishing capacity at sub-regional areas. 10). States should consider the socio-economic requirements, including alternative sources 2). States and sub-regions should, inter alia, of employment and livelihood to fishing adopt appropriate measures, based on the communities which bear the burden of best scientific evidence available, which are reductions in fishing capacity. designed to maintain or restore stocks at sustainable levels, as qualified by relevant
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environmental and economic factors, including Section IV: Required Urgent Measures for Regional the special requirements of some developing Fisheries Management countries in the region. 1). States should develop policy frameworks for 3). States should consider the establishment of the sub-regional/regional management of sub-regional/regional fisheries management fishing capacity. To be effective it is required arrangements/bodies for the purpose of that policies are developed simultaneously managing the resources as well as fishing by relevant authorities (in accordance with capacity on a cooperative basis. Such national laws and regulations) in each of cooperation is essential for the sub-regional/ the countries and with national and sub- regional managements of trans-boundary fish regional coordination of implementation and stocks. enforcement to ensure that fishing capacity is limited to agreed target levels. 4). States should support co-operation and exchange of information with regional and 2). States, in collaboration with other States, sub-regional fisheries organizations. should assess the extent of overcapacity in defined fishing areas (trans-boundary, sub- Section III: International Considerations and regional and/or regional). Choose either an Fishing in High Seas or RFMO Competent Areas input or output basis as a reference point together with a range of indicators for the 5). States should collaborate with RFMOs by purpose of measuring active over-capacity. sharing information, participating in and developing harmonized systems of data 3). States should develop sub-regional/regional collection, and supporting the actions of the conservation and management measures respective RFMOs to limit fishing capacity in for fish stocks that are currently unmanaged the international waters. regionally, in accordance with the best available scientific information on the status 6). States are encouraged to comply with of such stocks. international agreements which are related to the management of fishing capacity, and 4). States should conduct fishers/stakeholders in particular, the 1993 FAO Agreement to fora at sub-regional/regional levels to build Promote Compliance with International awareness on the need for conservation Conservation and Management Measures and management of fisheries resources by Fishing Vessels on the High Seas known and that in the management context, the as the Compliance Agreement and the effective management of fishing capacity is Agreement of the Implementation of the a requirement for effective conservation and Provisions of the United Nations Convention management. on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management 5). States should enhance the political will and of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory awareness towards sub-regional/regional Fish Stocks known as the 1995 UN Fish fisheries management and conservation. Stocks Agreement. 6). States should strengthen sub-regional/ 7). States should ensure that no transfer of regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance capacity to the jurisdiction of another State (MCS) networks. should be carried out without the expressed consent and formal authorization of that State. Section V: Mechanisms to Promote Implementation
8). States should, in compliance with their 1). States should develop information programs duties as Flag States, avoid approving the to increase awareness on the need for the transfer of vessels flying their flag to high sea management of fishing capacity, and the cost areas where such transfers are inconsistent and benefits resulting from adjustments in with responsible fishing under the Code of fishing capacity. Conduct.
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2). States hould support the sharing/exchange of MSY Maximum Sustainable Yield scientific and technical information on issues RFMO Regional Fisheries Management related to the management of fishing capacity Organization and promote its regional availability using RFVR Regional Fishing Vessel Record existing national and sub-regional fora. RTC Regional Technical Consultation SEAFDEC Southeast Asian Fisheries 3). States should support capacity building Development Center as well as institutional strengthening and UNCLOS United Nations Convention on the consider providing financial, technical and Law of the Sea other assistance to some developing countries WTO World Trade Organization in the region to address issues related to the management of fishing capacity. DEFINITION OF TERMINOLOGIES 4). States should report to the ASEAN and SEAFDEC on the progress of assessment, 1. Beneficial owner: This is a legal term where development and implementation of their specific property rights (“use and title”) in respective plans for the management of equity belong to a person even though legal fishing capacity as part of their efforts in title of the property belongs to another person nd implementing the 2011 ASEAN-SEAFDEC (Black’s Law Dictionary (2 Pocket ed. 2001 Resolution and Plan of Action on Sustainable pg. 508)). This often relates where the legal Fisheries for Food Security for the ASEAN title owner has implied trustee duties to the Region towards 2020. beneficial owner.
5). SEAFDEC will, as directed by the Council 2. Buy-back program: This is a program usually Directors, support the development and government sponsored, for buying vessels implementation of National Plans of Action or licenses from fishers and removing the (NPOAs)7 for the management of fishing vessels from the fishery (https://stats.oecd. capacity through specific, in-country technical org/glossary/detail.asp?ID=248; http://www. assistance projects. fao.org/3/a-a1338e/a1338e14.pdf)
ABBREVIATIONS 3. Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE): also called catch rate – is frequently the single most AFCF ASEAN Fisheries Consultative useful index for long-term monitoring of a Forum fishery. Declines in CPUE may mean that AMSs ASEAN Member States the fish population cannot support the level ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian of harvesting. Increases in CPUE may mean Nations that a fish stock is recovering and more fishing CCRF Code of Conduct for Responsible effort can be applied. CPUE can therefore be Fisheries used as an index of stock abundance, where CPUE Catch Per Unit Effort some relationship is assumed between that EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone index and the stock size. Catch rates by boat FAO Food and Agriculture Organization and gear categories, often combined with data of the United Nations on fish size at capture, permit a large number IPOA International Plan of Action of analyses relating to gear selectivity, indices IUCN International Union for of exploitation and monitoring of economic Conservation of Nature efficiency. (http://www.fao.org/docrep/004/ IUU fishing Illegal, Unregulated, and Y2790E/y2790e02.htm#TopOfPage) Unreported fishing NPOA National Plan of Action 4. Commercial Fisheries: Fisheries undertaken MCS Monitoring, Control and for profit and with the objective to sell the Surveillance harvest on the market, through auction halls, direct contracts, or other forms of trade. (FAO
7 definition). Based on the Recommended Template agreed upon during the Second Regional Technical Consultation on Regional Plan of Action for Management of Fishing Capacity in December 5. Community-based Management: The core 2015 in Thailand feature of locally developed, decentralized
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resource management is that user others. Similarly, if market conditions are communities are ceded the rights and have unfavorable, a fleet may exhibit excess the responsibilities for managing their own capacity that disappears once prices return to resources, typically using a mix of traditional or their normal level (FAO Technical Guidelines more formalized mechanisms of contract and For Responsible Fisheries). enforcement to define access, exploitation methods and intensity. This is increasingly 9. Exclusive Rights: This is the right or privilege being applied in fisheries, though in many that can only be used by the person who it cases, the management structure is widened is granted to (http://thelawdictionary.org/ to include public sector agencies and other exclusive-right/). partners, in co-management. (http://www.fao. org/fishery/topic/16626/en). 10. Fisheries refugia: Spatially and geographically defined marine or coastal areas in which 6. Co-management: This is typically defined specific management measures are applied as a partnership arrangement between to sustain important species (fisheries government and the local community of resources) during critical stages of their life resource users, sometimes also connected cycle, for their sustainable use. (http://www. with agents such as NGOs and research fao.org/docrep/017/i3147e/i3147e.pdf). institutions, and other resource stakeholders, to share the responsibility and authority 11. Fishing Capacity: Fishing capacity is, for a for management of a resource. There are given resource condition, the amount of fish no standardized approaches, but rather a (or fishing effort) that can be produced over range of arrangements, levels of sharing a period of time (e.g. a year) by a vessel of responsibility and power, and ways of or a fleet if fully utilized, that is if effort and integration of local management mechanisms catch were not constrained by restrictive and more formalized government systems. In management measures (FAO Technical addition, the term is referred to the approach Guidelines For Responsible Fisheries). that is gaining particular importance in small- scale fisheries, for which local management 12. Fishing Effort: The amount of fishing gear of capacity and responsibility, combined with a specific type used on the fishing grounds the support of formal legal frameworks and over a given unit of time for example hours information/decision making systems may trawled per day, number of hooks set per day offer particular advantages. However, their or number of hauls of a beach seine per day. potential depends on the existing policy and When two or more kinds of gear are used, the legal environment, local and national support respective efforts must be adjusted to some for community-based initiatives, and the standard type before being added (FAO, capacities of various partners. (http://www. 1997). fao.org/fishery/topic/16625/en).
13. Incentives: An incentive is anything that 7. Economic rent: Economic rent can be defined motivates or stimulates people to act (Giger as the surplus value created during the 1996; cited in FAO 1999). Sargent (1994; production of a good or service, due to the cited in Tomforde 1995) defines incentives as ownership of a factor of production that is in signals that motivate action. Other definitions fixed or limited supply (http://www.fao.org/ refer to the “incitement and inducement of docrep/003/x6827e/X6827E02.htm). action” (Enters 2001). Within the context of development projects, incentives have also 8. Excess Capacity: The existence of been described as “bribes” and “sweeteners” underutilized capacity is an indication that (Smith 1998). To be of interest and to have excess capacity exists in a fishery, and that an impact, incentives need to affect the fewer boats, if fully utilized, could potentially cost-benefit structure of economic activities have caught the same total catch. Excess such as plantation management. Hence, in capacity is a short run phenomenon and the context of the regional study, incentives depends on the state of the resource and the can be defined as policy instruments that environment (natural, social and economic) increase the comparative advantage of forest in which the fishers operate. A fishery with plantations and thus stimulate investments in a fluctuating stock may exhibit excess capacity in some years and full capacity in
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plantation establishment and management • Monitoring: the collection, measurement (http://www.fao.org/3/a-ad524e/ad524e05. and analysis of fishing activity including, htm). but not limited to: catch, species composition, fishing effort, bycatch, 14. Information Program: A program to discards, area of operations, etc. This disseminate information pertaining to a information is primary data that fisheries particular subject or issue related to fisheries managers use to arrive at management management with the objective of improving decisions. If this information is unavailable, the understanding of target audience on that inaccurate or incomplete, managers subject. will be handicapped in developing and implementing management measures. 15. Input/Output Controls: • Control: involves the specification of • Input controls are restrictions put on the the terms and conditions under which intensity of use of gear that fishers use resources can be harvested. These to catch fish. Most commonly these refer specifications are normally contained in to restrictions on the number and size of national fisheries legislation and other fishing vessels (fishing capacity controls), arrangements that might be nationally, the amount of time fishing vessels are sub-regionally, or regionally agreed. The allowed to fish (vessel usage controls) or legislation provides the basis for which the product of capacity and usage (fishing fisheries management arrangements, via effort controls). Often fishing effort is a MCS, are implemented. useful measure of the ability of a fleet to • Surveillance: involves the regulation and catch a given proportion of the fish stock supervision of fishing activity to ensure that each year. When fishing effort increases, national legislation and terms, conditions all else being equal, we would expect of access, and management measures are the proportion of fish caught to increase observed. This activity is critical to ensure (http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/y3427e/ that resources are not over exploited, y3427e06.htm) poaching is minimized and management • Output controls are direct limits on the arrangements are implemented. (http:// amount of fish coming out of a fishery (fish www.fao.org/fishery/topic/3021/en). is used here to include shellfish and other harvested living aquatic animals). Obvious 19. Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY): The forms of output control are limits placed highest theoretical equilibrium yield that can upon the tonnage of fish or the number be continuously taken (on average) from a of fish that may be caught from a fishery stock under existing (average) environmental in a period of time (e.g. total allowable conditions without affecting significantly catches; in reality, usually total allowable the reproduction process. Also referred to landings) (http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/ sometimes as Potential yield. (http://www.fao. y3427e/y3427e06.htm). org/faoterm/en/?defaultCollId=21).
16. Protected Areas: This is a clearly defined 20. Open access: is the condition where access geographical space, recognized, dedicated to the fishery (for the purpose of harvesting and managed, through legal or other effective fish) is unrestricted; i.e., the right to catch fish means, to achieve the long term conservation is free and open to all (https://stats.oecd.org/ of nature with associated ecosystem glossary/detail.asp?ID=3084). services and cultural values (IUCN Definition 2008)(https://www.iucn.org/about/work/ 21. Overfishing: Overfishing is a generic term programmes/gpap_home/pas_gpap/) used to refer to the state of a stock subject to a level of fishing effort or fishing mortality 17. Protected Species: a species of animal or such that a reduction of effort would, in the plant which it is forbidden by law to harm or medium term, lead to an increase in the total destroy (http://www.collinsdictionary.com/ catch. Often referred to as overexploitation dictionary/english/protected-species).
18. Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS):
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and equated to biological overfishing, it results 26. Resource Rent: This is a key concept in from a combination of growth overfishing and fisheries exploitation and management which recruitment overfishing and occurs often is the total revenue that can be generated together with ecosystem overfishing and from the extraction of natural resources less economic overfishing. (http://www.fao.org/ the cost of extracting such resources (WTO faoterm/en/?defaultCollId=21). definition).
22. Overcapacity: is a longer-term problem 27. Sub-regions: This refers to any region or and reflects a divergence between the areas whereas more than one country are resources used to harvest the resource (and concerned or the areas that are related to the the resultant current level of output) and the trans-boundary issues and/or fish stock that resources needed (and corresponding output) needed to be managed together through the to harvest the resource at an “optimal” level. collaboration and cooperation. In Southeast Optimal, in this sense, will largely be driven Asian region, the sub-regions are referred by the objectives of fisheries management, be to the specific sea areas such as Gulf of they economic, social or conservation based Thailand, Andaman Sea, Sulu-Sulawesi (or some combination of all three). If the Seas, etc. Stock Enhancement: fishery is severely overexploited, this optimal yield may be higher than the current catch • The release of cultured juveniles into level, but associated with a large biomass. wild population(s) to augment the natural The existence of underutilized capacity may supply of juveniles and optimize harvests be indicative of overcapacity, but it does not by overcoming recruitment limitation necessarily convey information about the (http://www.stockenhancement.org/about/ extent of overcapacity. Conversely, with an history.html). overexploited stock, little excess capacity • Stock enhancement of wild fisheries – The may be exist even though considerable enhancement of stocks of an existing wild, overcapacity exists (FAO Technical Guidelines open-access fishery with species that For Responsible Fisheries). may or may not be self-recruiting. This category includes the stocking of relatively 23. Precautionary Principle: A set of agreed cost- large inland water-bodies where there are effective measures and actions, including no property rights to the stock. Generally future courses of action, which ensures the recapture rate of stocked fish is low prudent foresight, reduces or avoids risk and repeated enhancement is not always to the resources, the environment, and the necessary to maintain the fishery. people, to the extent possible, taking explicitly into account existing uncertainties and the • Culture-based fisheries – The stocking potential consequences of being wrong. of small water-bodies is a form of (http://www.fao.org/docrep/003/w1238e/ enhancement that is typically undertaken W1238E01.htm). on a regular basis and the stocking activity is the only means of sustaining the 24. Reference Point: An estimated value derived fishery. Typically, a person or a group of from an agreed scientific procedure and/or persons and/or an organization will have model, which corresponds to a specific state property rights to the stock. The source of the resource and of the fishery, and that can of stock for the enhancement may be be used as a guide for fisheries management. derived from capture, but more typically Reference points may be general (applicable is obtained from a hatchery operation. to many stocks) or stock-specific. (http://www. These features collectively amount to a fao.org/faoterm/en/?defaultCollId=21). form of aquaculture that according to the FAO definition (FAO 1997), is referred to 25. Regional Fisheries Management as culture-based fishery. (http://www.fao. Organizations (RFMO): an intergovernmental org/docrep/008/ae932e/ae932e05.htm). organization, established by international agreement, with the competence to adopt 28. Fisheries Subsidies: Fisheries subsidies are conservation and management measures. government actions or inactions that are (http://www.fao.org/in-action/vulnerable- specific to the fisheries industry and that marine-ecosystems/key-concepts/en/). modifies – by increasing or decreasing – the
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potential profits by the industry in the short-, II. NATIONAL PROFILE ON FISHERIES medium – or long-term. (http://www.fao.org/ docrep/005/y4446e/y4446e0k.htm). 2.1. Fishing Capacity Assessment
29. Total Allowable Catch (TAC): The TAC is • By types of fishing vessels the total catch allowed to be taken from a • By types of fishing gear resource in a specified period (usually a • By number of people engaged in capture year), as defined in the management plan. fisheries The TAC may be allocated to the stakeholders • By management area in the form of quotas as specific quantities • Fishing efforts or proportions. (http://www.fao.org/faoterm/ 2.2. Resources Assessment en/?defaultCollId=21). • Status and Trends of Fisheries 30. Traditional fisheries: This involves fishing • Total production: including by Species, households (as opposed to commercial gears companies), using relatively small amount • Fisheries management indicators e.g. of capital and energy, relatively small fishing MSYs or other indicators vessels (if any), making short fishing trips, • Biomass estimation from past surveys close to shore, mainly for local consumption. In • Others practice, definition varies between countries, 2.3. Identification Main Issues and Challenges e.g. from gleaning or a one-man canoe in poor developing countries, to more than 20-m. • Overfishing trawlers, seiners, or long-liners in developed • Habitat degradation ones. Artisanal fisheries can be subsistence • Encroachment into coastal waters or commercial fisheries, providing for local • Illegal fishing vessel including use of consumption or export. They are sometimes destructive fishing practices referred to as small-scale fisheries”. (http:// • Inadequate enforcement capacity and www.fao.org/fishery/topic/14753/en). capability • Lack of public awareness and participation 31. Trans-boundary Stock: a group of • Conflicts in policies objectives commercially exploitable organisms/fish, 2.4. Basic legal Aaspects, Including distributed over, or migrating across, the Institutional Frameworks and maritime boundary between two or more Responsibilities national jurisdictions, or the maritime boundary of a national jurisdiction and the III. GOAL, OVERALL OBJECTIVES AND adjacent high seas, whose exploitation can SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES only be managed effectively by cooperation between the States concerned. (http://www. IV. PLAN OF ACTION FOR MANAGING fao.org/docrep/006/y4652e/y4652e03.htm). FISHING CAPACITY Appendix 1: 4.1. Improve Management Policy Recommended Template for the Development • Update and endorse policy level decision of National Plan of Action for Managing Fishing Capacity 4.2. Conduct Research and Assessment
(NPOA-CAPACITY) • Promote research and effective utilization of regular data collection I. INTRODUCTION • Research on impact assessment on the change of fish population • General problems and challenges on • Periodic, stratified biomass estimation (by managing fishing capacity scientific surveys) • Importance of NPOA-Capacity
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• By resources type: demersal, pelagic, • Cooperate with community organizations prawn, etc. and individuals in the development and • By area/zone/depth of water (depending implementation of NPOA-capacity at on the management regime) provincial and district levels • Conduct assessment to identify overcapacity by fleet segment and gear 4.7. Responsibilities/Implementation used in order to better adjust the strategies • Fisheries Administration 4.3. Improve Fishing Capacity Management/ • Other Departments as applicable to Measures each country (responsible for vessel registration, inspection and enforcement) • Define total allowable fishing capacity • Legal and Organization Departments based on resource assessment, and (need to be better defined) further develop quota system for provinces • Accounting and Planning Departments • Limit fishing capacity in coastal and (need to be better defined) inshore areas • Research Institute for Marine Fisheries • Prohibit fully or partially specific fishing • Local Governance, (province and district gears in particular fishing grounds administration as applicable) • Encourage the utilization of traditional • Social and professional associations and local knowledge to support the and/or fishing community, including management of fisheries and fishing private sector and community fisheries capacity organizations) 4.4. Improve Legal and Institutional Frameworks, with Responsibilities and Coordination Defined ***
4.5. Improve Enforcement and MCS • Establish database and analysis tools • Continue development of VMS for fishing vessels • Strengthen and build capacity for relevant fisheries officers: inspection and surveillance • Establish coordination mechanism among monitoring and surveillance forces at the seas involving relevant institutions as defined in national laws • Establish functioning national MCS- network(s) 4.6.Promote Participation of Relevant Stakeholders • Define specific roles of stakeholders in NPOA-Capacity implementation • Formulate and strengthen central and local institutional framework for co- management • Support effective participation of fisheries associations and private sector
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V. STRATEGIES
Strategy 1: Improve Management Policy Issues and No. Key Actions Time Frame Challenges
Strategy 2: Conduct Research and Assessment Issues and No. Key Actions Time Frame Challenges
Strategy 3: Improve Fishing Capacity Management/Measures Issues and No. Key Actions Time Frame Challenges
Strategy 4: Improve Legal and Institutional Frameworks, with Responsibilities and Coordination Defined Issues and No. Key Actions Time Frame Challenges
Strategy 6: Promote Participation of Relevant Stakeholders
Issues and No. Key Actions Time Frame Challenges
VI. MONITORING AND EVALUTAION
VII. GLOSSARY
VIII. REFERENCE
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Appendix 2.
Identified key issues and feasible measures as a basis reference for development of the RPOA – capacity.
Issues Feasible Measures Technical Assistances Policy and Legal Framework in Managing Fishing Capacity 1) Ineffective policies, legal ◊ Strengthen good governance ◊ Consultations to framework in managing improveunderstanding ◊ Voice out in ASEAN platform fishing capacity bypoliticians/policy makers usingrecommendations ◊ ecisions inconsistent with ◊ dentify gaps and issues in based onscientific evidence current policies legal framework ◊ Capacity building ◊ Lack of political will and ◊ Consistency in policy and awareness towards implementation (both national conservation and fisheries and regional levels) management
◊ Subsidies vs incentives
Information for Fishing Capacity Management (vessels, gears, and fishers) 2) Insufficient information for ◊ dentify gaps ◊ Review works fishing capacity management ◊ Develop common database ◊ Organize trainings/ ◊ Data on concerned fishing workshops/consultations capacity (e.g. no. of fishing ◊ Economic and financialstudies boat, gears, fishers) on the impacts ofcapacity ◊ Develop appropriate management gearspecification and design ◊ ncomplete information forsustainability of resources of gear specification and documentation (e.g. length of ◊ Provide guidance fishing gear) technologysystems including VMS,Automated Identification System(AIS) databases, GRMS (mobiletelephone system), etc.
◊ Information sharing on activefishing capacity Information for Fishing Capacity Management (fishery resources) 3) Inadequate data and ◊ Identify gaps ◊ Reviews information on fisheries ◊ Develop common ◊ Organize trainings/ resources SOP(feasible and workshops/consultations ◊ Lack of policies/ effectivemethod) for data systemsto deal with collection ◊ Stock assessment, fisheriesmanagement in data improve datacollection poorsituation ◊ Capacity building program and methodologiesfor both marine and inland fisheries ◊ Lack of expertise to ◊ Capacity building assessfishing capacity ◊ Organize the regional fora ◊ Conduct research 4) Lack of research and andassessment of ◊ Conduct trainings/workshops/ assessment of migratory migratoryshared stocks consultations shared stocks ◊ Information dissemination
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Issues Feasible Measures Technical Assistances Capacity and Capability to Manage Fishing Capacity 5) Inadequate capacity and ◊ Strengthening MCS ◊ Organize trainings/ capability for monitoring, workshops/consultations ◊ Inter-agencies and inter- control and surveillance countries coordination ◊ Flag and Port State ◊ Encroachment of localfishing Measures trainings and vessel intoprohibited area ◊ Utilization of “Fishermeneyes” inspections (co-management) ◊ Encroachment of foreign ◊ Safety inspections fishing vessels ◊ Improve law enforcement ◊ Legal and regulatory ◊ Information sharing onMCS technical assistance
◊ Capacity building program ◊ Development of NPOA- capacity and determination ◊ Promote co- of target fishing capacity management,decentralization, EAFM
◊ Input control (vessels, licenses, gears, days at sea)
◊ Output control (TAC,quota, MPA, zoning, spatialand temporal measures,minimize discards)
◊ Increase license fees (forcommercial scale fisheries)Cooperation with relevantauthorities to ensure safetyof fishing vessels(inspection and certification as part of fishing license requirements)
◊ Promote alternativelivelihood (other than fishing)
◊ Reduce low cost labors onfishing fleets Public Awareness 6) Insufficient public ◊ Fishers/stakeholders forum ◊ Organize the regional fora awareness and participation (at local, national and regional ◊ Conduct trainings/ ◊ Fishers levels) Media and awareness campaign Information, ◊ workshops/consultations ◊ General public (exclude education and communication fishers e.g. consumers) program (IEC) 7) Market-driven pressure Promote EAFM ◊ Support training courses
◊ Demand for fish promoting ◊ Public awareness to consume unsustainable fishing fish from sustainable fisheries practices (e.g. high price fish, endanger fish, trash ◊ Requirements for aqua feeds fish) and raw materials for export causes pressure to the fishing capacity
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Regional Guidelines on Traceability System for Aquaculture Products in the ASEAN Region
Link : Regional Guidelines on Traceability System for Aquaculture Productsnin the ASEAN Region
***
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Strategic Plan of Action (SPA) for the ASEAN Cooperation in Agricultural Cooperative (2016-2020)
Sector : Agriculture
Sub-Sector : Agricultural Cooperative
Workinggroup : Asean Sectoral Working Group On Agricultural
Cooperative (ASWGAC)
Annex I List of Aquaculture Traceability Competent Authority in ASEAN
Contact Name of Details of Person-in- Contact Details of Person- Country Government Designation Government charge in – charge Agency Agency Cambodia Department of Address: # Tel: (855) 12 829 971 Aquaculture 186, Preah Thay Director of Email: Development Norodom Somony DAD, FiA, [email protected] (DAD), Fishery Blvd, Phnom (Mr) MAFF Administration Penh 12301 (FiA) Cambodia Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) Department Chhoun Director, Tel: (855) 23 224800 of Fisheries Chamnan Department Email: Post – harvest (Dr.) of Fisheries Chhounchamnan@gmail. Technologies Post – harvest com (DFPTQ), Technologies Fisheries (DFPTQ) Administration Fisheries (FiA), Administration Ministry of (FiA) Agriculture Ministry of Forestry and Agriculture, Fisheries (MAFF) Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF)
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Indonesia Directorate Address: Dr. Reza Shah Head of Sub Tel: 62-813.174.32328 General of Menara 165 Pahlevi – directorate Email: th Aquaculture, Building, 15 of Residue pahlevi.reza.nrmp@gmail. Direcorate Floor, Jalan TB Control com of Fish Simatupang, Health and Kav 1 Cilandak Environment, Timur, Jakarta Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Agency Address: Victor Tel: 62-21-3860527/ 62- for Fish Kementerian Immanuel 811646567 Quarantine Kelautan dan and Quality Perikanan, Control, Jalan Merdeka Centre for Timur No 16, Quality Jakarta Management, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Lao PDR Department Address: P.O. Mr. Head of Tel/Fax: +856-21-217 869 of Livestock Box 6644, Douangtavanh Aquaculture Email: and Vientiane Sysombath Development [email protected] Fisheries/ 01000, Lao Section Division of PDR Fisheries/ Aquaculture Development Section Malaysia Fisheries Address: Fauzidah Head of Tel: +603-8870-4000 Biosecurity Fisheries Binti Othman Fish and Fax: +603-8890-3794 Division, Biosecurity (Mdm) Public Health Email: Department Division, Section [email protected] of Fisheries Department Malaysia, of Fisheries Ministry of Malaysia, Tel: 03-88833888 Senior Agriculture & Ministry of Noraini binti Fax: 03-88893341 Director, Agro-Based Agriculture & Dato’ Mohd Food Safety Email: Industry Agro – Based Othman and Quality [email protected]. Malaysia. Industry (Mdm) Division my Food Safety Malaysia, and Quality Putrajaya Division, MALAYSIA Ministry Address: of Health Food Safety Malaysia and Quality Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Putrajaya MALAYSIA
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Myanmar Ministry of Address: Aye Aye Deputy Tel: +95-9-420029947 Livestock, Office No (36), Thein Director of Email: ayeayethein36@ Fisheries Nay Pyi Taw, (Mrs) Department of gmail.com and Rural Myanmar. Fisheries Development, Department of Fisheries Philippines Bureau of Address: Simeona Chief, Tel: (63)02 448 5432 Fisheries 860 Arcadia E. FHMQAS Email:simeona03@yahoo. & Aquatic Bldg., Quezon Regidor Head, FIU com Resource Avenue, (Ms.) Tel:(03)02 4116015 (BFAR) Quezon City, Dennis E. Email:dtiotangco@yahoo. Philippines. Fish Health Tiotangco com Management Address: (Mr.) and Quality 860 Arcadia Assurance Bldg., Quezon Section Avenue, (FHMQAS) Quezon City, Fish Inspection Philippines Unit (FIU) Singapore Agri-Food & Address: JEM - - Tel: (65) 6805 2992 Veterinary Office Tower, 52 Email: Authority of Jurong [email protected] Singapore Gateway Road #14-01 Singapore 068550 Thailand Traceability for Address: During Director of Tel: +66 2579 3682 Coastal fishery Department of the Marine Shrimp Email: thaishrimp@hotmail. products Fishery, Central selection Culture com (shrimp) Kaset, Jatujak, Research and Department of Bangkok 10900 Development Fishery, Marine Institute Shrimp Culture Research and Development Institute. Viet Nam Department of Address: No 10 Mr. Pham Deputy Tel: + 84 913 043 532 Aquaculture Nguyen Cong Khanh Ly Director of Email:phamkhanhly2007@ (DoA) Hoan str, Hanoi, Aquaculture yahoo.com.vn; Viet Nam Department [email protected]
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STRATEGIC THRUST 2: Enhance trade facilitation, economic integration and market access Key Performance Responsible Indicators Action ASEAN Activities Sub Activities Timeline /Deliverables/ Programme Bodies/Lead Means of Country Verification Established Establish Compile data ACEDAC/ 2016- One set of data business data base of and information Thailand 2020 base of agricultural linkages among agricultural on agricultural cooperatives the potential cooperatives cooperatives established by agricultural in ASEAN Publishing the Dec2017 cooperatives state of AMS’s Number of and farmers cooperatives potential products organisation of agricultural (ST2, AP2.5) cooperatives uploaded in ACEDACWebsite Establish Engagement ACEDAC/ 2016- One Regional regional program among Philippines 2017 Agricultural agricultural the AMS Cooperatives cooperatives and Farmers and farmers Organization organization established networking Identify trade Engagement ACEDAC/ AMS 2016- Sets of trade regulation from the 2017 regulations among AMS relevant working identified group on trade regulations Promote direct To establish Identify potential ASWGAC/ 2017- – Establishment investment the agriculture cooperative Philippines 2020 of one cooperative and strategic insurance for insurance in the insurance partnership the trading of AMS with ASEAN agricultural Identify the Agricultural produce terms and cooperatives conditions apply and farmers in each AMS organisation, To promote Identify the ASWGAC/ AMS 2017- Outsourcing fund producers, direct incentives and 2020 from the relevant consumer and investment investment and potential traders among the opportunities in financialintitutions (ST2, AP 2.6) AMS AMS At least To establish fivecontracts the potential farming agricultural produce for contractfarming among theAMS
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Strengthening Strengthen Match-making ACEDAC 2017-2020 Match making at the Food the role of of agricultural Secretariat/ 2016 minimumof five Marketing agricultural cooperatives AMS products amongAMS System of cooperatives and investments Philippines One cooperative Agricultural in food for the identified branding shall Cooperatives marketing cooperatives beestablished for Enhancing chain Rebranding One business forum Food Security ASEAN of agricultural shall be held in in ASEAN. Cooperatives cooperatives and November2016 (SPA 2011- Business e-commerce 2015) Forum (ACBF) 6th ASEAN Cooperatives Business Forum (6thACBF) STRATEGIC THRUST 5: Assist resource constrained small producers and SMEs to improve productivity, technology and product quality, to meet global market standards and increase competitiveness in line with the ASEAN Policy Blueprint on SME Development
Responsible Key Performance ASEAN Indicators Action Activities Sub Activities Timeline Programme Bodies/ /Deliverables/ Lead Means of Country Verification Assist Capacity Implement trainig ASWGAC, July 2016 – [Indicator] small scale building for including dispatch ACEDAC September Number of farmers/ producers in assisting of short-term ACEDAC/ CB 2017 cooperatives the FAF sector small scale Japanese experts Project 2 etc. involved in to become producers in by Capacity after participants viable and th FAF sector. Building implement their competitive Project 2 ActionPlan enterprises – Training course Improved activitiesof by provision on Management farmers/cooperatives of better of Farmers [Deliverables] technology, Market through inputs, finance Improvement Agricultural of farmers/ and extension Cooperatives services, coopearatives access to activities higher value [Means of markets, and Verification] by facilitating Monitoring integration into andEvaluation, modern value Follow-upSurvey chains. (ST5, AP 5.1)
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Promote and – Promote – to identify and ASWGAC, 2016-2020 – establishment of strengthen e-commerce address the ACEDAC/ the e – commerce cooperatives for agricultural relevant issues AMS platform to integrate and farmers cooperatives that will be face by the AMS’s organizations inASEAN the small farmers so as to better promote the and cooperatives integrate small awareness produce agricultural producers of ASEAN awarenessmaterial cooperatives in the value agricultural producefarmers’ set of chains and cooperatives friendly ASEAN ASWGAC 2017 to provide and farmers’ awarnessmaterial GAP Partner : AF/ 2016-2019 collective organisations produced ASEANLearning AFOSP platforms on ASEAN set of ASEAN GAP Route to deal with process playingcardproduced production and anddynamics three thematic market risks. promote learning route (ST5, AP5.2) policy forums between ASEAN farmers’ organisations and ASWGAC. Fcilitate thematic learning exchanges for ASEAN farmers’ organisations Capacity Implement ASWGAC/ July 2016 – [Indicator] building for trainig including ACEDAC/ CB September Number of farmers/ promoting and dispatch of short Project 2 2017 cooperatives strengthen – term Japanese etc. involved in cooperatives experts by after participants and farmers CapacityBuilding implement their organization Project2 ActionPlan Training course Improved activitiesof on Improvement farmers/cooperatives of the cooperative [Deliverables] supervision for Improvement better performance of farmers/ of agricultural coopearatives cooperative activities [Means of Verification] Monitoring andEvaluation, Follow-upSurvey
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Empowerment Exchange Exchange visitwill ACEDAC 2016-2020 Five exchange of personnel Visit of be conducted by Secretariat/ July 2016 – visit conducted and leaders Cooperatives AMS AMS September [Indicator] of agricultural Personnel and Training course on ASWGAC/ 2017 Number of cooperatives Leaders(SPA Improving Capacity Thailand/ CB farmers/ (SPA 2011-2015) 2011- of Woman Leaders Project 2 cooperatives 2015) in an Efficency etc. involved in Management of after participants FarmersInstitutions implement their ActionPlan Improved activitiesof farmers/ cooperatives [Deliverables] Improvement of farmers/ coopearatives activities [Means of Verification] Monitoring andEvaluation, Follow-upSurvey Establishment Identification Sharing ofsupply ACEDAC 2017-2020 Brochure of strategic of and value chain Secretariat/ showcasing alliances among cooperatives practices among Philippines supply and agricultural for strategic theAMS value chain cooperatives in alliances(SPA Sharing of practices ASEAN (SPA 2011-2015) knowledge and compiled 2011-2015) practices in zero Brochure wastemanagement showcasing knowledge and practices in zero waste management
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Strategic Plan of Action for Strategic Plan of Action on ASEAN Cooperation on Crops ASEAN Cooperation on Fisheries (2016-2020) 2016-2020
Link : Strategic Plan of Action for ASEAN Link : Strategic Plan of Action on ASEAN Cooperation on Crops (2016-2020) Cooperation on Fisheries 2016-2020
*** ***
Strategic Plan of Action for Plan of Action for the ASEAN ASEAN Cooperation in Forestry Rabies Elimination Strategy (2016-2025) (ARES)
Link : Strategic Plan of Action for ASEAN Link : Plan of Action for the ASEAN Rabies Cooperation in Forestry Elimination Strategy (ARES) (2016-2025)
*** *** Strategic Plan of Action of the Work Plan for Forest Law ASEAN SPS Contact Points Enforcement and Governance (SPA-ASCP) (2016-2020) (FLEG) in ASEAN, 2016-2025
Link : Strategic Plan of Action of the ASEAN Link : Work Plan for Forest Law Enforcement SPS Contact Points (SPA-ASCP) and Governance (FLEG) in ASEAN, (2016-2020) 2016-2025
*** *** ASEAN Strategic Plan of Action for Cooepration on Livestock (2016-2020)
Link : ASEAN Strategic Plan of Action for Cooepration on Livestock (2016-2020)
***
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ASEAN Ministers on Energy with the strong start in the implementation of the new ASEAN Plan of Action on Energy Meeting (AMEM) Cooperation (APAEC) 2016-2025 Phase 1(2016-2020) to support the strategic Joint Ministerial Statement of the measures under the new ASEAN Economic th Community Blueprint 2025 towards realising 34 ASEAN Ministers on Energy the goals of the ASEAN Community. The Meeting (AMEM) Ministers emphasised that the implementation of APAEC’s energy strategies is key to Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, responding to the call for a well-connected ASEAN that drives an integrated, competitive 21 September 2016 and resilient region and commended the progress of the energy sub-sector networks “Towards a Greener Community (SSNs) and specialised energy bodies with Cleaner Energy” (SEBs) in detailing the implementation of the measures under the new action plan. 1. The 34th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) was held on 21 September 2016 in 4. Recalling ASEAN’s renewable energy and Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. H.E. U Pe Zin Tun, energy intensity reduction targets in the Union Minister for Electricity and Energy APAEC, the Ministers emphasised ASEAN’s of Myanmar, chaired the Meeting and H.E. resolve to advance clean energy development Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, Secretary of in the region, including renewable energy, Energy of the Philippines, was the Vice energy efficiency and clean technology Chair. The 13th ASEAN+3 Ministers on applications. Energy Meeting (AMEM+3), the 10th East Asia Summit Energy Ministers Meeting (EAS EMM) and the 5th Dialogue between AMEM 5. The Ministers also reaffirmed the region’s and the International Energy Agency (AMEM- determined efforts to cooperate towards IEA Dialogue) were also held back-to-back the integration of energy infrastructure with the 34th AMEM. and markets so that the benefits of sharing ASEAN’s indigenous and renewable resources, expert human and technical Opening Ceremony resources, and the resiliency of shared energy systems may be fully realised. 2. H.E. U Pe Zin Tun, Union Minister of Electricity and Energy of Myanmar officiated the 34th Working to Reduce Energy Intensity in ASEAN AMEM and associated meetings. In his opening remarks, the Minister emphasised the significance of this year’s AMEM which 6. In the area of energy efficiency and marks the initial implementation of the conservation (EE&C) where ASEAN’s key ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation strategy is to target the reduction of energy (APAEC) 2016-2025 Phase I (2016-2020) intensity in the region by 20% by 2020 and called upon Dialogue Partners (DPs), and 30% by 2025 based on 2005 levels, International Organisations (IOs) and the the Ministers welcomed the progress in energy business community to strengthen implementation and noted the key planned collaboration to achieve energy security, activities of the Energy Efficiency Sub-sector accessibility affordability and sustainability Network (EE&C-SSN) in 2016/2017. for all. Taking into account the strong growth in global investments on renewable energy 7. In particular, the Ministers welcomed the (RE), he expressed optimism that the region endorsement of the regional policy roadmap will be able to meet its energy security and for minimum energy performance standards in sustainable development goals. air conditioners and the ongoing work towards developing a similar regional policy roadmap Starting Strong – Implementation of the New for lighting. The Ministers noted that the ASEAN Energy Cooperation Plan regional policy roadmap for air conditioning now serves as basis for the ongoing efforts to draft corresponding national policy roadmaps 3. Recognising the importance of the COP21 which are expected to be endorsed in each Paris Agreement, the Ministers were pleased
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ASEAN Member State (AMS) by 2016. The 11. The Ministers commended the cooperation Ministers looked forward to the conclusion among the RE-SSN, ACE, the International of the protocol of cooperation between Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the ASEAN Centre for Energy and the Germany’s GIZ to undertake the REmap ASEAN-Standards Harmonisation Initiative Analysis for the ASEAN region, in support of for Energy Efficiency (ASEAN-SHINE) the ASEAN Renewable Energy Outlook. programme. The Ministers also looked forward to the coordination between ASEAN 12. The Ministers also noted the implementation bodies responsible for energy efficiency and of various activities under the ASEAN standards and conformance to work towards Renewable Energy Support Programme pursuing a mutual recognition arrangement (ASEAN-RESP) Phase II in the areas of (MRA) for energy performance testing networking, policy advice and capacity under existing ASEAN MRAs, such as the building, including several publications such ASEAN Harmonised Electrical and Electronic as the ASEAN RE Policy Review and Analysis, Equipment Regulation Regime (AHEEERR) the Levelised Cost of the Electricity for RE of the ASEAN Consultative Committee for Technologies and the Recommendations Standards and Quality (ACCSQ). on RE Permit Procedures for ASEAN. The Ministers looked forward to further 8. The Ministers agreed to pursue the dynamic collaboration under the new AGEP2016- collaboration with DPs in the area of 2019as the successor programme of the energy efficiency and conservation and ASEAN-RESP, including on project financing acknowledged the continued implementation and associated trainings. The Ministers also of the EU SWITCH Asia’s ASEAN-SHINE welcomed further collaboration with DPs on programme, ASEAN-Japan Energy Efficiency information sharing in RE initiatives such as Partnership Programme (AJEEP) and Energy smart grids and smart communities. Conservation Workshop under AJEEP (ECAP), and the Study on Energy Service Advancing the ASEAN Power Grid and Initiating Companies (ESCOs) in AMS. The Ministers Multilateral Power Trade also looked forward to the promotion of EE&C under the new ASEAN-German Energy 13. On the development of the ASEAN Power Programme (AGEP) 2016-2019, including Grid (APG), the Ministers welcomed the the ASEAN-GIZ project on EE and climate achievements made by the Heads of mitigation in the land transport sector. ASEAN Power Utilities/Authorities (HAPUA) in implementing the APG, including the Increasing the Deployment of Renewable successful completion of more than 1,700 Energy megawatts of new interconnection capacity for 2015/2016 which involves the completion 9. In the area of renewable energy where to date of eight (8) cross-border transmission ASEAN’s key strategy is to aspire to 23% links/projects under the umbrella of the share of RE in the ASEAN energy mix by sixteen (16) APG projects identified under 2025, the Ministers further welcomed the the APAEC. The Ministers moreover noted progress in implementation and noted the key HAPUA’s plans to conduct studies to ascertain planned activities of the Renewable Energy the APG institutions needed to support Sub-sector Network (RE-SSN) in 2016/2017. further implementation of the APG and to help policymakers determine the feasibility of 10. In particular, the Ministers welcomed the various options to establish the mechanisms signing of the Memorandum of Understanding of multilateral power exchange in ASEAN. (MOU) between the ASEAN Centre for The Ministers also noted the need for close Energy (ACE) and Singapore’s Nanyang collaboration between HAPUA and the Technological University to implement the ASEAN Energy Regulators’ Network (AERN) proposed Southeast Asian Collaboration in identifying and overcoming regulatory for Ocean Renewable Energy (SEAcORE), issues in the region’s multilateral power trade. and initiate research and capacity building activities to advance ocean renewable energy 14. The Ministers also welcomed the signing by development in the region. Lao PDR, Thailand and Malaysia of an MOU to pursue the initial phase of the Lao PDR,
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Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore Power LNG contracts. The Ministers also noted the Integration Project (LTMS-PIP). The Ministers conduct of a preliminary study on the legal and commended the efforts of the four countries commercial aspects as well as the ongoing in examining the feasibility of power trade preparation of an appropriate instrument for beyond neighbouring countries and reiterated ASEAN LNG cooperation. their support for the LTMS-PIP as a pathfinder to complement existing efforts towards 18. The Ministers noted the continued work to realising multilateral electricity trade in the operationalise the ASEAN Petroleum Security ASEAN Power Grid (APG) and the ASEAN Agreement (APSA) to address emergencies Economic Community. or possible disruptions in oil and gas supplies in the region, including the APSA Task Force Energy Security and Accessibility in Oil and Phase 2 to render the agreement more Gas practical and operable.
15. On activities related to gas infrastructure and Coal in ASEAN and Promoting Cleaner Coal market development under the purview of the Technologies ASEAN Council on Petroleum (ASCOPE), for which the key strategy is to enhance 19. On coal and cleaner coal technologies (CCT) connectivity within ASEAN for energy security where ASEAN’s key strategy is to enhance and accessibility via pipelines and liquefied the image of coal in ASEAN, the Ministers natural gas (LNG) regasification terminals, noted the planned activities of the ASEAN the Ministers welcomed the progress in the Forum on Coal (AFOC) among others to development of regional gas infrastructure, undertake cooperative activities to enhance with the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline (TAGP) knowledge and information sharing on carbon network now consisting of bilateral pipelines capture and storage (CCS), capacity building connecting six (6) countries with a combined in CCT and activities to enhance coal’s image length of 3,673 kilometres and six (6) in the light of global environmental concerns. operational regasification terminals at a total The Ministers also looked forward to AFOC’s capacity of 22.5 million metric tonnes per plans to undertake a feasibility study and annum. demonstration project for a CCT facility with the involvement of DPs, IOs and the private 16. The Ministers also applauded AMS efforts sector, to develop a joint policy research towards implementing the long-term goal of paper on coal, and institutional and human open access systems in their gas markets. In capacity building in the ASEAN coal sector. particular, the Ministers noted that Singapore’s LNG terminal is the first open access, multi- 20. The Ministers emphasised the importance of user terminal in Asia and welcomed the continued efforts towards increasing uptake announcements that Thailand’s third party of clean energy technologies in the region and access (TPA) system already secured the continued strengthening of cooperation approval from its energy regulator and that with DPs and IOs and the private sector to Malaysia is now in the process of submitting this end. The Ministers looked forward to the to its Parliament a request for approval of its development of the concept and the study TPA system. The Ministers likewise welcomed to identify and establish an ASEAN Coal the good progress in the implementation of an Centre of Excellence, as well as to establish ASEAN Gas Infrastructure Database, with an a fully functioning ASEAN Coal Database and analysis and validation of ASCOPE member Information System. data being uploaded onto the ASCOPE website. Greater International Profiling of the ASEAN Energy Sector 17. Towards providing greater flexibility in destination and associated contract costs 21. On ASEAN’s objective to achieve greater and improving the commercial environment international profiling of the ASEAN energy for oil and gas, the Ministers noted the sector, the Ministers acknowledged the progress made by ASCOPE towards the positive feedback received from DPs, IOs, development of a standard clause for LNG and the private sector on the new APAEC and diversion and destination flexibility for ASEAN the 4th ASEAN Energy Outlook. They believed
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that continued efforts to strengthen energy Building AMS Capabilities for Civilian Nuclear policy analysis and planning in the region will Energy lead to strong support for the implementation of ASEAN’s energy cooperation measures 25. On civilian nuclear energy where the ASEAN’s in the next five years. The Ministers also key strategy is to build AMS capabilities welcomed ACE’s efforts on the development on nuclear energy, the Ministers noted the th of the 5 ASEAN Energy Outlook to be continuing efforts to facilitate information published in 2017. sharing and capacity building to prepare the region in light of some AMS considering the 22. The Ministers commended the ASEAN option of nuclear energy for power generation Regional Energy Policy and Planning Sub- to meet their energy needs. In this regard, sector Network (REPP-SSN) along with the Ministers welcomed the enhanced ACE’s productive collaboration with IRENA discussions with the IAEA to establish and GIZ towards the publication of the ASEAN areas of collaboration and looked forward to RE Outlook. The Ministers were encouraged the conclusion of the proposed three-year by the findings of the RE Outlook showing ASEAN-IAEA joint work programme. that ASEAN’s aspirational RE target is achievable through the additional deployment 26. The Ministers were likewise pleased with of RE technology options identified under the increasingly strong collaboration on the new RE Outlook’s Remap scenario. civilian nuclear energy with ASEAN’s DPs, To close the gap between the regional RE namely(i) Canada, in support of nuclear target and baseline RE deployment plans, and radiological security expertise and to the Ministers called for additional effort and strengthen ACE’s capacity for coordinating robust framework from all AMS towards the the work of the Nuclear Energy Cooperation timely achievement of the ASEAN RE target. Sub-sector Network (NEC-SSN); (ii) China, in support of capacity building, experience 23. In addition, the Ministers welcomed the sharing, and other forms of engagement such adoption of the new ASEAN-Russia Energy as joint studies or research on civilian nuclear Cooperation Work Plan 2016-2020, and the energy; and, (iii) Japan, in support of human enhanced engagement with the United States resource development, including training under the new US-ASEAN Energy Connect and the conduct of workshops in the areas initiative, including the Energy Access Forum of nuclear non-proliferation, safeguards and to be held in Singapore in October 2016. The additional protocols. Ministers also noted the plans to collaborate with the Recognising Best Practices through the ASEAN Energy Awards US-ASEAN Business Council to Look into Human Capital Development in the Asean 27. The Ministers congratulated the 60 awardees Energy Sector. of the ASEAN Energy Awards 2016 recognised in various categories for best 24. The Ministers also welcomed the continued practices in renewable energy and energy energy cooperation with the IEA as well as efficiency and conservation. The awards the start of collaborative activities with IRENA were given in the areas of: (i) ASEAN Energy and the International Atomic Energy Agency Management in Building and Industries (IAEA).ASEAN’s collaboration with IRENA with 14 awards out of 32 submissions from in the field of renewable energy is not only seven countries; (ii) ASEAN Energy Efficient to help push for increased integration of Building with 11 awards out of 27 submissions RE into the ASEAN Power Grid, but is also from six countries; (iii) ASEAN Green Building fostering better integration of RE planning into with seven (7) awards out of ten (10) ASEAN’s energy policy analysis and planning submissions from five countries; (iv) ASEAN processes. Renewable Energy with fifteen (15) awards
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out of 23 submissions from five countries. ASEAN Ministerial Meeting In addition, awards for Excellence in Energy Management by Individuals were conferred on Science and Technology on13 senior energy officials in recognition of (AMMST) their significant contributions to the ASEAN energy sector. The annual ASEAN Energy th Awards which began in year 2000 has helped Chairman’s Statement of the 9 to engage private actors, including private Informal ASEAN Ministerial developers, industries and large consumers as well as the wider consuming public, Meeting on Science and in the promotion of best practices in the Technology (IAMMST-9) development and deployment of cleaner and efficient energy. Siem Reap, Cambodia, 35th AMEM 29 October 2016
28. The Ministers agreed to convene the 1. The 9th Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting 35thAMEM in September 2017 in the on Science and Technology (IAMMST-9) Philippines. was held on 29 October 2016, Siem Reap, Cambodia. The Meeting was chaired by The Ministers expressed their sincere appreciation H.E. Dr. Cham Prasidh, Senior Minister and to the Government and people of Myanmar for Minister, Ministry of Industry and Handicraft the warm hospitality accorded to the delegations th (MIH), Cambodia and was attended by and the excellent arrangements made for the 34 Science and Technology Ministers and Senior AMEM and associated meetings. Officials from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, ASEAN MINISTERS FOR ENERGY Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam. H.E. Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General of ASEAN H.E. Dato Hamdan Abu Bakar, Deputy Minister at and his staff were also in attendance. the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam; H.E. Mr. Suy Sem, Minister of Mines and Energy 2. The following twelve (12) meetings and an of Cambodia; Mr. Jarman, Ir., MSc., Director award ceremony were convened prior to the General of Electricity of the Ministry of Energy 9th Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on and Mineral Resources, representing the Minister Science and Technology: of Energy and Mineral Resources of Indonesia; H.E. Mr. Viraphonh Viravong, Vice Minister of i. 48th Meeting of the Sub-Committee on Energy and Mines of Lao PDR; Hon. Datuk Seri Biotechnology (SCB-48), 24 October Panglima Dr. Maximus Johnity Ongkili, Minister 2016; of Energy, Green Technology and Water of Malaysia; H.E. U Pe Zin Tun, Union Minister of ii. 46th Meeting of the Sub-Committee Electricity and Energy of Myanmar; Mr. Alfonso on Food Science and Technology G. Cusi, Secretary of Department of Energy of the (SCFST-46), 24 October 2016; Philippines; H.E. Ms. Sim Ann, Senior Minister of
State, Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore; th H.E. General Anantaporn Kanjanarat, Minister iii. 49 Meeting of the Sub-Committee of Energy of Thailand; H.E. Dr. Cao Quoc Hung, on S&T Infrastructure and Resources Vice Minister of Industry and Trade of the Socialist Development (SCIRD-49), 24 October Republic of Viet Nam; and H.E. Dr. Lim Hong Hin, 2016; Deputy Secretary General of ASEAN for ASEAN th Economic Community. iv. 45 Meeting ofthe Sub-Committee on Microelectronics and InformationTechnology *** (SCMIT-45), 24 October 2016;
v. Meeting of the Sub-Committee on Marine Science and Technology (SCMSAT), 24 October 2016;
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vi. 45th Meeting of the Sub-Committee on (i) Pledge of USD 1 million each from the Materials Science and Philippines and Thailand to the proposed ASEAN Science, Technology and vii. Technology (SCMST-45), 24 October Innovation (STI) Partnership Contributions, 2016; 46th Meeting of Sub-Committee which Malaysia also expressed support to on Sustainable Energy Research the establishment of the Contributions. The (SCSER-46), 24 October 2016; initiative is open for participation of Member States on a voluntary and flexible basis. viii. 27thMeeting of the Sub-Committee on Space Technology and Application (ii) The proposal to establish an ASEAN Open (SCOSA-27), 24 October 2016; Innovation and Entrepreneurship Platform with the aim to synergize ASEAN talent ix. 2nd Meeting of Board of Advisers to COST mobility, human resource development (BAC-2), 25 October 2016; and R&D programs with ASEAN innovation agenda. x. 71st Meeting of ASEAN Committee on Science and Technology (COST – 71), 26 (iii) The offer of the Philippines to provide October 2016; opportunities for ASEAN researchers to work in the Philippines’ research centers. xi. 6th ASEAN-US Consultation on Science and Technology, 27 October 2016; (iv) The offer of scholarships by Singapore and Thailand for qualified ASEAN students to study in Singapore and Thailand respectively xii. 7th Meeting of the ASEAN-Japan in the field of science and technology. Cooperation Committee on Science and Technology, 28 October 2016; and (v) The offer of Thailand to provide ASEAN talent mobility matching service to the xiii. Award Ceremony, 28 October 2016. private sector for enhancing industrial competitiveness. ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (APASTI) 2016 – 2025 (vi) The proposal by Malaysia on organising an Implementation Plan ASEAN foresight forum in Quarter 3 of 2017 in Malaysia to foresight the challenges and 3. The Ministers adopted the ASEAN Plan of opportunities arising from the 4th industrial Action on Science, Technology and Innovation revolution and to plan the necessary actions (APASTI) 2016-2025 Implementation Plan. required for these future scenarios.
4. The Ministers noted the two (2) planned Calls (vii) The proposal from Indonesia to establish for Project Proposals in January and July the ASEAN Public-Private – Partnership. 2017, funded by ASEAN Science, Technology and Innovation Fund to support activities 7. The Ministers noted the presentation by under APASTI. Malaysia on Certification of Personnel aiming at applying international standards 5. Noting the importance of innovation as a key on personnel certification organisations in driver for ASEAN economy, the Ministers ASEAN. The Ministers noted that the ASEAN agreed to develop an ASEAN Declaration Committee on Science and Technology on Innovation for adoption by the ASEAN (COST) has been working on the Certification Leaders in 2017, and tasked the ASEAN of Science and Technology (S&T) Personnel. Committee on Science and Technology (COST) to formulate it. ASEAN 50th Year Anniversary Celebration 6. With a view to enhancing STI collaboration 8. The Ministers welcomed the conduct of and capacity in ASEAN, the Ministers numerous science, technology and innovation welcomed the following initiatives proposed related activities in ASEAN Member State by ASEAN Member States:
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which will be held in conjunction with the • Dr. Reasmey Tan (Advisor) celebration of the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN • Ms. Panchapor Chhim in 2017. • Ms. Seyha Doeurn • Mr. Sereyvuth Thai Cooperation with Dialogue Partners: 3rd place: Team iSea Forces, INTI International Japan University, Malaysia 9. The Ministers noted the progress of • Prof. Dr. Wong Ling Shing (Advisor) implementation of the Japan-ASEAN • Mr. Tan How Ming Science, Technology and Innovation Platform • Ms. Nur Syafiyah Nabilah bt Arman (JASTIP) and the Exchange Programme for • Mr. Lew Zien Young Science, Technology and Innovation Officials under the Sakura Science Plan. Da Vinci Award and Scholarship 2016 recipients supported by ASEAN Plus Three The United States (U.S) Centre for Gifted in Science • Teo Siang Jun, Maktab Sains Paduka Seri 10. The Ministers noted the progress of Begawan Sultan, Brunei Darussalam implementation of the ASEAN-U.S. Science • Hannah Karen Duque, Philippines Science and Technology Fellows Program, the High School, Cagayan Valley Campus ASEAN-US Prize for Women in Science, and (PSHS-CVC), Philippines the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Innovation Challenge. 12. The Ministers highlighted the need to support and motivate ASEAN researchers and Recipients of the Science and Technology youth in the field of science, technology and Awards: innovation in our preparation for the changing economic landscape, where creativity and innovation are required for ASEAN to remain 11. The Ministers congratulated to the following relevant and competitive. recipients of the following S&T Awards: Next Meeting of the ASEAN S&T Ministers ASEAN-US Prize for Women in Science
2016 Collaboration of ASEAN, U.S., and th Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 13. The Ministers noted that the 17 ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science and • Winner: Dr. Worajit Setthapun, Chiang Technology (AMMST-17), the 73rd Meeting Mai Rajabhat University, Thailand of Committee on Science and Technology • Runner-up: Prof. Ir. Dr. Sharifah Rafidah (COST-73), other related meetings and Wan Alwi, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, the 10th ASEAN Science, Technology and Malaysia Innovation Week (ASTIW-10) shall be held in Myanmar in the second half of 2017. Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Innovation Challenge *** Collaboration of ASEAN, U.S., Cisco, and Intel
1st place: Team Microbubble Technology (MINO), Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia • Dr. Deendarlianto (Advisor) • Mr. Muhammad Nabil Satria Faradis • Mr. Fajar Sidik Abdulah Kelana • Ms. Untari Febrian Ramadhani 2nd place: Team Cam-Fermentation Kits (CFKs), Institute of Technology of Cambodia, Cambodia
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ASEAN Telecommunications Masterplan 2020 (AIM2020) will propel ASEAN towards a digitally-enabled economy, which is and Information Technology secure, sustainable, and transformative; and to Ministers Meeting (TELMIN) enable an innovative, inclusive and integrated ASEAN Community;
Emphasising the importance of harnessing ICT as Brunei Darussalam a basis of progress and unity in line with the visions Declaration of ASEAN Economic Community, ASEAN Political- Security Community and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Community; Darussalam, 26 November 2016 Recalling further the adoption of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on 6 September 2016 , including digital Connected Innovative Community innovation as one of the five strategic areas, that will promote competitiveness, inclusiveness, and a We, the ASEAN Ministers responsible for greater sense of Community; Telecommunications and Information Technology (IT), gathered in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Aware of the importance of promoting ICT creativity Darussalam, on the occasion of the Sixteenth and innovation within ASEAN as a main driver ASEAN Telecommunications and IT Ministers to develop competitive advantage and promote Meeting (16th TELMIN) on 25 and 26 November economic progress, and thereby; 2016: Welcoming the adoption of the ASEAN Intellectual Reaffirming the aims and purposes of ASEAN as Property Rights Strategic Action Plan 2016-2025 enshrined in the Bangkok Declaration of 8 August (AIPSAP) which, among others, facilitates ASEAN 1967, in particular, to accelerate the economic collaboration in ICT creativity and innovations; growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint endeavours in the spirit of equality and partnerships in order to strengthen Welcoming the successful completion of the ASEAN the foundation for a prosperous and peaceful ICT Masterplan (AIM 2015) and its contribution to community of South-East Asian Nations; the community in empowering transformational ICT for an inclusive vibrant and integrated ASEAN; Recalling the ASEAN Vision 2025, adopted by the ASEAN Leaders at the 27th ASEAN Summit in Re-emphasising the focus of the AIM2020 to November 2015, which calls for an outward looking enable an economy-wide transformation that ASEAN Community, living in peace, stability supports all sectors of the economy by adopting and prosperity, bonded together in partnership and embedding ICT and fostering growth and for dynamic development and in a community of innovation; caring societies; Convinced that the AIM2020 will steer ASEAN Guided by the ASEAN Economic Community towards a more dynamic and creative innovation Blueprint 2025, adopted by the ASEAN Leaders in an interconnected and interoperable digital at the 27th ASEAN Summit in November 2015 in economy by utilising ICT to further support and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which aims to achieve drive the ASEAN Economic Community; the vision of a highly integrated and cohesive economy; competitive, innovative and dynamic Cognisant of the rapid development and challenges ASEAN; with enhanced connectivity and sectoral in the evolving ICT environment , and the promise cooperation; of significant socio-economic benefits to ASEAN Member States; Inspired by the ASEAN Leaders’ recognition at the 28th and 29th ASEAN Summits held in September Desiring to realise a Connected Innovative 2016 in Vientiane, Lao PDR that the ASEAN ICT ASEAN Community by encouraging creativity and innovation through ICT to provide greater
163 ASEAN DOCUMENTS SERIES 2016 opportunities to realise the transformative effects 8. Further strengthen harmonisation of ICT on ASEAN’s economy and strengthening ICT standards and regulatory approaches, cooperation among ASEAN Member States; especially for new emerging services and technologies toward deepening regional HEREBY AGREE TO: integration;
1. Provide leadership to drive the progress 9. Enhance the protection of personal data of the AIM2020 initiatives to enhance in ASEAN and promote cooperation connectivity and innovation in ASEAN between ASEAN Member States through through the development of knowledge and the endorsement of ASEAN Framework on digital skill sets as well as greater access Personal Data Protection; to ICT infrastructures, services, applications and technologies so as to improve ASEAN 10. Endorse the 2017 Work Plan which contains peoples’ quality of life towards socio – projects and initiatives on priority Strategic economic growth and development; Thrusts of the AIM2020 for 2017;
2. Support the development of future broadband 11. Ensure efficient and effective processes and infrastructure networks to facilitate new key performance indicators (KPIs) within the technologies and ideas, accelerate the existing institutional mechanism to execute implementation of the next-generation ICT and track programmes, projects and initiatives to realise the vision of inter-connected Smart to meet the AIM2020’s goals and targets; Cities and raise awareness on the importance and impact of Internet of Things (IoT) and IPv6 12. Continue to work closely with ASEAN Dialogue implementation for electronic government Partners, International Telecommunications services; Union (ITU), International Organisations and stakeholders in the implementation of 3. Further enhance connectivity between ASEAN innovative ICT programmes in support of the Member States to support regional integration AIM2020; and trade, and intensify efforts to ensure the resilience of international connectivity Adopted this Declaration at the 16th TELMIN in including submarine cable systems; Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, on 26 November 2016. 4. Strengthen ASEAN’s cybersecurity with the ASEAN Cybersecurity Cooperation Strategy *** that will guide regional cooperation, as well th as with ASEAN Dialogue Partners and other Joint Media Statement of the 16 organisations on cybersecurity; ASEAN Telecommunications
5. Continue working together to enhance access and Information Technology to ICT and bridge the digital divide in ASEAN Ministers Meeting and Related to support innovation in underserved and Meetings underpriviledged communities;
6. Promote the realisation of the benefits of Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei affordable access to international mobile Darussalam, 26 November 2016 roaming services within a connected ASEAN community through the development of an ASEAN International Mobile Roaming 1. The 16th ASEAN Telecommunications and Framework; Information Technology Ministers Meeting (TELMIN) was held in Bandar Seri Begawan, 7. Continue to provide leadership in innovation Brunei Darussalam, on 25 and 26 November and creativity to support a resilient ICT 2016. H.E. Dato Mustappa Sirat, Minister ecosystem and sustainable economic of Communications of Brunei Darussalam, development through the promotion of chaired the Meeting, and H.E. Tram Iv Tek, Smart Cities and Green ICT policies with the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications of deployment of next-generation ICT; Cambodia was the Vice-Chair. The Ministers
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also held consultations with their counterparts which calls for stronger coordination of holistic from the People’s Republic of China, Japan cybersecurity policy and norms discussions and Republic of Korea. in ASEAN and the development of a robust cybersecurity cooperation and capacity CONNECTED INNOVATIVE COMMUNITY building framework. This will also enhance the coordination of cybersecurity approaches 2. The Ministers welcomed the progress made with ASEAN Dialogue Partners and other in the first year of implementation of the stakeholders. The Ministers were also of the ASEAN ICT Masterplan 2020 (AIM2020) that view that TELMIN may serve as a platform laid a strong foundation in propelling ASEAN for dedicated cybersecurity discussions in towards a digitally-enabled economy that ASEAN, given the strong inter-relationships is secure, sustainable, and transformative; between the ICT and cybersecurity domains. and to enable an innovative, inclusive and integrated ASEAN Community. 8. The Ministers applauded the relentless effort to acknowledge, recognize and reward ICT 3. The Ministers noted with satisfaction the innovators through the annual ASEAN ICT development of a set of Key Performance Awards with the view to further promote Indicators to facilitate the monitoring of the creativity and encourage innovation in the impact of measures implemented under region. Such Awards will also help to promote AIM2020. Such indicators will provide better greater awareness of ASEAN ICT products insights on how ASEAN are working towards and services in global ICT market. realising its goals and targets as stipulated in AIM2020. 9. 9. The Ministers adopted the Brunei Darussalam Declaration on Connected 4. The Ministers adopted the ASEAN Framework Innovative Community to advance ASEAN’s on Personal Data Protection which will vision of establishing an innovative establish a set of principles to guide the and inclusive community whereby the implementation of measures at both national stakeholders, be it businesses or end users, and regional level to promote and strengthen will be able to fully capitalize on the advent of personal data protection in the region. technology to further enrich their wellbeing.
5. The Ministers reiterated their support to further ICT COOPERATION WITH DIALOGUE AND enhance the development of ICT policies, DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS human resources as well as connectivity in the region. Amongst others, the development of 10. The Ministers looked forward to further an ASEAN Framework on International Mobile deepening the cooperation with Dialogue Roaming to provide travellers and businesses Partners to enhance ICT policies, develop with affordable access to international mobile human resources, explore emerging roaming services within ASEAN. technologies for adoption, and improve the capacity to address cybersecurity risks in the 6. The Ministers appreciated the implementation of AIM2020. recommendations from the Data Demand Study on a Roadmap to Increase Broadband 11. The Ministers acknowledged China’s support Capacity in ASEAN (Phase 2), which provide in the successful conclusion of five China- strategic guidance in developing policies ASEAN ICT related training activities held in that enable the improvement of national China in the areas of Internet new business broadband capacity across ASEAN in line and application, network security emergency with the growth of a digitally-enabled ASEAN response capacity building, broadband Community. development and universal service, new generation information technology, and 7. The Ministers reaffirmed the importance ICT driving socio-economic sustainable of promoting regional cybersecurity development. The Ministers are of the view collaborations and developing coordinated that the above activities contributed greatly cybersecurity policies and approaches. In this to the sharing of successful practices and regard, the Ministers welcomed the proposed experiences, and served as good references ASEAN Cybersecurity Cooperation Strategy for the two sides in developing further such services and technologies.
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12. The Ministers endorsed the Action Plan for 16. The Ministers welcomed the plan to introduce Deepening the China-ASEAN Partnership for an ASEAN-Korea ICT partnership 2017- Common Development in the ICT Field (2017- 2021, focusing on four strategic areas such 2021) to strengthen further China–ASEAN as innovation, connectivity enhancement, ICT cooperation towards promoting socio- human resource development and information economic development, particularly in the security in line with the strategic thrusts of ever changing ICT environment, and along AIM2020. The Ministers endorsed the 2017 this line, the Ministers endorsed the China- ASEAN-Korea ICT Work Plan which includes ASEAN ICT Work Plan for 2017 which includes cooperation projects in new areas such as the activities to exchange and cooperate in IoT, big data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) the areas of ICT development and regulatory with the aim of developing and promoting policies, interconnection of ICT infrastructures, new technologies to proactively respond to new technologies, capacity building of cyber the next industrial revolution. security emergency response and handling of spam, integrated development of the Internet 17. The Ministers welcomed the endorsement and the manufacturing industry, policies and of the 2017 ASEAN-EU ICT Work during the successful stories of MSME in harnessing the 9th TELSOM+EU meeting, to further extend use of ICT. cooperation on sectors of mutual interest that are targeted in both the ASEAN ICT Masterplan 13. The Ministers expressed their appreciation to 2020 and the EU Digital Single Market Japan for her assistance in various areas of initiative. The Ministers further welcomed the cooperation in 2016, including the “ASEAN Enhanced Regional EU – ASEAN Dialogue Smart Network”. The Ministers endorsed the Instrument (E-READI) starting early 2017 that 2017 ASEAN-Japan ICT Work Plan which will support cooperation including in ICT. supports the implementation of the ASEAN ICT Master Plan 2020(AIM2020). The 18. The Ministers noted the convening of the 2nd Ministers agreed to hold several activities TELSOM+U.S. meeting and appreciated the under the ASEAN-Japan ICT Fund including United States’ assistance in the successful policy symposium to discuss ICT policy conclusion of ICT-related activities on including IoT and ICT for public safety. The spectrum management, cybersecurity, Ministers expressed their appreciation to and e-commerce and telecommunications Japan for the contribution of USD 100,000.00 commitments in high standards trade to the ASEAN-Japan ICT Fund this year. agreements.
14. The Ministers valued the importance of the 19. The Ministers also welcomed the 2017 ASEAN-Japan cooperation of Cybersecurity ASEAN-US ICT Work Plan presented by and welcomed the launch of the Step1 of “The the United States during its consultation ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Cooperation with Senior Officials for cooperation and Hub” which covers CYDER exercise, Cyber capacity building on digital economy-related SEA Game and feasibility study of a physical policy areas, including competition policy in hub. The Ministers also commended the the digital age and emerging technologies progress made in the implementation of the and innovation-minded policymaking, and “ASEAN-Japan Collaboration Framework on look forward to the successful completion Information Security”, including the release of ongoing work on dynamic spectrum of the ASEAN-Japan Critical Information allocation and broadband communications for Infrastructure Protection Guidelines. emergency services.
15. The Ministers acknowledged the Republic of 20. The Ministers also noted the convening of Korea for having successfully implemented a the 6th TELSOM+ITU meeting and expressed series of cooperative activities in 2016 among their appreciation to ITU for its continuing others; expansion of new technology and assistance in advancing the development services, capacity building and knowledge of the ICT sector in ASEAN including the sharing, ICT infrastructure enhancement, promotion of child online protection in ASEAN as well as cooperation with international and for its direct country actions on different organisations on AP-IS broadband areas to individual AMSs. development, women empowerment through ICT, and development of mobile applications. 21. The Ministers reiterated ASEAN’s commitment to pursue policy and regulatory dialogue with
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dialogue and development partners, and ASEAN ICT Masterplan 2020 the industry towards increasing commercial activities and investments. The Ministers also called for greater participation from the private Link : ASEAN ICT Masterplan 2020 sector to enhance connectivity and innovation in ASEAN through the development of knowledge and digital skill sets, as well as *** greater access to quality ICT infrastructure, services, applications and technologies, ASEAN Transport Ministers so as to support the goals of the ASEAN Meeting (ATM) Community.
NEXT MEETING Joint Ministerial Statement of the 22nd ASEAN Transport Ministers th The Ministers agreed to convene the 17 ASEAN Meeting (22nd ATM) Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministers Meeting and its Meetings with Dialogue Partners and ITU in Cambodia in 2017. Manila, Philippines, 17 November 2016 ACKNOWLEDGMENT
22. The Ministers expressed appreciation to 1. The Twenty-Second ASEAN Transport the Government and the People of Brunei Ministers (ATM) Meeting was held on 17 Darussalam for their warm hospitality November 2016 in Manila, Philippines. accorded to them and for the excellent H.E. Mr. Arthur P. Tugade, Secretary of arrangements made for the 16th TELMIN and Transportation of the Philippines chaired Related Meetings. the Meeting and H.E. Mr. Khaw Boon Wan, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and LIST OF MINISTERS Minister for Transport for Singapore was the Vice-Chairman. The Twenty Second ATM Meeting was preceded by the Forty-Second H.E. Dato Mustappa Sirat, Minister of ASEAN Senior Transport Officials Meeting Communications of Brunei Darussalam; H.E. Tram (STOM) and their consultations with dialogue Iv Tek, Minister of Posts and Telecommunications partners held on 14-16 November 2016. of Cambodia; H.E. Rudiantara, Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Indonesia; H.E. Dr. Thansamay Kommasith, 2. The Twenty-Second ATM was officially Minister of Post and Telecommunications of Lao opened by H.E. Mr. Benjamin Diokno, PDR; H.E. Dr. Mohd Salleh Tun Said Keruak, Secretary of Department of Budget and Minister of Communications and Multimedia of Management of the Philippines representing Malaysia; H.E. Kyaw Myo, Deputy Minister of the Office of the President. In his Opening Transport and Communications of Myanmar; H.E. Remarks, he highlighted the efforts of the Rodolfo A. Salalima, Secretary of the Department Government of the Philippines in achieving of Information and Communications Technology of efficient and sustainable transportation as a the Philippines; H.E. Dr. Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister means to move people, enhance business, for Communications and Information of Singapore; and attract investments. He also highlighted H.E. Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong, Deputy that under the new marching order of “Build, Prime Minister, Acting Minister of Digital Economy Build, Build”, several major infrastructure and Society of Thailand; H.E. Nguyen Thanh Hung, projects would be carried out to facilitate Deputy Minister of Information and Communications the transport of goods and services in the of Viet Nam; H.E. Chen Zhaoxiong, Vice Minister Philippines, including the development of of Industry and Information Technology of People’s mass urban transport systems to address Republic of China; H.E. Jiro Akama, State Minister the traffic crisis in metropolitan cities and the of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan; establishment of the first rail network outside H.E. Dr. Choi Jaeyou, Vice Minister of Science, ICT of Luzon to link provinces in the Visayas and Future Planning of the Republic of Korea;and and Mindanao. Finally, he wishes ASEAN H.E. Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General of ASEAN. transport cooperation activities would be able
***
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to enhance the connectivity, ease of travel, on Services. The Ministers noted that both lower prices of goods and services, and the undertakings are targeted to be completed by improvement of people’s life quality. 2017.
Towards Deeper Transport Integration Moving Towards Aeamless Cross-Border Movement of Passengers and Goods 3. The Ministers commended the strong start in the implementation of the Kuala Lumpur 6. The Ministers welcomed the conclusion Transport Strategic Plan (KLTSP) 2016-2025 of substantive negotiations on the ASEAN and reaffirmed commitments to intensify Framework Agreement on the Facilitation of cooperation to realise the AEC 2025 vision Cross-Border Transport of Passengers by which calls for a deeply integrated region that Road Vehicles (ASEAN CBTP), and agreed would contribute towards a highly cohesive to sign the agreement at the earliest possible ASEAN economy. To this end, the Ministers time. The CBTP will facilitate seamless cross- endorsed the Key Performance Indicators border mobility between and among ASEAN (KPIs) for Air Transport, Land Transport, Member States and enhance regional people- Maritime Transport, Sustainable Transport and to-people connectivity. Transport Facilitation, which would facilitate impact monitoring of the implementation of 7. The Ministers noted the progress made the AEC Blueprint 2025, and the Work Plans in ratifying and enacting domestic laws of all sectoral Working Groups under STOM and regulations to implement the ASEAN for the period of 2016-2017, which provides Framework Agreement on the Facilitation guidance for the Working Groups to set of Goods in Transit (AFAFGIT), ASEAN priorities and deliverables for the next two (2) Framework Agreement on Multimodal years. Transport (AFAMT) and ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Facilitation of Inter-State Furthering the Establishment of ASEAN Single Transport (AFAFIST) and urged officials Aviation Market (ASAM) to speed up the implementation of these transport facilitation agreements to meet the 4. The Ministers applauded the full ratification timeframe set in the KLTSP. by all the ASEAN Member States of the air transport agreements that will pave 8. The Ministers took note of the progress in the the way to Open Skies in ASEAN which is preparation for the pilot project on ASEAN one of the key pillars supporting ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) including integration. The Ministers welcomed the the completion of the Operating Guidelines efforts to enhance the ASEAN air services for Goods Vehicle Cross-Border Permit and agreements to further liberalise key economic the ACTS Manuals for Transport Officials and elements under the ASEAN Single Aviation for Principals and Transporters. The Ministers Market (ASAM) Implementation Framework. urged the ACTS Pilot Countries to conclude The Ministers were pleased with the and sign the MOU on the Operationalisation progress in the establishment of a Mutual of the Pilot Project for the Implementation Recognition Arrangement (MRA) on Flight of ACTS in order to be able to proceed with Crew Licensing, which would demonstrate the ACTS Pilot phase live run. The Ministers ASEAN’s commitment to raise aviation safety noted that the ACTS Central Management standards. The Ministers tasked the senior Team would be established within the ASEAN officials to work towards finalising the MRA Secretariat to manage the implementation of for adoption and signing by the 23rd ASEAN ACTS upon the completion of the pilot phase. Transport Ministers Meeting in 2017. Intensifying Efforts on Realisation of ASEAN 5. The Ministers also welcomed the progress Single Shipping Market (ASSM) of the development of ASEAN Air Traffic Management Harmonisation Master Plan 9. The Ministers adopted the Framework of to achieve a Seamless ASEAN Sky and Cooperation on Certification of Competency th the negotiation of the 10 package of for Near Coastal Voyages (NCV) issued by commitments on Air Transport Services ASEAN Member States, as a mechanism under the ASEAN Framework Agreement to address disparities in the area of trading
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limits and syllabus requirements between consideration of ASEAN’s proposal to expand ASEAN Member States on NCV Certificates. the intra-package of Protocol 2 by adding The Framework of Cooperation would focus more commercially viable points. on capacity building efforts and sharing information among ASEAN Member States. 13. The Ministers acknowledged the progress The Ministers tasked the senior officials of ASEAN-Japan cooperation through and the relevant working group to come up the implementation of the ASEAN-Japan with further implementation plans of the Transport Partnership (AJTP), particularly Framework of Cooperation towards ASEAN the activities in the work plan for 2016–2017. wide recognition of NCV certification The Ministers also welcomed new initiatives under AJTP, which include implementation Enhancing the Use of Intelligent Transport of the New ASEAN-Japan Action Plan on Systems Environment Improvement in the Transport Sector (AJ-APEIT), Project for Encouraging 10. With the view to enhance the application of the Use of Environmental Friendly Ships in Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) in the ASEAN, Implementation of Green Logistics region, the Ministers adopted the ASEAN Vision and Action Plan and Enhancement ITS Policy Framework 2.0, which sets out of Port Security in ASEAN Member States the guiding principles for the ASEAN Member through the programs of the Port Security States in identifying, planning, evaluating and Expert Meeting (PSEM). The Ministers facilitating ITS applications in their respective further lauded the significant progress in the countries, taking advantage of the many negotiations of ASEAN-Japan Air Services potential benefits of ITS. The completion of Agreement and are looking forward to the the ASEAN ITS Policy Framework 2.0 marked speedy conclusion of a more liberal and a significant milestone in regional efforts to mutually beneficial ASEAN – Japan Air maximise road network efficiency capacity as Services Agreement. well as improve traffic flow. 14. With ROK, the Ministers noted the progress Promoting Road Safety Awareness in the of implementation of activities in the ASEAN- Region ROK Transport Cooperation Project. The Ministers encouraged the senior officials 11. The Ministers adopted and launched the and the relevant working groups to look ASEAN Road Safety Booklet as a tool for into the early conclusion of a more liberal dissemination of key highlights from ASEAN and mutually beneficial ASEAN-ROK air Regional Road Safety Strategy in enhancing services agreement. With India, the Ministers public awareness on the importance of the looked forward to strengthening the air road safety in the region. transport cooperation with India, including the commencement of the negotiations on ASEAN-India Air Transport Agreement. Enhancing Transport Cooperation with Dialogue Partners 15. The Meeting appreciated the outcomes of the activities under the European Union 12. The Ministers welcomed the progress made ASEAN Air Transport Integration Project (EU- in the ASEAN-China transport cooperation, AATIP) and the ASEAN Regional Integration including adoption of the revised ASEAN- Support from the EU (ARISE) and looked China Transport Cooperation Strategic Plan forward to the continuous strong support and the Development Strategy for ASEAN- for the key technical initiatives of the Kuala China Transport Scientific and Technological Lumpur Transport Strategic Plan (KLTSP) Cooperation. The Ministers also commended 2016-2025, such as in aviation safety and air the progress made in the implementation of traffic management, under the ARISE Plus ASEAN-China Air Transport Agreement (AC Programme. The Ministers also expressed its ATA) and its Protocols 1 and 2 and looked pleasure with the notable progress in aviation forward to the realisation of ASEAN-China engagement with the EU, particularly with the Open Skies in support of the ASEAN-China beginning of the negotiations on an ASEAN- Free Trade Agreement. In this regard, the EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement Ministers looked forward to China’s positive (CATA), which would be the first region-to-
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region Agreement of its kind. The Ministers Meeting of the ASEAN Tourism further encouraged both sides to conclude an ambitious agreement. Ministers (M-ATM)
16. The Ministers thanked Germany for its Joint Statement of the 19th technical assistance to ASEAN Member States and acknowledged the project achievements Meeting of ASEAN Tourism on Sustainable Port Development (SPD) in Ministers (22th ATM) ASEAN during 6 years of cooperation (2009- 2015). The Ministers appreciated Germany’s continued support to the implementation of Manila, the Philippines, the KLTSP 2016-2025. 21 January 2016
17. The Ministers welcomed the adoption of ASEAN-United States Aviation Cooperation 1. The Nineteenth Meeting of ASEAN Tourism th Terms of Reference, which would include Ministers (19 M-ATM) was held on 21 January areas of aviation safety, efficiency, 2016 in Manila, the Philippines, in conjunction harmonisation, security as well as economic with the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2016 (ATF). regulation. H.E. Mr. Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr., Secretary of Tourism of Philippines, chaired the Meeting and H.E. Mr. S. Iswaran, Minister for Trade The Twenty – Third ATM and Industry (Industry) of Singapore was the Vice-Chairperson. The 19th M-ATM Meeting 18. The Ministers agreed to convene the Twenty- was preceded by the Forty – Third Meeting Third ATM Meeting in Singapore in 2017. of ASEAN National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) and meetings with dialogue partners. 19. The delegates from ASEAN Member States and the ASEAN Secretariat expressed their 2. The Ministers expressed their deepest sincere appreciation to the Government and sympathies and condolences to the people of the Republic of the Philippines Government and people Indonesia, for the warm hospitality accorded to the concerning the recent terrorist attack in delegations and the excellent arrangements Jakarta on 14 January 2016. The Ministers made for the Meeting. also jointly expressed their appreciation for Indonesia rapid response to this attack so LIST OF MINISTERS that it will not impact the tourism activities and promotion in Jakarta and the rest of the H.E. Dato Seri Setia Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, country. Minister of Communications of Brunei Darussalam; H.E. Mr. Sun Chanthol, Senior Minister and Minister 3. The preliminary figure indicated that of Public Works and Transport of Cambodia; Mr. ASEAN Member States received 98 million Sugihardjo representing H.E. Mr. Budi Karya international visitors, posting a growth of Sumadi, Minister for Transportation of Indonesia; 7.3 per cent from 2014. Intra-ASEAN travel H.E. Mr. Viengsavath Siphandone, Vice Minister maintained its position as the major share of Public Works and Transport of Lao PDR; H.E. of tourists, making up 42 per cent of total Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai, Minister of Transport international arrivals in 2015. of Malaysia; H.E. Mr. Thant Sin Maung, Union Minister of Transport and Communications of ASEAN Community Myanmar; H.E. Mr. Arthur P. Tugade, Secretary of Transportation of the Philippines; H.E. Mr. Khaw 4. The Ministers were pleased with the Boon Wan, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure contribution of tourism sector to the and Minister for Transport of Singapore; H.E. Mr. establishment of ASEAN Community through Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, Minister of Transport the successful implementation of the ASEAN of Thailand; H.E. Mr. Nguyen Hong Truong, Vice Tourism Strategic Plan (ATSP) 2011-2015, Minister of Transport of Viet Nam; and H.E. Mr. Lim with 91% of the measures of the ATSP 2011 – Hong Hin, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for 2015 covering joint marketing and promotion, ASEAN Economic Community. product development, improving quality ***
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tourism services and human resources Visit ASEAN@50 having been implemented. With greater intra – ASEAN mobility contributed by enhanced 7. In line with the establishment of the ASEAN connectivity within the region, the Ministers Community in 2016 and to commemorate were pleased to note that ASEAN tourism of the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN in 2017, cooperation has been able to contribute to the Ministers agreed to develop “Visit the promotion of deeper social and cultural ASEAN@50”, an ASEAN tourism campaign understanding among ASEAN people. to jointly promote and showcase ASEAN as a The Ministers tasked the senior officials to single tourism destination. Visit ASEAN@50 complete the remaining measures in 2016. will feature iconic ASEAN tourism products, events and experiences, particularly those Post-2015 ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan reflecting the richness of cultural, heritage and natural environment, as well as the warm 5. Building on the momentum of the ATSP 2011- hospitality extended by the people of ASEAN. 2015, the Ministers agreed to the important The target audience of this joint effort would role of ASEAN tourism in making greater be ASEAN’s key source markets, such contribution towards the realisation of ASEAN as: Intra-ASEAN, Asia and Pacific, Middle integration goals laid out in the ASEAN 2025: East and Europe, through ASEAN tourism Forging Ahead Together adopted by the packages and Visit ASEAN@50 calendar ASEAN Leaders at the 27th ASEAN Summit of events activities carried out by ASEAN in November 2015. In this context, the Member States at international and national Ministers adopted the new ATSP 2016-2025 levels. with the following vision: “By 2025, ASEAN will be a quality tourism destination offering Fostering Tourism Human Resource a unique, diverse ASEAN experience, and Development will be committed to responsible, sustainable, inclusive and balanced tourism development, 8. The Ministers were pleased to note that so as to contribute significantly to the socio- all ASEAN Member States signed the economic well-being of ASEAN people.” Agreement on the Establishment of the Regional Secretariat for the Implementation 6. To work towards the above vision, the of the MRA-TP on 30 December 2015. The Ministers emphasised the necessity to Secretariat, which will be stationed in Jakarta, complete and continue existing initiatives and will promote the implementation of the MRA- achievements, such as: marketing of ASEAN TP by providing support for its operations as a single destination, implementation of and management as well as implementation tourism standards, implementation of the of related projects and activities at the Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Tourism regional level, including formulating, Professionals (MRA-TP), adopting new and updating and providing recommendations on innovative approaches to destination and necessary mechanisms to enable its smooth product development, mainstreaming existing implementation. The Ministers encouraged sub-regional tourism initiatives and working all Member States to submit their respective with other agencies to ensure the integration instruments of ratification for this Agreement and development of ASEAN tourism. The and tasked senior officials to undertake implementation of ATSP 2016-2025 will intensive preparation in realising the physical continue to be supervised by the ASEAN establishment of the Secretariat within 2016 NTOs with the assistance of the four newly and the successful implementation of the restructured subsidiary Committees: the MRA-TP. The Ministers welcomed the Project ASEAN Tourism Competitiveness Committee, to support the transition phase in establishing the ASEAN Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism the Regional Secretariat. Committee, the ASEAN Tourism Resourcing, Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, and 9. The Ministers noted the progress in the ASEAN Tourism Professional Monitoring developing the ASEAN Tourism Professionals Committee. Registration System (ATPRS) to facilitate the registration of tourism professionals and MRA related stakeholders, and serve as a matchmaking mechanism between tourism
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professionals and their potential employers. social media marketing, public relations The Ministers also noted the implementation and partnerships with the private sector progress of the project on the Toolbox and ASEAN centres. The Ministers noted Development for Travel Agencies and Tour the continued enhancement of the ASEAN Operations. The Ministers thanked the Tourism website (www.aseantourism.travel) Government of Australia for the continued and “ASEAN for ASEAN” activities carried out support on realising the operationalization by respective Member States. of the MRA-TP through establishment of its infrastructures through the ASEAN-Australia 14. The Ministers were pleased with the Development Cooperation Programme II. outcomes of the activities undertaken by the ASEAN Promotional Chapters for Tourism Quality Tourism (APCTs) in Sydney and Mumbai in 2015 to promote ASEAN tourism through ASEAN 10. Through the ASEAN Green Hotel Award cuisine, marketing campaign with travel Ceremony, the Ministers were pleased to note industry partner, and networking event with that 89 hotels in the region have complied local wholesalers/industry. The Ministers with the new ASEAN Green Hotel Standard expressed appreciation to the ASEAN-China to promote sustainable tourism practices in Centre, ASEAN-Japan Centre and ASEAN- the region through adoption of environmental Korea Centre for their support in promoting – friendly and energy conservation initiatives ASEAN tourism in Chinese, Japanese and in their establishments in line with ASEAN Korean markets such as, promotion thru tourism initiative on Tourism and Climate media, on-line promotion and service through Change Monitoring System and Work Plan. official websites, participation in major tourism events including exhibitions and meetings, 11. In providing an opportunity to promote ASEAN and technical workshops. Homestay and understanding of the basic requirements of a quality visitor experience, 15. The Ministers adopted the updated ASEAN and establish a minimum standard across Crisis Communication Manual (ACCM), all ASEAN Member States, the first ASEAN which will serve as an effective tool to uphold Homestay Award Ceremony was convened the credibility of the organizations and/or on 22 January 2016 in Manila, the Philippines. destinations through the provision of accurate In this Ceremony, the Ministers awarded 31 and timely information to key stakeholders. ASEAN Homestay Standard certificates to homestay organisations and providers that Developing ASEAN Tourism Product will enhance local quality of life to generate income, support local culture, arts and crafts 16. The Ministers welcomed the finalisation of business, encourage restoration of local and the ASEAN Ecotourism Strategic Plan, which historic sites, and foster nature conservation identified heritage trails and transboundary efforts through community education. parks that could be promoted together as ASEAN tour packages linked with air networks 12. The Ministers encouraged all Member States as part of the implementation of ASEAN Open to carry out awareness programmes for the Skies. The Ministers noted that the Guideline other ASEAN tourism standards and their of Culture & Heritage Travel Pattern in ASEAN certification process, including spa services, had been finalised and its first training was public toilet, clean tourist city and community- conducted on 4-5 December 2015 in Jakarta. based tourism standards. In this concept, the ASEAN Community Based Tourism Award 17. The Ministers were pleased with the result of Ceremony will be held in 2017 and ASEAN the implementation of the ASEAN Cruise 2015 Clean Tourist City Award Ceremony will be Work Plan among others, the participation held in 2018. of ASEAN at Cruise Shipping Miami (now known as Seatrade Cruise Global) through Promoting ASEAN Tourism the co-location of Southeast Asian countries, advertorial spread in Seatrade Cruise Review 13. The Ministers were pleased with the good magazine, and the monthly e – Newsletter, progress made in promoting and marketing ASEAN Cruise News, to strengthen regional ASEAN tourism through websites, events, trade capability and outreach to the global
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cruise industry. In further promoting the and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Union region as a choice cruise destination, the of Myanmar to the Republic of the Philippines, Ministers adopted the new branding: Cruise Myanmar; H.E. Mr. Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. Southeast Asia, feel the warmth. This new Secretary of Tourism, Philippines; H.E. Mr. S. branding, inspired by the waves, highlights Iswaran, Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry), the vibrant diversity, the culture and warmth Singapore; H.E. Ms. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, of the people of Southeast Asia, as well as the Minister for Tourism and Sports, Thailand; H.E. close relationships between ASEAN Member Ms. Dang Thi Bich Lien, Vice Minister of Culture, States. Sports and Tourism of Viet Nam; and H.E. Mr. Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General of ASEAN. 18. The Ministers noted the updates on River *** Based Tourism Development assisted by UNWTO. ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan ASEAN Tourism Forum 2016-2025
19. The Ministers noted that the ASEAN Tourism Link : ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan Forum (ATF) 2016 held on 18-22 January 2016-2025 2016 in Manila, Philippines, with the theme of “One Community For Sustainability” was *** attended by 457 buyers and 1000 exhibitors with 467 booths as well as 83 international Joint Media Statement of the and 100 local media. The Ministers expressed their appreciation to CNN International as ASEAN Tourism Ministerial the Official International Cable and Satellite Roundtable Meeting on Media Partner of ATF 2016. Ecotourism 20. The Ministers noted that the ATF 2017 will be convened on 16-20 January 2017 in Pakse, Lao PDR, 22 June 2016 Singapore, with the theme of “Shaping our Tourism Journey Together”. The Ministers also noted that Thailand agreed to host ATF 1. The ASEAN Tourism Ministerial Roundtable in 2018. Meeting (MRT) on Ecotourism was convened on 22 June 2016 in Pakse, Champasak 21. The Ministers expressed their sincere Province, Lao PDR, at the initiative of the appreciation to the Government and People Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of the Philippines for the warm hospitality of Lao PDR. The MRT held in conjunction and the excellent arrangements made for the with the ASEAN Ecotourism Forum (AEF). Meetings. The Meeting was chaired by H.E. Prof. Dr. Bosengkham Vongdara, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Lao PDR LIST OF MINISTERS and H.E. Ms. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister for Tourism and Sports, Kingdom of The Meeting was attended by: Thailand, serving as Co-Chair.
Mr. Wardi Haji Mohammad Ali, Deputy Permanent 2. The Ministers and Heads of Delegation Secretary, Ministry of Primary Resources and reiterated their commitment to support Tourism, Brunei Darussalam, representing H.E. tourism-related deliverables under Lao PDR’s Dato Paduka Hj Ali Hj Apong, Minister of Primary ASEAN Chairmanship in 2016 and welcome Resources and Tourism, Brunei Darussalam; H.E. Laos’ initiative to convene the AEF, creating Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism, Cambodia; an opportunity for the public and private H.E. Dr. Arief Yahya, Minister of Tourism, sectors in the ASEAN tourism community to Indonesia; H.E. Mr. Chaleune Warinthrasak, Vice network, share and deliberate on plans to Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, grow and prosper the region. The ASEAN Lao PDR; H.E. Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, Ecotourism Forum 2016 with the theme Deputy Minister of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia; of “ASEAN Without Borders: Roadmap H.E. U Ye Myint Aung, Ambassador Extraordinary
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for Strategic Development of Ecotourism Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Primary Clusters and Tourism Corridors”, aims to Resources and Tourism, Brunei Darussalam; capitalise on the capacity and resources of H.E. MR.TITH CHANTHA, Secretary of State, ASEAN partners and supporters to bring Ministry of Tourism, the Kingdom of Cambodia; about the transformation of sustainable MRS. ANI INSANI, Director of Tourism Institutional businesses and generate jobs aligned with Relations, Ministry of Tourism, Indonesia; H.E ASEAN 2016’s theme, “Turning Vision into PROF. DR.BOSENGKHAM VONGDARA, Minister Reality for a Dynamic ASEAN Community”. of Information, Culture and Tourism, Lao PDR; DATO’ YEAN YOKE HENG, Undersecretary, 3. The Ministers and Heads of Delegation Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia; MR. emphasised the importance of an ASEAN YEE MON, Permanent Secretary, Ministry Hotels coordinated roadmap to strategically identify, and Tourism, Myanmar; MR. JOHN GREGORY plan and develop an inter – connected network CONCEICAO, Executive Director, Singapore of ecotourism sites linked to major overland Tourism Board, Singapore; H.E. KOBKARN and river passageways as well as inter-islands WATTANAVRANGKUL, Minister of Tourism and connection. These ecotourism clusters and Sports, Kingdom of Thailand; H.E. DANG THI tourism corridors shall be developed to BICH LIEN, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports traverse within ASEAN, namely: facilitating and Tourism, Viet Nam; and H.E. LIM HONG HIN, cross-border travel between borders among Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN region and wildlife frontier, facilitating tourists Economic Community. travel into rural areas and nature reserves, *** and to experience the essence of ASEAN’s ecotourism attractions. The Ministers Media Statement of the commended this visionary development to unlock economic opportunities along overland International Conference on and waterways; a major socio-economic Mutual Recognition Arrangement initiative to create employment and uplift on Tourism Professionals communities, revitalise idle natural resources and transform impoverished rural areas. (MRA-TP)
4. The Ministers and Heads of Delegation Jakarta, Indonesia, 8-9 August 2016 adopted the “Pakse Declaration on ASEAN Roadmap for Strategic Development of Ecotourism Clusters and Tourism Corridors” International Conference and agreed to submit the Declaration to the th ASEAN Leaders during the 28 ASEAN 1. The International Conference on Mutual Summit in Vientiane, Lao PDR, as one of Recognition Arrangement on Tourism Key Deliverables under Lao PDR’s ASEAN Professionals (MRA-TP) was held by the Chairmanship in September 2016. The Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Ministers and Heads of Delegation requested Indonesia co-organised with the ASEAN the ASEAN NTOs to develop a Roadmap Secretariat on 8-9 August 2016 in Jakarta. together with ASEAN partners including international organisations, ASEAN centres 2. The Conference was officially commenced in China, Japan and Korea, and the private by H.E. Dr. Arief Yahya, Minister of Tourism sectors. of the Republic of Indonesia. In his opening statement, he expressed his warm welcome 5. The Ministers and Heads of Delegation to all Tourism Ministers, National Tourism expressed their sincere appreciation to Organisations (NTOs), representatives of the Government and People of Lao PDR ASEAN Centers and other international for the warm hospitality and the excellent tourism organisations, as well as participants arrangements made for the ASEAN of the Conference. Minister Arief Yahya Ecotourism Forum and MRT. highlighted significant progress of ASEAN tourism illustrated by its sustained positive LIST OF MINISTERS OR HEAD OF DELEGATES annual growth of more than 8 percent for international visitor arrivals in the past 5 MR. WARDI HJ MOHAMMAD ALI, Deputy years, leading to a creation of 29 million jobs
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in 2014. He further cited an active ASEAN d) Strengthen collaboration amongst tourism collaboration that has achieved industries, training and educational progress in many joint initiatives, such as institutions, and governments through the joint marketing, the establishment of ASEAN respective National Tourism Professional tourism standards, and implementation of the Boards (NTPB) to facilitate the exchange Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Tourism of best practices and align and update Professionals (MRA-TP). He emphasised regional and/or international tourism that the establishment of MRA-TP not only competencies and curricula; and fulfills Leaders’ commitment of formulating non-restrictive arrangements stipulated e) Improve facilitation on registration for within ASEAN Tourism Agreement signed in ASEAN Tourism Professionals and related 2002, but also supports the enhancement of stakeholders through the ASEAN Tourism quality tourism services by improving tourism Professional Registration System. professionals’ standards within the region. Through this implementation, The Minister ASEAN MRA-TP Forum expected that tourism not only could bring a more holistic betterment to ASEAN People’s 5. The ASEAN MRA-TP Forum, held in life, but also to achieve a “People-Centered, conjunction with the Conference, was People – Oriented ASEAN”. attended by Head of Delegates of NTOs of ASEAN Member States. Views were 3. The Conference was highly successful in exchanged on the implementation of MRA- bringing together high-level government TP and its roles in improving quality tourism officials from ASEAN, international tourism services, challenges faced and how to move organisations, UN agencies, hotels, tourism this forward. associations, industries, educational/training institutions and the media with an aim to 6. The Forum acknowledged the progress made increase awareness among the various by the ASEAN Member States in promoting stakeholders of the MRA-TP. International the MRA-TP in the respective ASEAN Member speakers and moderators shared on the States. Certified Tourism Professionals under benefits and challenges in the implementation the MRA-TP would support Member States of MRA-TP in various sectors, namely, the in developing ASEAN into a Quality Tourism government, tourism industry, educational/ Destination as indicated in the ASEAN training institutions, certification boards, Tourism Strategic Plan 2016-2025. international organisations and donors.
Supporting Infrastructure 4. The Conference addressed a wide range of topics on the MRA-TP, with the key areas highlighted below: 7. The Forum agreed on the need for a strong supporting infrastructure of MRA on Tourism Professionals. This could consist of clear a) Expansion of the MRA-TP to cover other guidelines and mechanisms, updated areas, such as job-titles of Meetings, toolboxes and a common ASEAN tourism Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions curriculum. In this regard, the Forum noted (MICE) as well as spa-wellness the establishment of the Regional Secretariat professionals; for the implementation of the MRA-TP to be based in Jakarta, Indonesia, with the b) Usage of English as a basic communication Agreement signed on 30th December 2015. requirement for implementation of the This Secretariat will be functioned to (i) MRA – TP, including possible mechanisms enhance awareness, provide capacity building to assist potential trainees to fulfil this on the MRA-TP; (ii) develop, maintain and requirement; update the ATPRS, and (iii) formulate, update and recommend the necessary mechanisms. c) Facilitate and support potential participation of training and educational institutions in 8. An Ad-Hoc team was established to respective ASEAN Member States; coordinate the transition phase of the Regional Secretariat set-up.
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Building Capabilities a. Collaboration with industries to promote in-house training programmes using the 9. The Forum noted the efforts of the Member ASEAN MRA-TP toolboxes; States to sustain the significant growth of tourism development in the region. Noting b. Implementation of apprenticeship the high demand for ASEAN Tourism programmes with the industries; Professionals in response to this growth, the Forum suggested that ASEAN could consider c. Development of the Recognition of Prior conducting a study on the skills gap, and Learning Assessment Mechanism as a identify MRA-TP-related measures to fill this tool to assess and certify those that have gap. relevant experience; and
10. The Forum noted the usefulness of the d. Identification of Education and Training conference and hoped to see more such Centres in each Member State as Centres conferences where industry and governments of Excellence for MRA Implementation. can come together to exchange views. It is expected that the future conferences will have 13. The Forum acknowledged the contribution more fruitful sessions in parallel. In addition, made by the Government of Australia, the conferences will also exhibit training to support the ASEAN MRA through the education and tourism institutions. ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation Programme II. The Forum also expressed Greater Collaboration appreciation to GIZ, German Agency for Development and International Cooperation, 11. The ASEAN Heads of Delegation who for their support to the CLMV countries, were present at the Forum, launched the namely Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, first phase ofthe ATPRS (www.atprs.org) and Vietnam through the Initiative ASEAN to provide the tourism industry a glimpse of Integration (IAI) Project. the portal. The ATPRS, which is still work in progress, is a web-based platform to facilitate 14. The Forum expressed their sincere the registration of tourism professionals and appreciation and gratitude to the Ministry of MRA related stakeholders, and match tourism Tourism, the Government of the Republic of professionals to potential employers. Indonesia for their warm hospitality and the excellent organisation of the conference, as 12. The Forum recognised the importance of well as their contribution to support and host collaboration amongst stakeholders, training the Jakarta-based Regional Secretariat on and educational institutions, industry and the ASEAN MRA-TP. development partners to further strengthen the implementation of the MRA-TP. The *** Forum welcomed new initiatives from various stakeholders including the following possible projects/activities:
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IV. ASEAN SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMUNITY
ASEAN Socio-Cultural 5. We discussed the progress of implementation and monitoring of the ASCC Blueprint 2025 Community (ASCC) Council and noted with satisfaction the development of work plans for 2016-2020 of the ASCC Joint Ministerial Statement of sectoral ministerial bodies. We encouraged th all ASCC sectoral ministerial bodies and the 15 ASEAN Socio-Cultural member states to heighten follow up efforts Community (ASCC) Council to implement ASEAN Declarations through national and regional initiatives, ensure Luang Prabang, Lao PDR, effective contribution of relevant sectoral ministerial bodies towards people-to-people 4 June 2016 connectivity and enhance mechanisms for cross-sectoral coordination, monitoring and evaluation and communication of results. 1. We, the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council (ASCC) Ministers of Brunei 6. We exchanged views on ASCC’s support Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao to the work of the ASEAN Member States’ PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Permanent Missions to ASEAN through the Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam met secondment of ASCC officers. We welcomed on 4 June 2016 in Luang Prabang, for the the adoption by the Committee of Permanent 15th ASCC Council Meeting, under the Representatives (CPR) of the Terms of chairmanship of Lao PDR. Reference for the Secondment and agreed that its implementation will be based on the 2. We recognize the significance of 2016 as the readiness of each ASEAN Member State. first year since ASEAN became a Community and the first year for the implementation of 7. We discussed the status of the ASCC Study the ASEAN Vision 2025 and its Blueprints on the Implications of Timor Leste’s Accession for the three community pillars. We therefore to ASEAN and tasked the ASEAN Secretariat expressed our full support to the chairmanship to convey the report that was reviewed and of Lao PDR and reaffirmed our commitment noted by Senior Officials Committee for the to ASCC priorities for 2016 and beyond as ASCC (SOCA) to the ASEAN Coordinating inspired by this year’s theme of Turning Vision Committee Working Group for further action. into Reality for a Dynamic ASEAN Community. 8. We were pleased to note the follow- 3. Consistent with the ASCC Vision 2025 and in up actions taken by the SOCA, sectoral line with priorities for the year, we endorsed ministerial bodies and the ASEAN Secretariat important declarations to be adopted by the to address the recommendations of the HLTF Leaders during the 28th ASEAN Summit namely on Strengthening the ASEAN Secretariat the Vientiane Declaration on Transition from and Reviewing the ASEAN Organs relevant Informal Employment to Formal Employment to ASCC. In line with this, we have adopted towards Decent Work Promotion in ASEAN; the Terms of Reference (TOR) of the ASCC the ASEAN Declaration on One ASEAN One Council and tasked the ASEAN Secretariat to Response: ASEAN Responding to Disasters update the CPR accordingly. as One in the Region and Outside the Region; and the ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening 9. We expressed our gratitude to SOCA, that Education for Out-of-School Children and th Youth. had its 20 meeting immediately preceding the 15th ASCC Council meeting, for their hard work in ensuring that this 15th ASCC Council 4. We noted the progress of the development meeting will be effective and achieve its of the Vientiane Declaration on Reinforcing objectives. Cultural Heritage in ASEAN and the ASEAN Joint Statement on Biodiversity for the 13th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (2016).
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10. We conveyed our deepest appreciation to Lao the various sectoral ministerial bodies under PDR for the warm hospitality and excellent ASCC, in order to realise the priorities of the arrangements as host of the 15th ASCC ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community for 2016. Council and for its effective leadership during its Chairmanship. 3. Consistent with the ASCC Vision 2025 and in pursuit of the 2016 priorities, we have LIST OF MINISTERS/HEADS OF DELEGATION endorsed key declarations and statements for th th ATTENDING THE 15th ASCC COUNCIL MEETING adoption by the Leaders at the 28 and 29 ASEAN Summits. These outcome documents aim to concretise and deliver results arising H.E. Pehin Dato Halbi Yussof, Minister ff Culture, from the collective commitment of ASEAN Youth and Sports, Brunei Darussalam; H.E. Yuok Member States in various priority areas: Ngoy, Secretary of State, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, Cambodia; H.E. I Nyoman Shuida, Deputy Minister of Community, Rural and a) Vientiane Declaration on Reinforcing Regional Empowerment, Republic of Indonesia; Cultural Heritage Cooperation in ASEAN; H.E. Prof. Dr. Bosengkham Vongdara, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Lao PDR; b) ASEAN Declaration of Commitment on HIV H.E. Datuk Mas Ermieyati Binti Haji Samsudin, and AIDS: Fast – Tracking and Sustaining Deputy Minister of Ministry of Tourism and Culture, HIV and AIDS Responses to End the AIDS Malaysia; H.E. Thura Aung Ko, Union Minister, Epidemic by 2030; Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, Myanmar; H.E. Corazon Juliano-Soliman, Secretary, c) ASEAN Joint Statement to the 13th Meeting Department of Social Welfare and Development, of the Conference of the Parties to the Philippines; H.E. Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister of Social Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD And Family Development, Singapore; H.E. Police COP13); General Adul Sangsingkeo, Minister of Social Development and Human Security, Thailand; d) ASEAN Joint Statement on Climate Change H.E. Doan Mau Diep, Deputy Minister of Labour, to the 22nd Session of the Conference of the Invalids and Social Affairs, Viet Nam;and H.E. Le Parties to the United Nations Framework Luong Minh, Secretary-General of ASEAN. Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP22)
*** 4. We have also endorsed for notation by the ASEAN Leaders the following documents: Joint Ministerial Statement of the 16th ASEAN Socio-Cultural e) The Bandar Seri Begawan Declaration on Culture and Arts to promote ASEAN’s Community (ASCC) Council identity towards a dynamic and harmonious ASEAN community; Vientiane, Lao PDR, 31 August 2016 f) The Roadmap on ASEAN Cooperation towards Transboundary Haze Pollution 1. We, the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Control with Means of Implementation, a Council (ASCC) Ministers of Brunei very important milestone in addressing the Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao problem of transboundary haze affecting PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, the region. Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam met on 31 th August 2016 in Vientiane, for the 16 ASCC 5. We have also endorsed for the signing by Council Meeting, under the chairmanship of the ASEAN Leaders the Declaration on One Lao PDR. ASEAN One Response: ASEAN Responding to Disasters as One in the Region and Outside 2. Inspired by this year’s theme of Turning the Region. Vision into Reality for a Dynamic ASEAN Community, we have extended strong support 6. We were pleased to note that the ASEAN to the chairmanship of Lao PDR, together with Food Safety Regulatory Framework has been jointly endorsed by the Ministers of Health, Agriculture and Trade.
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7. We discussed the progress of development ASEAN Ministers Responsible of the work plans of the various sectoral ministerial bodies of ASCC and exchanged for Information (AMRI) views on ways forward to monitor and report their progress, including the implementation of adopted declarations. Joint Media Statement of the th 8. We were pleased to note the conclusion of 13 Conference of the ASEAN the Study on the Implications of Timor Leste’s Ministers Responsible for Accession to ASEAN and its Implications on th ASCC and its submission to the ACCWG for Information and 4 Conference further consideration. of ASEAN Plus Three Ministers
9. We expressed our sincere gratitude for Responsible for Information the tireless efforts of the Senior Officials Committee for the ASCC (SOCA) and the Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines, ASEAN Secretariat in ensuring effective 17 March 2016 coordination of the priorities of the ASCC for 2016. “One ASEAN: Connectivity. Community. 10. Lastly, we conveyed our deepest appreciation Opportunity.” and congratulations to Lao PDR for the effective chairmanship and excellent 1. 1. The Republic of the Philippines hosted arrangements for the 16th ASCC Council the Thirteenth Conference of the ASEAN Meeting. Ministers Responsible for Information (13th AMRI) and the Fourth Conference of ASEAN Plus Three Ministers Responsible for LIST OF MINISTERS/HEADS OF DELEGATION th ATTENDING THE 16th ASCC COUNCIL MEETING Information (4 AMRI+3) in Lapu – Lapu City, Cebu, the Philippines on 17 March 2016. H.E. Pehin Dato Halbi Yussof, Minister ff Culture, 2. 2. The Conferences were preceded by Youth and Sports, Brunei Darussalam; H.E. Yuok th Ngoy, Secretary of State, Ministry of Education, the 14 Meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials Youth and Sport, Cambodia; H.E. I Nyoman Responsible for Information (SOMRI) on 15 Shuida, Deputy Minister of Community, Rural and March 2016, as well as its meetings with the Regional Empowerment, Republic of Indonesia; Plus Three Countries and Japan on 16 March H.E. Prof. Dr. Bosengkham Vongdara, Minister 2016. of Information, Culture and Tourism, Lao PDR; H.E. Datuk Mas Ermieyati Binti Haji Samsudin, Opening Ceremony Deputy Minister of Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia; H.E. Thura Aung Ko, Union Minister, 3. The Opening Ceremony started with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, Myanmar; remarks of Hon. Paz C. Radaza, Mayor H.E. Corazon Juliano-Soliman, Secretary, of Lapu-Lapu City, Province of Cebu. She Department of Social Welfare and Development, welcomed all the delegates and expressed Philippines; H.E. Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister of Social great honour for Lapu-Lapu City to host And Family Development, Singapore; H.E. Police distinguished Ministers and guests of the 13th General Adul Sangsingkeo, Minister of Social AMRI and Related Meetings. Development and Human Security, Thailand; H.E. Doan Mau Diep, Deputy Minister of Labour, 4. The ASEAN Anthem ‘The ASEAN Way’ was Invalids and Social Affairs, Viet Nam;and H.E. Le played in the opening ceremony. Luong Minh, Secretary-General of ASEAN. 5. The chairmanship of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information was turned over *** from Myanmar to the Philippines.
6. The Conference was chaired by H.E. Herminio B. Coloma Jr., Secretary of the
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Philippine Presidential Communications the policies and initiatives implemented by Operations Office. H.E. Dr. Yaacob Ibrahim, ASEAN. The key strategies of this document Minister for Communications and Information are: of Singapore, acted as Vice Chair. The list of Ministers and representatives from all ASEAN a. Advancing cooperation and ASEAN-level Member States and the Plus Three Countries agreements to provide regional mechanisms appears as ANNEX 1. to promote access to information;
A New Chapter for the Information Sector in the b. Encouraging the development of programs ASEAN Community and the dissemination of information on the benefits and opportunities offered by the 7. The Ministers noted that 2016 is an important ASEAN community and promote mutual year for ASEAN, including the information respect, appreciation of diversity and a sector. This is the first year of a new phase sense of belonging in this integrated region; for ASEAN since the establishment of the ASEAN Community on 31 December 2015. c. Harnessing the use of information and communication technologies across 8. The Ministers were pleased to note that different groups as a means to connect with the ASEAN information and media sector the regional and global community; and is progressing steadily in raising ASEAN awareness and building a sense of community. d. Engaging media professionals, research, The synergy in the communication efforts of business and other entities in collaborative AMRI and the three ASEAN pillars aligned development of ASEAN-relevant content. to the ASEAN Communication Master Plan (ACMP) has resulted in enhanced 11. The Ministers commended the efforts of understanding of ASEAN and gathered wide the three SOMRI Working Groups (WGs), support for its community building process. namely: ASEAN Digital Broadcasting; Content and Production; and Information, 9. With the establishment of the ASEAN Media and Training. The Ministers looked Community, the Ministers agreed that the forward to the realisation of the WGs’ priorities information sector shall work together with all in collaborating on frequency spectrum ASEAN sectors to promote a people-oriented, management for digital broadcasting, making people-centred community as envisioned ASEAN more attractive to content producers, by ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together. promoting media literacy, effective and This will allow ASEAN to be presented as a constructive utilisation of social media, and “One Community of Opportunities” where our capacity-building of media personnel. peoples can actively participate in ASEAN events and activities, enjoy a higher quality 12. The Ministers lauded the success of long- of life, and proactively contribute to the global term projects in the information sector, notably community. the ASEAN Television News: Integrates, Informs, Inspires (since 1998), ASEAN Quiz 10. Building on the momentum of ASEAN 2025: (since 2000), and Voice of ASEAN – Beyond Forging Ahead Together, the Ministers Boundaries (formerly ASEAN in Action, since considered and adopted the Strategic Plan 1994). for Information and Media 2016 – 2025. The Strategic Plan (which appears as ANNEX 2) is 13. The Ministers welcomed the proposal of a 10-year guiding document that will be used the ASEAN Committee on Culture and to develop annual work plans in the fields of Information (ASEAN COCI) to expand its information and media. This document will platforms through linkages with other online also guide the information sector in supporting learning resources, news agencies, and other community pillars and sectors with media players such as editors and bloggers. their communication needs, and advocate 14. The Ministers agreed on the necessity to monitor the level of ASEAN awareness on a regular basis.
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Celebrations for the 50th Founding Anniversary Ministers welcomed the furtherance of of ASEAN media exchanges with the ROK, including exchanges in digital broadcasting technology 15. The Ministers discussed the preparations to as well as co-production of digital content, commemorate the 50th Founding Anniversary exchanges and training of media personnel of ASEAN, which falls on 8 August 2017, with and the development of human resources impact throughout the region. As such, they tasked senior officials and its working groups Closing and Acknowledgment to work closely with other sectors and ASEAN bodies to ensure its success. 21. The Ministers agreed to convene the 14th Conference of the ASEAN Ministers Cooperation with Dialogue Partners Responsible for Information (14th AMRI) and its related meetings with Dialogue Partners in 16. The Ministers shared views on the progress of Singapore in 2018. ASEAN cooperation with Dialogue Partners in the field of information and media. 22. The Ministers expressed their sincere thanks and appreciation to the Government 17. The ASEAN Plus Three Ministers discussed and people of the Philippines for the warm and agreed on new deliverables and hospitality and excellent arrangements th milestones of the Work Plan on Enhancing made for the 13 AMRI Conference. The ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation Through Conference was held in the traditional spirit of Information and Media (2012-2017). ASEAN solidarity and cordiality.
18. The ASEAN Ministers appreciated China’s ANNEX 1 efforts in cooperation with AMS in areas LIST OF MINISTERS AND REPRESENTATIVES such as broadcasting and publications to foster friendly ASEAN-China ties and good- neighbourly relations. The ASEAN Ministers H.E. Dato Hamdan Abu Bakar, Deputy Minister, appreciated several initiatives of China to Prime Minister’s Office, Brunei Darussalam; H.E. Dr. cooperate with ASEAN and the ASEAN Khieu Kanharith, Minister of Information, Cambodia; Plus Three mechanism. The Ministers were Mr. Djoko Agung Harijadi, Director General of briefed on the progress of the Work Plan Information and Public Communication, Ministry on Enhancing ASEAN-China Cooperation of Communication and Information Technology, through Information and Media (2015-2017). representing Minister of Communication and China will make concrete efforts to implement Information Technology, Indonesia; Mr. Thonglor those projects contained in the Work Plan. Duangsavanh, Director-General of Foreign Languages Newspaper, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, representing Minister of 19. The ASEAN Ministers welcomed the progress Information, Culture and Tourism, Lao PDR; H.E. of cooperation with Japan on information and Dato’ Ibrahim Abdul Rahman, Director General, broadcasting, especially on TV technology, Department of Information, representing Minister documentaries and human resource of Communications and Multimedia, Malaysia; development. The ASEAN Ministers noted H.E. Ye Htut, Union Minister for Information, that the 1st Meeting of ASEAN-Japan Senior Myanmar; H.E. Herminio B. Coloma, Secretary, Officials Responsible for Information had Presidential Communications Operations Office, developed cooperation programs for 2016- Philippines; H.E. Dr. Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister 2017. The Ministers welcomed the ASEAN- for Communications and Information, Singapore; Japan Cooperation Initiatives for Broadcasting Dr. Charoon Chaisorn, Deputy Director-General, and Television to be implemented with financial Government Public Relations Department, support from Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund representing Minister Attached to the Prime and other funds. Minister’s Office, Thailand; H.E. Nguyen Thanh Hung, Vice Minister, Ministry of Information and 20. The ASEAN Ministers noted the proposal Communications, Viet Nam; H.E. Le Luong Minh, from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Secretary-General of ASEAN; H.E. Guo Weimin, possible ways through which ASEAN and Vice Minister, State Council Information Office, the ROK can collaborate, in addition to the People’s Republic of China; Mr. Kiyoshi Mori, ASEAN Plus Three framework. The ASEAN Director-General for International Affairs, Global
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ICT Strategy Bureau, representing Minister for ASEAN Community that engages and benefits Internal Affairs and Communications, Japan; and the people and is inclusive, sustainable, resilient, H.E. Kwan-Joo Chung, First Vice Minister, Ministry and dynamic. The information sector is particularly of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Republic of Korea. relevant to the ASCC Blueprint’s vision of a dynamic and harmonious community that is aware ANNEX 2 and proud of its identity, culture, and heritage with ASEAN Strategic Plan for Information and the strengthened ability to innovate and proactively Media 2016-2025 contribute to the global community.
1. Introduction 2. Objectives
The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) The Strategic Plan for Information and Media Blueprint 2015 guided the ASEAN Community’s (2016 – 2025) is a 10-year plan that will guide the strategies and programs that are people-oriented, development and cooperation of information and environmentally friendly, and promoted sustainable media sector in our region towards: supporting development. Building an ASEAN identity was other community pillars and sectors with their one of the core elements of the ASCC Blueprint communication needs; advocating the policies that, among others, sought to promote ASEAN and initiatives implemented by ASEAN; and awareness and a sense of community. Information communicating with our peoples through different and media were critical forces that shaped ASEAN platforms to promulgate the benefits of ASEAN’s awareness and community-building through such development. action points as the implementation of regional and national communication plans and the concerted 3. Key Strategies production and broadcast of multi-media materials about ASEAN. The media throughout the region The key strategies of the ASEAN Strategic Plan for were also engaged in promoting ASEAN’s culture, Information and Media 2016 – 2025 include: heritage, and history.
3.1. Advancing cooperation and ASEAN-level As the ASEAN Community moves forward, agreements to provide regional mechanisms cooperation in information and media shall to promote access to information capitalize the achievements in the ASCC Blueprint’s implementation while also continue to address persistent challenges in information dissemination 3.2. Encouraging the development of programs and awareness-raising to further instil a sense of and dissemination of information on the belonging and identity among ASEAN citizens, benefits and opportunities offered by the and that brings new opportunities to the people of ASEAN community and promote mutual ASEAN and the broader global community. respect, appreciation of diversity and a sense of belonging in this integrated region Efforts have to be also cognizant of the development of the media landscape, and the rapid changes 3.3. Harnessing the use of information and in technology that are being widely adopted by communication technologies across ASEAN citizens, thus ensuring that the messages different groups as a means to connect with of ASEAN are delivered through different media the regional and global community outlets using relevant communication tools. Alongside the fast adaptation of new technologies, 3.4. Engaging media professionals, research, traditional and community-level media (community business and other entities in collaborative radio, newspapers) should not be overlooked as development of ASEAN-relevant content these are still predominantly used in rural areas. Moreover, the languages used in any information 4. Proposed Actions and media formats have to be continually adapted to the diversity of languages in the region to 4.1. Strategy 1: Advancing cooperation and facilitate wider access to information. ASEAN-level agreements to provide regional mechanisms to promote access to With the development of the ASCC Blueprint 2025, information the Strategic Plan for information and media will operate under the said document’s vision of an
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Priority Areas of Action 4.2.3. Use multimedia platforms and events to engage women, young people and 4.1.1. Study the state of information and the general public and to raise their media sector in ASEAN knowledge of ASEAN
4.1.2. Develop ASEAN-level agreements, 4.2.4. Support co-production involving various action plans and/or cooperation ASEAN Member States, such as on frameworks to guide continued travel and lifestyle to share knowledge coordination and collaboration of AMS and awareness of the ASEAN and other dialogue partners community and promote people-to- people connectivity in ASEAN 4.1.3. Implement regional initiatives, including the use of local languages in media, 4.2.5. Facilitate exchange of ideas and to broaden ASEAN awareness and creative collaboration, such as film, community-building performing arts, and music industry players, to broaden their reach in AMS 4.1.4. Further strengthen cooperation and beyond the region regarding the implementation of the National Communication Plans, and 4.2.6. Develop the capability, know-how, provide support to other sectors in the and network of young ASEAN media development and effectiveness of their personnel and producers in developing communication strategies on ASEAN, to ASEAN content in tune with the ASEAN Communication Master Plan 4.3. Strategy 3: Harnessing the use of information and communication technologies across 4.1.5. Develop Public-Private Partnership different groups as a means to connect with (PPP) initiatives to enable access of the regional and global community information Priority Areas of Action 4.1.6. Intensify cooperation within ASEAN and with Dialogue Partners 4.3.1. Use new media in disseminating information on ASEAN consolidation, 4.1.7. To promote/brand ASEAN’s image solidarity, diversity and unity and to raise respect for ASEAN so as to support our businesses and people 4.3.2. Collaborate with other sectors to within and outside our region facilitate technology development and improve accessibility in the information 4.2. Strategy 2: Encouraging the development of and media sector programs and dissemination of information on the benefits and opportunities offered by 4.3.3. Facilitate development of ICT apps to the ASEAN community and promote mutual promote the creation and production respect, appreciation of diversity and a of digital content and dissemination of sense of belonging in this integrated region ASEAN content to different groups
Priority Areas of Action 4.3.4. Engage managers of new media platforms with ASEAN integration 4.2.1. Cooperate with the education sector to content develop teaching materials on ASEAN 4.4. Strategy 4: Engaging media professionals, 4.2.2. Share best practices, provide support research, business and other entities in and capacity building programmes collaborative development of ASEAN- to improve a multiplatform access relevant content to information, e.g. library, museum, community centre, etc.
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Priority Areas of Action ASEAN Ministers Responsible 4.4.1. Facilitate collaboration of media for Culture and Arts (AMCA) professionals in AMS to enhance their professional competence and Bandar Seri Begawan knowledge to better cover and Declaration on Culture and disseminate ASEAN stories the Arts to Promote ASEAN’s 4.4.2. Implement education and training Identity towards a Dynamic and programmes for media personnel Harmonious ASEAN Community through involvement of relevant stakeholders Brunei Darussalam, 24 August 2016 4.4.3. Nurture innovation and creativity for increasing diversity of content and the WE, the Ministers Responsible for Culture and development of the information and Arts of the Member States of the Association of the media sector Southeast Asian Nations (hereinafter referred to as ASEAN), namely Brunei Darussalam, the Kingdom 4.4.4. Facilitate inter-cultural dialogue among of Cambodia, the Republic of Indonesia, the Lao and between peoples of different People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the groups within and outside ASEAN Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore, the 4.4.5. Recognise and reward the development Kingdom of Thailand and the Socialist Republic of and distribution of ASEAN – relevant th content Viet Nam, on the occasion of the 7 Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts 5. Funding Arrangements in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam on 24 August 2016; In order to ensure full participation of ASEAN Member States and the ASEAN Dialogue Partners, WELCOMING the formal establishment of the implementing the projects under this strategic plan ASEAN Community in 2015; can be funded fully or partially under the existing and new financing sources which include the GUIDED by the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on a ASEAN Cultural Fund, ASEAN Dialogue Partners, International Organizations, ASEAN Member People-Oriented, People-Centred ASEAN (Kuala States, and other public or private institutions. Lumpur, 2015) and Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together (Kuala 6. Monitoring and Reporting Lumpur, 2015) which adopted the ASEAN Socio- Cultural Community Blueprint 2025, amongst The ASEAN Secretariat shall provide a regular others, to realise a dynamic and harmonious report on the progress of this strategic plan. community that is aware and proud of its identity, culture, and heritage with the strengthened ability The mid-term evaluation will be conducted in 2020 to innovate and proactively contribute to the global and the end-of-term evaluation in 2025. community;
7. Amendments REAFFIRMING our commitments to the ASEAN Declaration on Cultural Heritage (Bangkok, 2000); The Strategic Plan may be amended when Declaration on ASEAN Unity in Cultural Diversity: necessary and as agreed by AMRI. Towards Strengthening ASEAN Community (Bali, 2011), and Hue Declaration on Culture for ASEAN *** Community’s Sustainable Development (Viet Nam, 2014);
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RECOGNISING that the rich cultural diversity in 6. COOPERATE with other ASEAN Sectoral ASEAN is an important enabler towards building a Bodies to address cross-sectoral issues people-centred ASEAN Community; which involve cultural and arts areas such as culture for inclusive economic development, cultural tourism, culture of education for COGNIZANT of culture and the arts as important all, culture for poverty reduction, culture to features for ASEAN’s Identity in realising a dynamic promote environment sustainability, culture and harmonious ASEAN Community; in disaster management and combating climate change, amongst others, to promote CONSIDERING the role of culture, as manifested our commitments, and bring attention to from tangible and intangible cultural heritage culture and its contribution in sustainable to cultural and creative industries and cultural development of the ASEAN Community; tourism, as an enabler and a driver of the economic, social and environment dimensions of sustainable 7. CALL on Dialogue Partners, international organisations, development agencies, and development; and recognising the significant other stakeholders to cooperate in the role of culture in the global development agenda implementation of this Declaration. in line with the 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development; ADOPTED in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam this Twenty Fourth Day of August in DO HEREBY, the Year Two Thousand and Sixteen, in a single original copy, in the English Language. 1. TAKE UP the task given by ASEAN Leaders that AMCA further strengthen the role of culture and the arts cooperation with the view *** to further promote ASEAN identity in the era of globalisation; Joint Media Statement of the 7th
2. REAFFIRM the importance of cultural Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers awareness and sensitivity on the diverse Responsible for Culture and Arts nature of ASEAN Member States’ background to build the foundation of communication and Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei ability to be more understanding towards cultural values, beliefs, perceptions, and Darussalam, 24 August 2016 tolerance; all of which centrally of culture and the arts to ASEAN identity, social cohesion “Culture and the Arts to Promote ASEAN’s Identity and economic success; Towards a Dynamic and Harmonious ASEAN Community” 3. ENSURE that the Objectives of the Strategic Plan for Culture 2016 – 2025 are delivered 1. The Seventh ASEAN Ministers Responsible according to the Key Strategies outlined; for Culture and Arts (AMCA) Meeting and the AMCA Meetings with Dialogue Partners, 4. PROMOTE a greater sense of belonging including the ASEAN Plus Three, China, through education, involvement with Japan and the Republic of Korea, were held youth, cultural volunteerism and outreach in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam programmes and activities on ASEAN Identity on 24–25 August 2016. The Meetings were to realise a dynamic and harmonious ASEAN preceded by the meeting of the ASEAN Senior Community; Officials on Culture and Arts (SOMCA), and their consultations with dialogue partners. 5. TASK the ASEAN Senior Officials Responsible for Culture and Arts (SOMCA) and the ASEAN 2. The Meeting was chaired by H.E. Pehin Committee on Culture and Information Dato Major General (retired) Haji Halbi Md (ASEAN-COCI) to take necessary steps, Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports and develop measurable and effective role of Brunei Darussalam, and Mr. Hilmar Farid, of culture amongst others through cultural Director General of Culture, representing the research, and harness the potential of culture Minister of Education and Culture of Indonesia in development; served as Vice Chair. The list of Ministers
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and representatives from all ASEAN Member Member States and the Plus Three countries. States, China, Japan and the Republic of This was an excellent example on the way in Korea appears as ANNEX 1. which ASEAN capitalises on culture and the arts to better understand the region’s heritage Opening Ceremony and traditions, to promote cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue, and to strengthen 3. The ceremony began with the remarks by mutual understanding and cultivate long- Yang Mulia Datin Paduka Dr Norlila binti lasting friendship among the people of ASEAN Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil, Permanent and dialogue partners. Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of Brunei Darussalam. She welcomed ASEAN Vision 2025: New Horizons for Culture all the delegates and expressed great honour and the Arts for Brunei Darussalam to host distinguished Ministers and guests of the 7th AMCA and 7. The Ministers noted that 2016 is an important Related Meetings. She also mentioned that year for ASEAN, including the culture and the the 12th SOMCA Meeting agreed to strengthen arts sector. With the formal establishment collaboration of the ASEAN culture sector. of the ASEAN Community on 31 December 2015, there are new horizons for culture and 4. H.E. Pehin, Minister for Culture, Youth and the arts and their roles in raising ASEAN Sports of Brunei Darussalam, extended awareness, building a sense of community, the warm welcome to all fellow Ministers of bonding ASEAN together by a common ASEAN Member States, and representatives identity and for a better shared future. of Dialogue Partners (China, Japan and the Republic of Korea) to Bandar Seri Begawan, 8. The Ministers applauded the progress the capital city of Brunei Darussalam. and milestones achieved in relation to culture and the arts, and people-to-people 5. H.E. Pehin highlighted the important role of exchanges through the implementation of the culture and the arts in enabling the ASEAN Roadmap for an ASEAN Community 2009- community building process. With the 2015, including the ASEAN Socio-Cultural launching of the ASEAN Community, he Community (ASCC) Blueprint 2025. stressed that one continuous challenge for ASEAN is to further deepen appreciation for 9. The Ministers expressed their commitments the region’s diverse culture and traditions, to the effective implementation of the ASEAN and harness its rich diversity to help ASEAN Community Vision 2025: Forging Ahead become a more cohesive and integrated Together and the three new Blueprints which community. He suggested that ASEAN set out the future directions for a politically should further explore engagement with cohesive, economically integrated, socially local communities, especially women, responsible and a truly rules-based, people- entrepreneurs, and the young generation oriented, people-centred ASEAN Community. through educational institutions, cultural research and technologies. He also suggested 10. To guide ASEAN’s cooperation in culture the strengthening of ASEAN cooperation and the arts, the Ministers considered and to realise the United Nations’ Sustainable adopted the Strategic Plan for Culture and Development Goals. He wished all delegates Arts 2016-2025. The Strategic Plan (which a fruitful meeting and pleasurable stay in appears as ANNEX 2) is a 10-year guiding Brunei Darussalam. document that will be used to develop annual work plans in the fields of culture and the arts. 6. The title of ASEAN City of Culture was turned This document will also encourage the use over from Hue City of Viet Nam to Bandar of culture and the arts as educational tools Seri Begawan city, Brunei Darussalam for the to deal with societal issues in order to bring period of 2016-2018. This is the fourth city in people living in ASEAN closer together. The ASEAN which was selected as the ASEAN key strategies of this document are: City of Culture. To mark this significance, the city staged the ASEAN Festival of Arts • Encourage a multi-stakeholder approach on 24-26 August 2016 with participations in promoting an ASEAN mindset and of artists and performers from all ASEAN
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identity to increase the appreciation for the communication, strengthen the ability to be ASEAN Community’s histories, cultures, more understanding towards cultural values, the arts, traditions and values; beliefs, perceptions and tolerance, in going towards a prosperous and harmonious • Promote the cultural diversity of ASEAN ASEAN Community. with emphasis on the long-lasting cultural threads that bind the region to advance 13. The Ministers adopted the Bandar Seri intercultural understanding as a counter Begawan Declaration on Culture and the against violent extremism that may Arts to Promote ASEAN’s Identity towards a emerge from a lack of understanding of Dynamic and Harmonious ASEAN Community each other’s cultures; (ANNEX 4) to emphasise the centrality of • Advance the cultural rights of all the culture and the arts to ASEAN identity, social peoples of ASEAN to catalyse the cohesion and economic success. development of the region where people have equal access to cultural properties 14. The Ministers welcomed the initiative of the and where culture is inclusive and helps ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information strengthen sustainable development; (ASEAN-COCI) to convene the ASEAN Culture and Arts Cooperation Dialogue as • Harness the contribution of the creative an opportunity for ASEAN to exchange ideas industries towards innovations, generating and explore collaboration opportunities livelihoods and supporting economic with a broad range of stakeholders from development in ASEAN Member States; non-government and inter – government institutions, foundations and the private sector • Engage with, and facilitate discussion that have interests in regional culture and arts among policy-makers, professionals, initiatives. practitioners and institutions concerned with culture and the arts to raise capabilities 15. The Ministers welcomed a proposal to in cultural and heritage management; and intensify projecting ASEAN image, within • Promote the role of culture for ASEAN to and beyond our region, through film, music become a proactive member of the global and cultural tourism as these can effectively community. contribute to raising the public’s awareness of the heritage, cultural diversity and vibrancy of the ASEAN region. 11. The Ministers encouraged all stakeholders to participate in the planning and implementation of the Strategic Plan, including ASEAN’s 16. The Ministers also welcomed the invitation of contributions to the global community such Indonesia to the next World Culture Forum as the United Nations 2030 Agenda for which will be held on 10-14 October 2016 Sustainable Development and the ongoing in Bali, and looked forward to its successful efforts in the protection and safeguard of the implementation. world’s cultural and natural heritage. In this regard, the Ministers welcomed the Vientiane Celebrations for the 50th Founding Anniversary Declaration on Reinforcing Cultural Heritage of ASEAN Cooperation in ASEAN (ANNEX 3) and endorsed it to be adopted at the 28th ASEAN 17. The Ministers exchanged ideas on the Summit. preparations to commemorate the 50th Founding Anniversary of ASEAN which falls 12. The Ministers also expressed their support on 8 August 2017. The Ministers reiterated for an integrated approach and greater that culture and the arts should continue coordinated mechanisms, such as through to be anchored as enduring factors for the education, involvement with youth, cultural ASEAN community building in the future and volunteerism and outreach programmes, to in addressing international challenges. address cross-cutting and cross – sectoral issues such as cultural awareness and sensitivity to the diverse nature of ASEAN Member States’ background as those are important to solidify the foundation of
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Acknowledgement 3. Realising the need to deepen the scope of education partnership among the ASEAN 18. The Ministers agreed to convene the next Member States towards development of a AMCA and its related Meetings with Dialogue more coordinated, cohesive and coherent Partners in 2018 in Indonesia. ASEAN position and its contribution to global education issues, the Ministers adopted the 19. The Ministers expressed their sincere ASEAN Work Plan on Education 2016-2020 appreciation to the Government of His which will guide cooperation in education in the Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan next five years, and will unify all collaboration of Brunei Darussalam and the People of efforts on education with ASEAN Dialogue Brunei Darussalam for the warm hospitality Partners and international organisations accorded to all delegates and the excellent and other entities that support ASEAN. The arrangements made for the Meetings. The Ministers also adopted the Framework and Meetings were held in the traditional spirit of Action Plan in support of the Kuala Lumpur ASEAN solidarity and cordiality. Declaration on Higher Education which have been incorporated in the ASEAN Work Plan *** on Education 2016-2020. ASEAN Education Ministers 4. With a view to harmonising efforts on and supporting education in ASEAN, the Ministers Meeting (ASED) directed the alignment of the ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation on Education and East Joint Statement of the 9th ASEAN Asia Summit Cooperation on Education plans with the ASEAN Work Plan on Education 2016- Education Ministers Meeting 2020. The ASEAN Work Plan on Education th (9 ASED) focuses on eight areas including ASEAN awareness through strengthening Southeast Asian history and indigenous knowledge, Selangor, Malaysia, 25 May 2016 quality and access to basic education for all especially the marginalised groups, 1. The Ninth ASEAN Education Ministers information and communications technology Meeting (9th ASED) was held on 25 May 2016 in education, TVET and lifelong learning, in Selangor, Malaysia, in conjunction with the Education for Sustainable Development, Third ASEAN Plus Three Education Ministers higher education development and quality Meeting (3rd APT EMM) and the Third East assurance mechanisms, university-industry Asia Summit Education Ministers Meeting partnership, and capacity building for teachers (3rd EAS EMM). The Meeting was chaired by and the education community. H.E. Dato’ Seri Mahdzir Khalid, Minister of Education of Malaysia. 5. The Ministers approved the ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening Education for 2. Malaysia assumed leadership of ASED Out-of-School Children and Youth (OOSCY), and adopted the theme Fostering ASEAN and expressed appreciation to Thailand for Community of Learners: Empowering Lives sponsoring the formulation of the Declaration. through Education which reflects distinctly The Ministers agreed to submit the Declaration to the ASEAN Coordinating Council for their the recognition of children and young people th as the collective stakeholders and focus consideration, and for submission to the 28 of cooperation in education in ASEAN and ASEAN Summit in September 2016 in Lao among the Member States. The theme also PDR for adoption. affirms the important role of education in promoting a better quality of life for children 6. Recognising its importance in the and young people, and in providing them harmonisation of higher education and opportunity to participate in and benefit technical and vocational education and from the realisation of a prosperous ASEAN training (TVET) as well as the promotion of Community 2025. academic mobility, the Ministers endorsed the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF) Governance and Structure, and expressed gratitude to the AQRF Task
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Force for its efforts in formulating the plans proposed Cooperation Agreement between to institutionalise the AQRF processes on a ASEAN and the Government of Hungary on voluntary basis at the national and regional Education Cooperation, and looked forward to levels. The Ministers also approved the revised the completion of the approval process of the Charter of the ASEAN University Network two initiatives at the level of the Committee (AUN) in consideration of the need for AUN of Permanent Representatives (CPR) to to be aligned with the new developments in ASEAN. ASEAN. 10. The Ministers expressed their appreciation 7. The Ministers noted with appreciation the to Malaysia for the warm hospitality and progress made on education cooperation excellent arrangements made in hosting the under the ASEAN framework and under 9th ASED. the purview of the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Education (SOM-ED) particularly *** on higher education and TVET development, qualifications frameworks, quality assurance, ASEAN Ministerial Meeting student mobility, credit transfer, university collaboration, and people-to-people on Disaster Management connectivity. The Ministers expressed (AMMDM) appreciation on the progress made on programme implementation of AUN, including Joint Statement of the AUN Southeast Asia Engineering Education Development Network (AUN/SEED-Net) Association of Southeast Asian as well as the ASEAN-EU Cooperation on Nations (ASEAN) for the World Education: EU Support to Higher Education in ASEAN Region (SHARE), the GIZ Regional Humanitarian Summit Cooperation Programme to Improve the Training of TVET Personnel (RECOTVET), Istanbul, Turkey, 23 May 2016 the Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Initiative, and the Connecting the Mekong through Education “National Leadership & Regional Partnership for and Training (COMET) Project. Resilient ASEAN” 8. The Ministers welcomed the joint initiative with On behalf of the ASEAN Ministers in charge of UNESCO and SEAMEO on the promotion of Disaster Management, it is my pleasure to convey intercultural dialogue and culture of peace our highest appreciation to His Excellency Ban through shared histories in Southeast Asia; Ki-moon for convening the World Humanitarian and the joint initiative with UNICEF and Summit. The Summit has come at an auspicious SEAMEO on the Southeast Asia Primary time when our world, and our people, have seen Learning Metrics (SEAPLM), respectively. and felt much suffering from natural and human- The Ministers also welcomed potential induced disasters. We appreciate and commend collaboration with Teach For All Network the initiative to build global consensus through in expanding educational opportunities concrete commitments to the Agenda for Humanity. for children through teacher training. The Ministers further encouraged the promotion of shared universal values educational ASEAN’s unity in addressing disasters is embodied exchanges in ASEAN through the gains and in the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management experiences of Indonesia in its collaboration and Emergency Response or AADMER. As a with Japan. These prospective collaborative legally-binding regional agreement, AADMER projects aim to achieve the shared goals in has been the bedrock of our cooperation and enhancing equitable opportunities to quality collaboration on responding to natural disasters in education and focusing interventions to the region as well as building the resilience of our improve learning outcomes. peoples and communities.
9. The Ministers noted the progress in the In 2015, our region launched the ASEAN Community application of the ASEAN Quality Assurance through the adoption by the ASEAN Leaders of the Network (AQAN) to become an Entity ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together. In the next Associated with ASEAN as well as the ten years, ASEAN commits to realise the vision
192 ASEAN SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMUNITY of a peaceful, stable and resilient Community. needs and provide protection to populations of Taking action on this vision, we commit to fully concern during humanitarian crises, we will work implement the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community towards the establishment of a regional social Blueprint 2025, which envisions a community that protection protocol under the AADMER to ensure engages and benefits the peoples, and is inclusive, that humanitarian action delivered is according sustainable, resilient, and dynamic. to the needs and concerns of the peoples and communities. We also commit to widen the space For 49 years since its establishment, ASEAN has to amplify the voices of those who are most enjoyed an unprecedented time of peace. And vulnerable and at risk. We affirm the leadership this we do not take for granted, as we remain of women and the significant role of the youth in vigilant, monitor the risks and emerging threats. building resilience for a sustainable future. Special Building on our diverse culture, we continue to attention will be given to vulnerable groups, enliven the value of moderation, pursue a culture including the elderly, persons with disabilities, of peace and tolerance, and promote interfaith and minority groups and migrants. intercultural dialogues. Towards this end, we affirm the Langkawi Declaration on the Global Movement INVEST IN JOINT PREPAREDNESS through One of Moderates, which the ASEAN Leaders adopted ASEAN One Response, as our commitment to during the 26th ASEAN Summit on 27 April 2015 Core Responsibility Two to Uphold the Norms that in Langkawi, Malaysia. This is our commitment to Safeguard Humanity and Core Responsibility Five Core Responsibility One on Global Leadership to to Invest in Humanity. One ASEAN One Response Prevent and End Conflicts. is our strategy to achieve timely, efficient and predictable response, mobilise greater resources Charting the future strategic direction of the and establish stronger coordination to ensure humanitarian system, we must fully consider ASEAN’s collective response to disasters. and reflect the wealth of knowledge, expertise, Specifically, we commit to strengthen ASEAN’s and experiences in the management of natural mechanisms to bring together different sectors disasters. Towards this end, we agreed on the and stakeholders to ensure speed, scale, and ASEAN Vision 2025 on Disaster Management, solidarity in responding to large-scale natural which envisions ASEAN as the global leader in disasters. We also affirm the role of the Secretary- disaster management. In the next five years, General of ASEAN as the ASEAN Humanitarian ASEAN’s cooperation on disaster management Assistance Coordinator, having the clear mandate is embodied in the AADMER Work Programme to coordinate and mobilise the required resources 2016-2020. Through the implementation of the for a regional response to a large-scale disaster. work programme, we: ASEAN will continue to ensure interoperability with international tools and services for response inside CONFIRM NATIONAL LEADERSHIP in and outside the region, with ASEAN taking the responding to disasters and adopt a programmatic leadership role in the region. and inclusive approach to institutionalise resilience, as our commitment to Core Responsibility Four ENHANCE THE ROLE OF REGIONAL on Change People’s Lives – From Delivering Aid ORGANISATIONS and networks in disaster to Ending Need. We continue to synergise local, management to serve as advocates to champion national, and regional systems and harmonise nationally-led, regionally-supported response policies and programmes to ensure coherence models to disasters and to bridge the regional and as embodied in the AADMER. We commit to global conversations to prepare for the current institutionalise further these synergies by adopting risks and future threats. With the launching of a whole-of-government and whole-of-society the Regional Organisations Humanitarian Action approach, ensuring the programmatic engagement Network or ROHAN, we commit to deepen and of relevant government agencies, civil society broaden our regional partnerships, learn from one organisations, faith-based organisations, youth, another and capitalise on each other’s strengths to media, private sector, and other stakeholders. improve regional resilience.
ENGAGE PEOPLES AND COMMUNITIES as DESIRE TO SERVE AS THE GLOBAL NEXUS first and last responders, not only as victims of for knowledge sharing and innovation exchange. disasters, which is our commitment to deliver Core Our accumulated knowledge and expertise on Responsibility Three to Leave No One Behind. To responding to natural disasters and reducing move the region significantly to better assess the risks will contribute to shaping the contours of the humanitarian system. In this regard, we will
193 ASEAN DOCUMENTS SERIES 2016 tirelessly work in making the ASEAN Coordinating We welcomed the Asia Regional Plan (ARP) for Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre) Implementation of the Sendai Framework in line as the network coordinator of regional centres for with the 8 priorities of AADMER Work Programme excellence in disaster leadership and management 2016-2020 and congratulated the adoption of that can facilitate knowledge creation, policy the Political Declaration. In this connection, we analysis and training for the next generation of affirmed our support and commitment to forging practitioners. partnerships across all sectors to consolidate government’s commitment towards the Sendai *** Framework. The year 2015 marked a defining moment for ASEAN as the region launched the Joint Statement of the ASEAN Community. The integration process had Association of Southeast Asian paved the way for increased growth and prosperity for all. ASEAN had a combined Gross Domestic Nations (ASEAN) for the Asian Product of USD2.5 trillion in 2015, making the Ministerial Conference on region the 7th largest in the world and the 3rd largest in Asia. Total trade increased by nearly USD1 trillion Disaster Risk Reduction 2016 between 2007 and 2014, with intra-ASEAN trade (AMCDRR-2016) comprising the largest share of ASEAN’s total trade by partner. ASEAN had attracted USD136 billion in Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), accounting for N e w D e l h i , I n d i a , 11% of global FDI flows, up from only 5% in 2007. 3-4 November 2016 However, such gains have often been affected by the increasing frequency, intensity and magnitude We, the ASEAN Ministers in charge of disaster of disasters. ASEAN was among the most disaster- management of Brunei Darussalam, the Kingdom prone regions in the world. We suffered damages of Cambodia, the Republic of Indonesia, the Lao in excess of USD4.4 billion each year on average People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the as a consequence of natural hazards. Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore, the ASEAN had made important contributions to Kingdom of Thailand and the Socialist Republic reducing disaster risks through the ASEAN of Viet Nam, Member States of ASEAN, came Agreement on Disaster Management and together at the Asian Ministerial Conference on Emergency Response (AADMER). As a legally- Disaster Risk Reduction 2016 (AMCDRR-2016), binding regional agreement, the AADMER had been under the theme of ‘Risk Sensitive Development the bedrock of our cooperation and collaboration for Community Resilience”, on 3-4 November 2016 to jointly respond to disaster emergencies. It in New Delhi, India. had provided effective mechanisms to achieve substantial reduction of disaster losses in lives and We reaffirmed our strong commitment to regional in the social, economic and environmental assets. and international efforts in reducing disaster risks in order to achieve sustainable and risk resilient The progress in implementing the AADMER Work development. Programme 2016-2020 and its focus on the eight priority programmes supports the priorities of We supported the effective implementation of the the Sendai Framework prioritizes, especially in Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction understanding, assessing and monitoring disaster 2015 – 2030 which offered a solution for saving lives, risks. livelihoods and assets as well as for reducing the fiscal burden on governments. As the cornerstone The ASEAN Leaders signed the ASEAN of ASEAN’s efforts to addressing disasters, we Declaration on One ASEAN, One Response: recognized the priorities of the Sendai Framework ASEAN Responding to Disasters as One in the and its seven (7) global targets. Region and Outside the Region at the 28th and 29th ASEAN Summits in Vientiane, Lao PDR in We reaffirmed the Joint Statement for the World September 2016. Humanitarian Summit on National Leadership and Regional Partnership for Resilient ASEAN which The Declaration laid out high-level and solid highlights the regional cooperation on disaster political commitment for ASEAN to achieve faster management as embodied in the AADMER Work Programme 2016-2020.
194 ASEAN SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMUNITY response, mobilize greater resources and establish by Sendai Framework Priority on Understanding stronger coordination to ensure ASEAN’s collective Disaster Risk. response to disasters. The Declaration further strengthened the aspiration to position ASEAN Lastly, in our efforts to complement Sendai as a global leader in disaster management, an Framework Priority on Enhancing disaster aspiration embodied in the ASEAN Vision 2025 on preparedness for effective response and to Disaster Management. “Build Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction, we are materializing ASEAN We are committed to implementing the AADMER Declaration on One ASEAN, One Response: work programmes in reference to the One ASEAN ASEAN Responding to Disasters as One in the One Response Framework, to support the Sendai Region and Outside the Region in view of our goals Framework Priority on Strengthening disaster to respond faster, mobilise greater resources and risk governance to manage disaster risk. We are establish stronger coordination to ensure ASEAN’s progressing towards an ASEAN Community that is collective response to disasters. safe, resilient to disasters, and adaptive to climate change, with youth and governance at the center by strengthening institutional capacity and policy *** frameworks for effective implementation of disaster risk reduction and climate change strategies. ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on On strengthening disaster risk governance, we the Environment (AMME) are exploring creative ways to achieve financial sustainability for the AADMER Fund and the operationalisation of the AHA Centre. With ASEAN Joint Statement to the sustainable resources, we will be able to ensure 13th Meeting of the Conference effective implementation of the AADMER Priority Programmes. of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP We are enhancing ASEAN preparedness and 13) regional leadership in joint response through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre), the ASEAN Joint Vie nt ia ne , La o P D R , Disaster Response Plan, civil military coordination, 6 September 2016 and elevating our resilience modalities through the ASEAN Regional Disaster Response simulation Exercise (ARDEX), implementation of the Disaster WE, the Heads of State/Government of Brunei Emergency Logistics System of ASEAN and Darussalam, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the capacity of the ASEAN-Emergency Response and Republic of Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic Assessment Team (ASEAN-ERAT). Republic, Malaysia, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Republic of the Philippines, the AADMER Work Programme 2016-2020 Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of Thailand and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, Member On contributing to Sendai Framework Priority on States of the Association of Southeast Asian th Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience, Nations (ASEAN), on the occasion of the 28 and th we are constantly protecting the economic and 29 ASEAN Summits in Vientiane, Lao People’s social gains of the ASEAN Community through Democratic Republic, on 6 September 2016; innovative market-based solutions, private sector engagement, and social protection programmes RECOGNISING ASEAN’s rich biodiversity is as safety nets in the context of disasters. We important in providing ecosystem services such are enhancing risk assessment and improving as food, water, climate regulation, soil formation, risk awareness of the ASEAN Community by recreation and education which contribute to the strengthening ASEAN’s capacity in risk and region’s socio-economic well-being; vulnerability assessment to better understand disaster risks in all its dimensions of vulnerability, REAFFIRMING our commitment to implement capacity, exposure of persons and assets, hazard the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and characteristics and the environment as promoted achieve the Aichi Biodiversity Targets; and to the
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2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and efficiency and effectiveness of support from the its sustainable Development goals (SDGs), in Global Environmental Facility and other possible particular Goals 14 and 15 on the conservation and sources of funding to implement the ASEAN sustainable use of coastal and marine resources, Member States’ National Biodiversity Strategies and terrestrial ecosystems respectively; and Action Plans (NBSAPs);
RECALLING our commitments to the ASEAN Enhance regional cooperation and partnerships 2025: Forging Ahead Together, in particular to to support national efforts to implement the 2030 realise the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and Agenda for Sustainable Development, its SDGs the implementation of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural and targets in particular, Goals 14 and 15 for Community Blueprint 2025; and the Declaration on sustainable development in the region; as well as ASEAN Post-2015 Environmental Sustainability to support other biodiversity-related multi-lateral and Climate Change Agenda; agreements and frameworks;
RECOGNISING that concerted efforts are Recognise the importance of mainstreaming required to address the challenges of biodiversity biodiversity considerations into relevant national, conservation and the impacts of climate change in sectoral or cross-sectoral plans, programmes and the region, and inclusive green growth/ low carbon policies and sectoral plans; and call upon Parties strategies would promote sustainable management to the CBD, other Governments and relevant practices of industries and reduce the threats to organisations to share their experiences and biodiversity; practices to mainstream biodiversity;
ACKNOWLEDGING the role of the ASEAN Strengthen efforts to achieve the Aichi Biodiversity Centre for Biodiversity in facilitating cooperation Target 11 on conserving areas of particular among the ASEAN Member States, and with other importance for biodiversity and ecosystem national governments, regional and international services to ensure that the region’s natural capital organisations to achieve the three objectives of the is sustained to deliver the ecosystem benefits Convention; essential for its well-being through for example, enhancing the ASEAN Heritage Parks Programme WELCOMING the recommendations of the and cooperation with other regional transboundary ASEAN Conference on Biodiversity with the theme initiatives; “Biodiversity for Sustainable Development” held on 15-19 February 2016 in Bangkok, Thailand Enhance actions to address climate change which included the need to accelerate actions, impacts by implementing ecosystem – based mainstream biodiversity issues, strengthen approaches to climate change adaption and partnerships and increase financing to address the mitigation; and minimise activities that may region’s biodiversity-related challenges; increase the vulnerability and reduce the resilience of biodiversity and ecosystems; NOTING the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Improve actions to address the threat of invasive aims to strengthen the science-policy interface alien species, including identifying pathways through assessing the state of the world’s of introduction through among others, sharing biodiversity, its ecosystems and the services they of experiences and lessons learned, capacity provide and the development of knowledge and development and partnerships; policy support tools; Promote the effective implementation of legislative, NOTING that the theme for CBD COP13 from administrative or policy measures on access and 4-17 December 2016 in Cancun, Mexico is benefit sharing to support the third objective of the “Mainstreaming Biodiversity for Well-being”’ Convention, as appropriate;
DO HEREBY AGREE TO: Promote cooperation on species conservation and wildlife management, ecosystem restoration Accelerate efforts to effectively implement the and where relevant, agricultural biodiversity, health Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011 – 2020 and biodiversity and urban biodiversity to further and contribute to the achievement of the Aichi support mainstreaming of biodiversity activities in Biodiversity Targets by 2020; and to increase the the region;
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Support collaborative efforts to address NOTING that ASEAN Member States have transboundary conservation challenges including undertaken substantive actions to address climate trafficking of wildlife and timber, through for change by: example the ASEAN Working Group on Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species • Submitting Intended Nationally of Wild Fauna and Flora and the ASEAN Wildlife Determined Contributions (INDCs) in a Enforcement Network; timely manner; • Signing Paris Agreement on 22 April 2016 Enhance actions to implement national and regional in New York, USA; communication, education and public awareness (CEPA) strategies, including engagement with • Implementing the ASEAN Community the public and private sectors, local communities, Roadmap 2009-2015 including ASEAN youth and women, to achieve Aichi Biodiversity Action Plan on Joint Response to Climate Target 1; Change (AAP-JRCC), the ASEAN Forging Ahead Together 2025, and developing Urge developed Parties to the CBD, other the ASEAN Post 2015 Strategic Plan on Governments and relevant organisations to Environment (ASPEN), and ASEAN-UN provide adequate financial and technical resources Action Plan on Environment and Climate to complement national efforts to implement the Change 2016-2020; NBSAPs, especially to support capacity building and technical and scientific cooperation, to achieve • Promoting sustainable management the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. of forest that will contribute to reducing forest degradation and deforestation, and also the enhancement of carbon sink Adopted in Vientiane, Lao PDR on the Sixth day of capacity through own capacity, bilateral September in the year Two Thousand and Sixteen. and multilateral cooperation.
*** GRAVELY CONCERNED about the impacts of climate change throughout the ASEAN region ASEAN Joint Statement on as outlined in the Assessment Reports (AR) of Climate Change to the 22nd the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (IPCC) in areas such as extreme climate event, food, water and energy security, livelihoods, health, (COP-22) to the United Nations land use and biodiversity including disproportionate Framework Convention on impacts on women and children. Climate Change (UNFCCC) REAFFIRMING our commitment to the UNFCCC, Vie nt ia ne , La o P D R , and its principles and provisions, in particular the principle of common but differentiated 6 September 2016 responsibilities (CBDR), and its centrality in the Paris Agreement. WE, the Heads of State/Government of Brunei Darussalam, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the FURTHER REAFFIRMING thatefforts to address Republic of Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic climate change should be consistent with broader Republic, Malaysia, the Republic of the Union Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). of Myanmar, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of Thailand RECOGNISING the importance of enhanced pre- and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, Member States of ASEAN, on the occasion of the 28th and 2020 ambition to ramp up mitigation actions and 29th ASEAN Summits in Vientiane, Lao PDR; provide means of implementation that will underpin effective implementation of the Paris Agreement RECALLING ASEAN Joint Statements on Climate and to serve as lessons learnt for achieving Post Change and ASEAN Leaders’ Statements on 2020 actions. Climate Change to the UNFCCC.
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WELCOMING the commitment demonstrated 4. URGE all Parties to the UNFCCC to recognise by Parties to the UNFCCC in signing the Paris the extreme vulnerability of ASEAN Member Agreement and beginning the work of developing States to climate change; the modalities, procedures and guidelines for its implementation, 5. ENCOURAGE Parties to the UNFCCC to develop their respective National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) that are consistent with, and URGENTLY HIGHLIGHTING that adequate, address the threats identified in the IPCC predictable, and needs-based technology AR5; development and transfer, capacity building and financial support are needed to further scale up 6. CONTINUE to explore means of further adaptation and mitigation efforts, and enhance enhancing sustainable development efforts awareness in the ASEAN region. in the region under the CBDR principles as entrenched in the Convention; EMPHASISING Parties to the UNFCCC ability to access readiness and implementation support 7. CALL UPON developed countries to realise from the Green Climate Fund (GCF). the fulfillment of the existing mitigation and financial support commitments of USD100 billion per year under the Convention during NOTING the recent establishment of the Capacity- the pre-2020 period; building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT) under the UNFCCC aimed at strengthening the institutional 8. URGE Parties to the UNFCCC to enhance and technical capacities of developing countries to ambition on adaptation, mitigation, finance, meet the enhanced transparency requirements in technology development and transfer, the Paris Agreement. capacity building and transparency of actions and support during the pre-2020 period; in RECOGNISING the important role of GCF in particular through the ratification of the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol in the accelerating paradigm shift towards low emission second commitment period by all Parties, and and climate resilient development pathways. the outcome of the Bali Action Plan;
DO HEREBY: 9. ENCOURAGE Parties to the UNFCCC that have not yet communicated their (I)NDCs to 1. COMMIT to strengthen the management of do so expeditiously in support of a successful ASEAN’s diverse ecosystems and landscapes COP-22; including its vulnerable terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems through a landscape- 10. ENCOURAGE Parties to the UNFCCC to based approach to build climate resilience; ratify the Paris Agreement as soon as possible and to support the Agreement’s early entry 2. URGE developed countries to provide into force; assistance to ASEAN Member States to enhance protection and sustainable use of 11. REQUEST support for developing countries biodiversity and systematic rehabilitation and least developed countries to pursue of forest ecosystems including rain forest, sustainable development opportunities that mangrove and peatland, in recognition of can enable mitigation and adaptation efforts their critically important roles in mitigation and to be included in their (I)NDCs as appropriate, adaptation; noting that mitigation and adaptation efforts can have strong regional co-benefits which 3. STRENGTHEN the ASEAN rapid response contribute, inter alia, to food, water, energy capacity to be more efficient and effective in security and local culture; the event of natural disasters through existing mechanisms under the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER);
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12. URGE developed countries to expedite the Conference of the Parties to provision of the means of implementation in terms of capacity building, technical the ASEAN Agreement on assistance, technology development and Transboundary Haze Pollution transfer, and financing, during the pre and post-2020 time frame in addressing mitigation, (COP) adaptation, and loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change; Media Release of the 18th 13. REQUEST enhanced support from Annex 1 Meeting of the Sub-Regional Parties to the UNFCCC to ASEAN Member Ministerial Steering Committee States to better understand, develop and implement Measurement, Reporting and (MSC) on Transboundary Haze Verification (MRV); Pollution
14. URGE donors to make contributions to the CBIT Trust Fund under the Global Singapore, 4 May 2016 Environmental Facility (GEF) in order to start its implementation; 1. Ministers responsible for the environment from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, 15. URGE GCF to expedite establishing a clear Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand met on access mechanism for Parties to the UNFCCC the occasion of the Eighteenth Meeting of the and to accelerate the operationalisation of Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee result-based payments for REDD+ in ASEAN; (MSC) on Transboundary Haze Pollution on 4 May 2016 in Singapore. 16. EEEK assistances in the form of applicable technology transfer to strengthen mitigation 2. The Ministers noted the ASEAN Specialised and adaptation efforts as well as early warning Meteorological Centre’s (ASMC’s) forecast system to reduce impact of disasters.; that dry weather conditions are expected for Sumatra and Kalimantan between June and 17. CALL UPON all Parties to the UNFCCC to early October 2016. With the El Niño expected continue working effectively and in good faith to return to Neutral conditions by mid-2016 on developing mechanisms and modalities and with a chance of La Niña developing in towards the implementation of the Paris the third quarter of 2016, normal to above Agreement. normal rainfall can be expected for the region during the season. Nevertheless, the MSC 18. Adopted in Vientiane, Lao PDR, the Sixth day countries pledged to remain vigilant and of September in the Year Two Thousand and continuously monitor and step up their haze Sixteen. preventive efforts to minimise any possible occurrence of transboundary smoke haze *** from land and forest fires in anticipation of the drier weather in the coming months. The Ministers emphasised that sustained and long-term efforts to prevent land and forest fires were also critical to address the overarching challenge of climate change.
3. The Ministers expressed appreciation for the substantive efforts by Indonesia in implementing its Plan of Action (PoA) in Dealing with Transboundary Haze Pollution, which included among other things the close and continuous monitoring of hotspots, and enhanced coordination among local governments, the national and regional governments, the private sector and local
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communities to prevent and suppress land 7. The Ministers recalled that the Leaders at the and forest fires. The Ministers also noted 27th ASEAN Summit held in Kuala Lumpur on the actions taken by other MSC countries 21 November 2015 had noted the initiatives to address transboundary haze pollution, by the MSC countries and encouraged them including Singapore’s update on the actions to take the necessary actions in order to taken against errant companies under its operationalise the ASEAN Sub-Regional Transboundary Haze Pollution Act. The Haze Monitoring System (HMS). The MSC countries also reaffirmed their offer Ministers also noted the continuing difficulties of assistance to Indonesia for emergency in sharing land use and concession maps response when necessary and called for by the MSC countries and agreed that in enhanced cooperation and coordination to the meantime, the MSC countries continue ensure the timely and effective deployment to share information on a Government-to- of international resources for firefighting Government basis on hotspot areas that gave assistance. rise to transboundary haze.
4. The Ministers provided further guidance 8. The Ministers noted the discussions of the on the implementation of the Strategic 6th Meeting of the MSC Technical Task Force Review of the Sub-Regional Ministerial (MTTF) in October 2015 on developing a set Steering Committee (MSC) Programmes of guidelines for information exchange, and and Activities, which involves enhancing noted that Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, haze control management through early Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand had agreed warning and monitoring, fire prevention and to share the details of hotspot information as suppression; refinement of the Fire Danger specified in the ASEAN Standard Operating Rating System; operationalisation of Alert Procedure for Monitoring, Assessment and Levels and Trigger Points for immediate and Joint Emergency Response. The Ministers expeditious fire prevention and suppression tasked the MTTF to further work on the by including them in the existing ASEAN modality for sharing the hotspot information SOP for Monitoring, Assessment and Joint among MSC countries and the MSC countries Emergency Response; and to build up the to continue working towards operationalising capabilities of ASEAN Member States under the HMS. the Regional Haze Training Network. The Ministers welcomed the upcoming Train-the- 9. The Ministers recognised that it is timely Trainer Workshop to Implement the ASEAN for a regional study to be conducted on the Guidelines on Peatland Fire Management economic, health and social impact of haze that Indonesia and Singapore would co-host in 2015 on the ASEAN region. This study is in Pontianak, West Kalimantan from 30 May crucial for ASEAN to assess the implication of to 1 June 2016. the 2015 haze incident and enable countries to have a baseline economic, health and 5. The Ministers reaffirmed the commitment to social data to understand the impact of effectively implement the ASEAN Agreement transboundary haze. The Ministers agreed on Transboundary Haze Pollution to prevent to task the ASEAN Secretariat to collate the and monitor transboundary haze pollution necessary information initially from MSC from land and forest fires through concerted countries in accordance with their national national efforts and regional and international laws and regulations. cooperation, including legislative, administrative and other relevant measures, 10. The Ministers noted the intention and steps and prompt response to requests for relevant taken by Indonesia to host the ASEAN information or consultations sought by ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Member States. Haze Pollution Control (ACC), including the Workshop on the Preparation for the 6. On bilateral cooperation, Indonesia, Malaysia Establishment of the ACC that was hosted and Singapore are willing to continue their by Indonesia on 28 April 2016 in Jakarta. The cooperation in the spirit of the ASEAN Ministers looked forward to faster and more Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution effective implementation of all aspects of the on a Government-to-Government basis, ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze building upon the previous experiences. Pollution after the ACC is operational.
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11. The Ministers noted the substantive progress pollution resulting from land and forest of the development of the ASEAN Programme fires through concerted national efforts and on Sustainable Management of Peatland regional cooperation. The Ministers also Ecosystems 2014-2020 (APSMPE), and commended the significant progress in the the encouraging response and support from implementation of activities/programmes of ASEAN dialogue and development partners. the Agreement, among others, the progress in The Ministers renewed their commitment to the establishment of the ASEAN Coordinating implement this regional Programme through Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution ASEAN mechanisms, enhanced national level Control (ACC THPC) and the proposed study efforts and multi-stakeholder partnership. on the economic, health and social impact of haze in 2015 in the ASEAN region. 12. The Ministers noted the progress of the development of the Roadmap on ASEAN 3. The Ministers adopted the Roadmap on Cooperation towards Transboundary ASEAN Cooperation towards Transboundary Haze Pollution Control with Means of Haze Pollution Control with Means of Implementation, from the 1st Task Force Implementation. The Roadmap will serve as Meeting to draft the Roadmap that was hosted a strategic framework for the implementation by Thailand in Chiang Mai on 7-9 March of the collaborative actions to control 2016. The Ministers looked forward to the transboundary haze pollution in the ASEAN adoption of the Roadmap by the Conference region to achieve a vision of Transboundary of the Parties to the ASEAN Agreement on Haze-free ASEAN by 2020. Transboundary Haze Pollution in August 2016 for notation by the ASEAN Leaders that 4. The Ministers noted the ASEAN Specialised would guide ASEAN Member States towards Meteorological Centre’s (ASMC’s) weather achieving the vision of a Haze-Free ASEAN outlook for the ASEAN region for the coming by 2020. months, in particular, the prevailing Neutral (neither El Nino nor La Nina) conditions and 13. The Ministers expressed their appreciation to the chance of La Nina conditions developing the Government of Singapore for organising in the third quarter of 2016. Rainfall was the 18th MSC Meeting and the excellent expected to be normal to above normal arrangements made and hospitality provided. however, it was also noted that periods of drier weather can still be expected during *** the peak of the traditional dry season in the southern ASEAN region between August and Media Release of the 12th September 2016. The AMS pledged to remain vigilant and continuously monitor and step up Meeting of the Conference of the their haze preventive efforts to minimise any Parties to the ASEAN Agreement possible occurrence of transboundary smoke haze from land and forest fires in anticipation on Transboundary Haze Pollution of the drier weather in the southern ASEAN region in the next few months. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 11 August 2016 5. In view of the predicted regional weather and haze outlook, the Ministers urged AMS to remain vigilant and continuously monitor 1. Ministers responsible for the environment and step up their haze preventive efforts from ASEAN Member States (AMS) held their to minimise any possible occurrence of 12th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties transboundary smoke haze from land and to the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary forest fires in anticipation of the drier weather Haze Pollution (COP-12 AATHP) on 11 in the next few months. August 2016 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 6. The Ministers underlined the need for AMS to 2. The Ministers reaffirmed the commitment to place priority and commitment to resolve the effectively implement the ASEAN Agreement haze problem within the expected targets and on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP) timelines as adopted in countries’ action plan. to prevent and monitor transboundary haze
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7. The Ministers noted the significant progress 13. The Ministers responsible for the environment by AMS on the operationalization of Alert will meet again in 2017 in Brunei Darussalam Levels and Trigger Points for Fire Prevention on the occasion of the 13th Meeting of the and Suppression under the revised Standard Conference of the Parties to the ASEAN Operating Procedure for Monitoring, Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution Assessment and Joint Emergency Response (COP-13). as to prevent recurrence of transboundary haze pollution. ***
8. The Ministers reaffirmed their endorsement of Indonesia’s intention to host the ASEAN ASEAN Health Ministers Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Meeting (AHMM) Pollution Control (ACC THPC) and further mandated Indonesia to continue to work on the draft of Establishment Agreement of the ASEAN Declaration of ACC THPC. Commitment on HIV and AIDS: Fast-Tracking and Sustaining 9. The Ministers called for AMS to utilise the mechanism under the AATHP to mobilise the HIV and AIDS Responses to End Panel of ASEAN Experts on Fire and Haze the AIDS Epidemic by 2030 Assessment and Coordination to assess the fire situation on the ground and further recommend the external fire assistance Vie nt ia ne , La o P D R , required. 6 September 2016
10. The Ministers noted that majority of ASEAN 1. WE, the Heads of State and Government of Member States have contributed to the ASEAN the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Transboundary Haze Pollution Control Fund (ASEAN), namely Brunei Darussalam, the towards realising the pledge of providing an Kingdom of Cambodia, the Republic of initial seed contribution of US$500,000 for the Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic Fund. The Ministers welcomed contributions Republic, Malaysia, the Republic of the Union from other partners to the Fund. of Myanmar, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of 11. The Ministers noted the substantive progress Thailand, and Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, of the development of the successor ASEAN on the occasion of the 28th Summit in Vientiane, Programme on Sustainable Management Lao PDR, on 6-8 September 2016, reviewing of Peatland Ecosystems – APSMPE (2014- comprehensively the progress achieved since 2020), and the encouraging response the adoption of the 2011 ASEAN Declaration and support from ASEAN dialogue and of Commitment: Getting to Zero New HIV development partners. The Ministers renewed Infections, Zero Discrimination, and Zero their commitment to implement this regional AIDS-Related Deaths, and envisioning a Programme through ASEAN mechanisms, future where, working together, we can end enhanced national level efforts and multi- the AIDS epidemic in ASEAN by 2030; stakeholder partnership. 2. REAFFIRMING previous ASEAN Declarations 12. The Ministers noted the initiatives by Sub- on HIV and AIDS, ‘ASEAN Declaration of regional Ministerial Steering Committee Commitment: Getting to Zero New HIV on Transboundary Haze Pollution (MSC) Infections, Zero Discrimination, Zero AIDS countries to take the necessary actions in – related Deaths’ (Bali, Indonesia, 2011), order to operationalise the ASEAN Sub- ‘ASEAN Commitments on HIV and AIDS’ regional Haze Monitoring System (HMS). (Cebu, Philippines, 2007), ‘Seventh ASEAN In the meantime, the Ministers encouraged Summit Declaration on HIV and AIDS’ MSC countries to share information on (Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam hotspots that cause transboundary haze on 2001), each of which called for, in the ASEAN Government-to-Government basis. response to HIV and AIDS, political will and
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leadership, and meaningful partnerships with 6. ASSERTING that it is essential for ASEAN relevant stakeholders, and in particular with Member States to focus our individual the key affected populations; and collective efforts, in line with national legislation, priorities and evidence in each 3. REAFFIRMING the commitment of ASEAN Member State, on initiatives; to address key Member States to the United Nations General affected populations and priority geographic Assembly Political Declaration on HIV and areas; to set ambitious but achievable AIDS: On the Fast-Track to Accelerate the regional and national targets for prevention, Fight against HIV and to End the AIDS testing, treatment, care and support; and to Epidemic by 2030 adopted on 8 June 2016 in commit to enhance the political will and the New York, in particular the goals of the Political financial resources to fast track and sustain Declaration in support of the 2030 Agenda for the response; and Sustainable Development, by 2020 — to work towards reducing the number of new HIV 7. In summary, RECOGNISING that, in ASEAN, infections to fewer than 500,000 per annum while remarkable progress has been made globally and to reducing AIDS-related deaths on the prevention and treatment of HIV and to fewer than 500,000 per annum globally as AIDS, and that there is a unique window of well as to eliminate HIV-related stigma and opportunity to act now, to avoid the risk of a discrimination — as well as commitments in rebound of the epidemic in some parts of the previous global Declarations in 2011, 2006, world, to fast-track and sustain the response, and 2001; and eventually to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. Do hereby declare our commitments to 4. NOTING the findings from ASEAN’s second Fast-Track and Sustain the ASEAN Response regional report on HIV and AIDS of 2015 to HIV and AIDS, and to Fast-Track the which observed that in the region, the HIV ASEAN HIV and AIDS Response; epidemic continues to affect approximately 1.7million people and that HIV is largely 8. FOCUS and TARGET HIV and AIDS concentrated among key affected populations programmes for key affected populations and in priority geographical areas. The make- and priority geographical areas, according to up of these differs according to the epidemic national legislation, priorities and evidence characteristics in each Member State and about the epidemic in each Member State; may include sex workers and their clients, people who inject drugs; men-who-have-sex- 9. SCALE UP and STRENGTHEN the with men and transgender population, while coverage, reach and quality of a continuum other populations continue to be vulnerable of comprehensive integrated packages of (such as partners/spouses of key affected prevention, testing, treatment, care and populations, migrant and mobile populations, support services, similarly referred to as children and youth, women and girls, people the cascade of services, for key affected in correctional institutions, and, people in populations in priority geographic areas conflict and disaster-affected areas); according to national legislation, priorities and evidence about the epidemic in each Member 5. NOTING with continued concern, that State: while there has been progress in the implementation the ASEAN Getting to — Zero a. Combination of prevention interventions, New HIV infections, Zero Discrimination, and tailored for each key affected population Zero AIDS-related Deaths, such as the roll taking into consideration the religious and out of participated of cities or areas from 13 cultural sensitivities of the community, that cities/areas in 2012 to more than 50 cities/ may include peer – and outreach-based areas in 2015 — there remain significant education, healthy sexual relationship, urgent challenges at regional, national, and condoms, pre-exposure prophylaxis for local levels to focus, target, and expand the those at higher risk, HIV and STI testing, coverage, reach and quality of evidence – STI treatment, combat hepatitis B and C, informed/based programmes, and in addition, measures aimed at minimizing the adverse challenges in mobilising sufficient resources public health and social consequences to invest in fast-tracking and sustaining the of drug abuse, including appropriate response; medication assisted therapy programmes
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and injecting equipment programmes, to key affected populations’ full access to and access to appropriate interventions services, including reducing HIV-related for people in prisons and other custodial stigma and discrimination; settings; 14. FURTHER STRENGTHEN the capacities of b. Treatment, care and support, may include national and local governments to conduct ARV treatment, treatment of co – infections assessments, analyse and utilise strategic such as TB and hepatitis B and C, information to effectively advocate with treatment of other opportunistic infections, key decision-makers to fast-track and non-communicable diseases, CD4 and sustain the HIV and AIDS response and to viral load monitoring, practical support for mobilise the required resources, ensuring adherence and prevention of loss to follow- that programmes are based on the best up, and psycho-social and community- – available, most updated, region – and based support; country-specific evidence about the epidemic and the response; c. Elimination of mother-to-child transmission includes ensuring that mothers have access 15. FURTHER ENHANCE ownership, to immediate and life-long antiretroviral coordination and cooperation across sectors, treatment; and as well as, at regional, national, and local levels, including South-to-South cooperation, 10. PLEDGE to ENSURE the achievement cross-border and city-to-city collaboration within ASEAN the 90-90-90 treatment targets and cooperation, and in addition including adopted by ASEAN Member States in the strengthening capacity to coordinate such United Nations Political Declaration on HIV multi-stakeholder partnerships; and AIDS: On the Fast-Track to Accelerate the Fight against HIV and to End the AIDS 16. CONTINUE to INVEST in broad community Epidemic by 2030, on 8 June 2016 i.e., by participation, including non-governmental, 2020, 90% of people (children, adolescents civil society, community and key population and adults) living with HIV know their status, networks and organisations; religious leaders 90% of people living with HIV who know their and faith-based organisations; business and status are receiving treatment, and 90% of private sector, and others, in order to improve people on treatment have suppressed viral effective programming to achieve and sustain loads. measurable results;
11. ENSURE that no one is left behind in the AIDS 17. SUSTAIN, in accordance to national legislation response: to work towards a response where and priorities, effective HIV and AIDS there is equal access to high-quality services, programmes, integrating and institutionalising prevention, treatment, care and support and these, promoting a holistic, integrated no one is denied such services because response to HIV and AIDS and enhancing of HIV-related stigma and discrimination; collaboration between HIV and AIDS and Sustain the ASEAN HIV and AIDS Response: other health services — tuberculosis, sexual and reproductive health, sexually transmitted 12. MAINTAIN and FURTHER STRENGTHEN infections, family health and family planning, effective, high-level, action-oriented political maternal and child health, hepatitis B and leadership on HIV and AIDS at regional, C, mental health, and non-communicable national and local levels; diseases and consider working towards integrating them into existing social protection 13. CONSIDER expanding efforts, in accordance system; with national legislation and priorities, to provide a supportive environment to reduce 18. MAINTAIN and EXPAND commitment to raise stigma and discrimination towards key affected sufficient international and domestic financial populations — involving key stakeholders resources to fill gaps in national responses such as civil society organisations and key by: affected populations, as well as reviewing , • promoting national and sub-national programme and practices which are barriers evidence-based investment cases for HIV and AIDS;
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• improving efficiency in the use of existing ASEAN Labour Ministers resources; • sharing responsibility with international Meeting (ALMM) and local development partners to jointly develop and implement transition plans Joint Communiqué of the 24th from external to domestic funding; and, • encouraging international and local ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting th development partners to develop clear (24 ALMM) funding plans, including exit strategies and transition plans to hand over external supported programmes and ensure Vi e n t i a n e , L a o P D R , sustainability; 15 May 2016 19. PURSUE opportunities for region-wide negotiation for development of commodities, 1. The Twenty Fourth ASEAN Labour Ministers as access to generic medicines, as well as Meeting (24th ALMM) was convened on 15 their bulk or joint procurement, to increase May 2016 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. It was predictability, reduce costs and increase preceded by the Ninth Meeting of the ASEAN access to affordable medicines for all, Committee on the Implementation of the including full use of the Agreement of Trade- ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers Rights (TRIPS) flexibilities; (9th ACMW Meeting), Twelfth ASEAN Senior Labour Officials Meeting th(12 SLOM), 20. MAINTAIN and EXPAND regional consultation, Fourteenth ASEAN Plus Three Senior Labour dialogue and exchange of experiences, Officials Meeting (14th SLOM+3), and related innovations and evidence in implementing the Meetings on 10-14 May 2016. The 24th ALMM measures in this Declaration, as well as the adopted the theme, “Transition from Informal documentation and sharing of good practices Employment to Formal Employment towards on HIV and AIDS across ASEAN, particularly Decent Work Promotion in ASEAN”. including the ASEAN Cities Getting to Zero Regional Project; and 2. The Opening Ceremony of the 24th ALMM was officiated by H.E. Sonexay Siphandone, 21. COMMIT to periodic strategic and operational Deputy Prime Minister of Lao PDR. The 24th monitoring and evaluation reviews of ALMM was attended by the ASEAN Labour progress at regional, national and local levels, Ministers/Heads of Delegations from Brunei specifically including progress in fostering the Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao greater meaningful involvement and effective PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, leadership role of key affected populations, to Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam and their ensure that, in the response to HIV and AIDS respective delegations. The Deputy Secretary in ASEAN, no one is left behind. – General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Socio- Cultural Community (ASCC) and staff 22. Task the concerned ASEAN Sectoral representatives of the ASEAN Secretariat Ministerial Bodies as well as other relevant were also in attendance. The list of Ministers/ bodies to implement this Declaration Heads of Delegations is enclosed. Vientiane including mobilising resources, and monitor Declaration on Transition from Informal its progress; Encourage all ASEAN Member Employment to Formal Employment towards States to support these ASEAN Sectoral Decent Work Promotion in ASEAN. Bodies in accomplishing this Declaration through maximum efforts by such appropriate 3. The Ministers/Heads of Delegations instruments as may be necessary and exchanged views and agreed to continue consistent with their respective national to take utmost efforts to promote decent legislation and policies. work conditions of workers regardless the informality of employment and, at the 23. Adopted in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on the 6 day same time, to facilitate transition from of September 2016, in a single copy in the informal employment to formal employment English language. towards inclusive growth and sustainable development. ***
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4. The Ministers/Heads of Delegations endorsed namely the ASEAN Committee on the the Vientiane Declaration on the Transition from Implementation of the ASEAN Declaration on Informal Employment to Formal Employment the Protection and Promotion of the Rights towards Decent Work Promotion in ASEAN of Migrant Workers (ACMW), Working Group for adoption at the 28th ASEAN Summit in on Progressive Labour Practices to Enhance September 2016 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. the Competitiveness of ASEAN (SLOM-WG), The Declaration reflected the commitment of and ASEAN Occupational Safety and Health ASEAN Member States to promote inclusive Network (ASEAN-OSHNET). Some regular and sustainable growth, employment, and activities would continue under the new ALM’ decent work for all. Transition from informal to Work Programme 2016-2020. formal employment of workers is necessary and plays an important role in enhancing 8. The Ministers/Heads of Delegations adopted the well-being of workers and their families, the ASEAN Guiding Principles for Quality promoting inclusive growth, and eradicating Assurance and Recognition of Competency poverty. Certification Systems, which would be a useful reference for ASEAN Member States Relevant Decisions of Other ASEAN Meetings in better understanding and building mutual confidence on their respective competency 5. The Ministers/Heads of Delegations took note certification systems and quality assurance of relevant decisions made by the Leaders at measures. the 26th and 27th ASEAN Summits held in April 2015 and October 2015, respectively, in Kuala 9. The Ministers/Heads of Delegations adopted Lumpur, Malaysia, and other related ASEAN the ASEAN Guidelines for Corporate Social Meetings convened since last year. The Responsibility (CSR) on Labour which Ministers/Heads of Delegations supported would guide the governments, enterprises/ greater cross-sectoral engagement with other establishments, employers’ organisations and ASEAN Sectoral Ministerial Bodies to facilitate workers’ organisations to raise awareness of coordinated response to cross-cutting labour labour issues in CSR among enterprises, and issues in the region. The Ministers/Heads of incorporate CSR initiatives, human rights and Delegations welcomed collaboration with the decent work in their business practices. ASEAN Ministers Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) and other relevant ASEAN 10. The Ministers/Heads of Delegations also Sectoral Ministerial Bodies under the adopted the ASEAN Guidelines on Essential framework of the ASEAN Convention and Workplace Action for Enterprises on the Plan of Action Against Trafficking in Persons Prevention and Management of HIV and AIDS Especially Women and Children. with an understanding that its application is subject to the prevailing legislations and 6. The Meeting adopted the ASEAN policies of ASEAN Member States. Qualification Reference Framework (AQRF) Governance and Structure which would 11. The Ministers/Heads of Delegations were guide the coordination of AQRF referencing satisfied to note the completion of the in 2016-2018 by ASEAN Member States on previous Work Plans of ASEAN-OSHNET, a voluntary basis. The AQRF is a joint effort SLOM-WG, and ACMW. The Ministers/ of the ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting Heads of Delegations noted the convening (AEM), ASEAN Education Ministers Meeting of the ASEAN Inter-Pillar Policy Dialogue on (ASED), and ALMM. the Impact of ASEAN Economic Integration in Labour Sector on 21 March 2016 in Kuala Implementation of the ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Lumpur, Malaysia, Third ASEAN-OSHNET Work Programme Conference on 28 April 2016 in Da Nang, Viet Nam, and Fifth ASEAN Labour Inspection 7. The Ministers/Heads of Delegations noted Conference on 11-12 November 2015 in with satisfaction that all projects and activities Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The Ministers/Heads under the ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Work of Delegations welcomed the convening of Programme 2010-2015 had been addressed the Sixth Conference in 2016 in Malaysia. by the ASEAN Senior Labour Officials Meeting (SLOM) and its subsidiary bodies
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12. The Ministers/Heads of Delegations noted Countries. The Ministers/Heads of Delegations the urgency to conclude the Instrument; and reiterated ASEAN Member States’ continued agreed to finalise the draft ASEAN instrument interest to engage with ASEAN Dialogue on the protection and promotion of the rights Partners, International Labour Organisation of migrant workers by September 2016 or at (ILO), International Organization for Migration the latest April 2017. The Ministers/Heads (IOM), employers’ organisations, workers’ of Delegations therefore tasked the ACMW/ organisations, civil society, and other relevant SLOM to continue negotiations on the external parties. Instrument toward finalisation by September 2016/April 2017. The 25th ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting
13. The Ministers/Heads of Delegations 17. The Ministers/Heads of Delegations confirmed applauded the fourteen private companies that the 25th ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting from ASEAN Member States receiving the First would be convened in 2018 in Malaysia. ASEAN-OSHNET Awards on 27 April 2016 in Da Nang, Viet Nam, for their contribution 18. The Ministers/Heads of Delegations to safe and healthy work environment in the expressed their sincere appreciation to the region. Government of Lao PDR, particularly the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, for 14. The Ministers/Heads of Delegations were the warm hospitality extended to the ASEAN satisfied with the initiatives of the ASEAN delegates and excellent arrangement of the Business Coalition on HIV and AIDS (ASEAN Meeting. BCA) under the coordination of Indonesia for the period of 2014-2016. The Ministers/Heads List of Ministers/Heads of Delegations of Delegations welcomed the convening of Attending the 24th ASEAN Labour Ministers the First ASEAN Red Ribbon for Outstanding Meeting (24th ALMM) Workplace Awards (ARROW) which would be hosted by Indonesia tentatively in September H.E. Pehin Abu Bakar Apong Minister of Home 2016. Affairs, Brunei Darussalam; H.E. Mam Vannak Secretary of State, Ministry of Labour and 15. The Ministers/Heads of Delegations Vocational Training, Cambodia; H.E. Irmawan adopted the ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Work Emir Wisnandar Ambassador, Embassy of Programme 2016-2020 with the objective of Indonesia to Lao PDR, Indonesia; H.E. Dr. achieving a better quality of life for ASEAN Khampheng Saysompheng Minister of Labour people through workforce with enhanced and Social Welfare, Lao PDR; H.E. YB Dato’ Sri competitiveness and engaged in safe Richard Riot Jaem Minister of Human Resources, and decent work derived from productive Malaysia; H.E. Thein Swe Union Minister of employment, harmonious and progressive Labour, Immigration and Population, Republic of workplace, and adequate social protection. the Union of Myanmar; H.E. Rosalinda Dimapilis- The Ministers/Heads of Delegations also Baldoz Secretary of the Department of Labor adopted the Work Plans of ACMW, SLOM- and Employment, The Philippines; H.E. Sam WG, and ASEAN – OSHNET for 2016-2020. Tan Minister of State for Manpower, Singapore; H.E. General Sirichai Distakul Minister of Labour, Strengthening Labour Cooperation with Thailand; H.E. Dao Ngoc Dung Minister of Labour, Dialogue Partners and Other Entities Invalids and Social Affairs, Viet Nam;and H.E Vongthep Arthakaivalvatee Deputy Secretary- 16. The Ministers/Heads of Delegations agreed General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural to continue fostering the cooperation with Community The ASEAN Secretariat. ASEAN Dialogue Partners in the labour sector in support of achieving the ASEAN Vision 2025 and in implementing labour-related *** strategic measures of the ASCC Blueprint 2025 and ALM’ Work Programme 2016-2020. The Ministers/Heads of Delegations were pleased to note the significant achievements made in their cooperation with the Plus Three
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ASEAN Guiding Principles natural resources, the preservation of its cultural heritage and the high quality of life for Quality Assurance and of its peoples; Recognition of Competency • To enhance the well-being and livelihood of Certification System the peoples of ASEAN by providing them with equitable access to opportunities for Link : ASEAN Guiding Principles for Quality human development, social welfare and Assurance and Recognition of Competency justice; Certification System • To promote a people-oriented ASEAN in which all sectors of society are *** encouraged to participate in, and benefit from, the process of ASEAN integration ASEAN Guidelines for Corporate and community building; and Social Responsibility (CSR) • To maintain the centrality and proactive on Labour role of ASEAN as the primary driving force in its relations and cooperation with its external partners in a regional architecture I. Introduction that is open, transparent and inclusive.
1. Globally, there is growing awareness among 3. The promotion of CSR is called for in the ASEAN governments, enterprises/ establishments, Political-Security Community (APSC) Blueprint employers’ organisations, workers’ organisations, 2025, ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and other stakeholders on the importance of Blueprint 2025, and ASEAN Socio-Cultural achieving sustainable development. There have Community (ASCC) Blueprint 2025, notably: been a number of global and regional initiatives to achieve this goal. This includes the ASEAN • Support the ASEAN Foundation to Community as ASEAN Member States also strengthen its collaboration with the private strive for equitable, inclusive and sustainable sector and other relevant stakeholders to economic growth. In this regard, the involvement instill CSR[Action LineA.2.2.v of the APSC of the private sector in adopting Corporate Social Blueprint]; Responsibility (CSR) principles and practices • Work closely with stakeholders towards in their operations, decisions and activities promoting CSR activities [Action Line becomes crucial as they also impact to society D.5.78.ii of the AEC Blueprint]; and environment. The implementation of CSR is in line with the purposes of ASEAN and ASEAN • Promote the integration of sustainable Community Vision 2025. consumption and production strategy and best practices into national and regional 2. The purposes of ASEAN set forth in the ASEAN policies or as part of CSR activities Charter include: [Strategic Measure C.4.iv of the ASCC Blueprint]; • To alleviate poverty and narrow the development gap within ASEAN through • Promote public private partnerships mutual assistance and cooperation; (PPP), social entrepreneurship and CSR for inclusive and sustainable socio-cultural • To strengthen democracy, enhance good development [Implementation Strategies governance and the rule of law, and to (III.A.2) of the ASCC Blueprint]. promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, with due regard 4. The ASCC Vision 2025 is an ASEAN Community to the rights and responsibilities of the that engages and benefits the peoples and is Member States of ASEAN; inclusive, sustainable, resilient, and dynamic. • To promote sustainable development so Guided by the ASCC Vision 2025, one of the as to ensure the protection of the region’s thematic areas of the ASEAN Labour Ministers’ environment, the sustainability of its Work Programme 2016-2020 is CSR in labour
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sector. This ASEAN Guidelines for CSR on occupation (i.e. ILO Conventions No. 100 Labour is developed as the implementation of and 111); and abolition of child labour (i.e. the ALM’ Work Programme 2016-2020. ILO Conventions No. 138 and 182).
5. The promotion of CSR will contribute to the 7.2. Other labour standards regarding achievement of the Sustainable Development occupational safety and health (i.e. ILO Goals (SDGs) particularly Goal 8to “promote Conventions No. 155, 161 and 187); sustained inclusive and sustainable economic standards on social security (i.e. ILO growth, full and productive employment and Convention No. 102);and migrant labour decent work for all”. (i.e. ILO Conventions 21, 97 and 143);
II. Purposes of the ASEAN CSR Model on 7.3. ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles Labour and Rights at Work (1998);
6. This ASEAN Guidelines for CSR on Labour 7.4. Tripartite Declaration of Principles aims to serve as guidelines for the governments, concerning Multinational Enterprises and enterprises/establishments, employers’ Social Policy (2006); organisations and workers’ organisations in ASEAN Member States, in line with national 7.5. UN Guiding Principles on Business and circumstances, to: Human Rights (2011);
6.1. Raise awareness of CSR among enterprises/ 7.6. UN Global Compact (2008); establishments in ASEAN Member States for the benefit of the peoples; 7.7. ISO 26000 on Guidance on Social Responsibility (2010); 6.2. Continuously and proactively encourage enterprises/establishments to incorporate 7.8. ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (2014); CSR initiatives, human rights and decent work in their business practices; 7.9. ASEAN Guidelines on Good Industrial Relations Practices (2012); and 6.3. Promote compliance of core labour standards set forth in the national labour 7.10. ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and laws, ILO Conventions and other relevant Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Labour international instruments; and (2007). 6.4. Promote social dialogue among IV. Principles governments, employers’ organisations and workers’ organisations at all levels, and strengthen industrial relations. 8. This ASEAN Guidelines for CSR on Labour promotes the principles of accountability; transparency; ethical behaviour in respect III. References for international labour standards; respect for stakeholder’s interests; and respect for human 7. This ASEAN Guidelines for CSR on Labour rights. makes reference to the following relevant international and regional instruments: V. Definitions 7.1. Core labour standards concerning all forms 9. This ASEAN Guidelines for CSR on Labour of forced and compulsory labour (i.e. ILO adopts the definition of CSR according to the ILO Conventions No. 29 and 105); freedom of Governing Body (2006), which is a way in which association and the effective recognition of enterprises give consideration to the impact the right to collective bargaining (i.e. ILO of their operations on society and affirm their Conventions No. 87 and 98); elimination of principles and values both in their own internal discrimination in respect of employment and methods and processes and in their interaction
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with other actors. CSR is a voluntary, enterprise- 12.2. Enterprises / establishments should not driven initiative and refers to activities that are benefit from unfair, exploitative or abusive considered to exceed compliance with the law. labour practices of their partners, suppliers, or sub-contractors. VI. Application 13. Human Resources Development and Training 10. This ASEAN Guidelines for CSR on Labour is applied to enterprises/establishments, private or 13.1. Enterprises / establishments should pursue public, whose decisions and activities may have human resources development policies and economic, social and environmental impacts, programmes that provide relevant trainings respecting national circumstances. and life-long learning opportunities for all levels of their employees to develop their VII. Priority Areas skills and promote career opportunities.
This provides a broad guidance and is not an 13.2. Enterprises / establishmentsshould promote exhaustive list for ASEAN. It should also take hiring workers from the vulnerable sector into account national circumstances. Details for (e.g. out-of-school youth, persons with these and other areas should be taken from the disabilities). international and regional instruments as specified in Section III above. 14. Conditions of Work and Life
11. Forced Labour and Child Labour 14.1. Enterprises / establishments should provide the best possible wages, benefits, conditions 11.1. Enterprises / establishments should not of work, and sustainable social security for engage in, benefit from or support the use of workers, as prescribed by law [or beyond]. forced labour in any form, including labour trafficking. 14.2. Enterprises / establishments should provide the highest standards of safetyand health 11.2. Enterprises / establishments should for their workers, and prevent hazards and respect the minimum age for admission to reduce risk factors at work as prescribed by employment in order to support abolition of law or beyond. child labour. 15. Industrial Relations 11.3. Enterprises / establishments should not employ or support the employment of 15.1. Enterprises / establishments should promote children under minimum age. They should sound industrial relations through effective be vigilant also in reference to young social dialogue, tripartite partnerships, and workers especially in the type of work that bipartite cooperation in the workplace. jeopardizes the health, safety or morals of children. 15.2. Enterprises/establishments should respect workers’ rights to freedom of association, and 12. Employment and Employment Relationship the independence of workers’ organisations in selecting representatives and collective 12.1. Enterprises / establishments should pursue bargaining. policies designed to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in employment, 15.3. Enterprises / establishments should and should not discriminate workers based respect the effective recognition of the on race, national extraction, social origin, right to collective bargaining and respect religion, language, age, gender, sexual agreements obtained through collective orientation, political opinion, membership bargaining, and shall not alter employment of workers’ organisations, nationality,or conditions without agreement from workers’ due to disability, pregnancy, marital status, representatives. parenthood, or HIV status.
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16. Migrant Workers 5. Enterprises / establishments are encouraged to be part of CSR networks to further promote 16.1. Enterprises / establishments should treat and embed CSR. They should promote migrant workers with respect and dignity continuity of CSR initiative. and without discrimination, exploitation, abuse, or violence. *** 16.2. Enterprises / establishments s h o u l d protect and promote the fundamental ASEAN Guidelines on Essential human rights of migrant workers including Workplace Action for Enterprises employment protection, payment of wages, on the Prevention and social security, OSH, access to decent working and living conditions, and access to Management of HIV and AIDS in information and training. ASEAN Member States
17. Sustainable Development Envisioning: 17.1. Enterprises/establishments should adopt environmentally sustainable systems and ASEAN as a concert of Southeast Asian nations, practices including efficient management outward looking, living in peace, stability and of resources, sustainable production, and prosperity, bonded together in partnership in environmentally-sound management of dynamic development and in a community of wastes, collaboration with local communities caring societies; and governments in order to prevent or minimize their adverse impacts on human Considering that: health and the environment and to support social progress. 1. The majority of people living with HIV in ASEAN Member States are of productive 17.2. Enterprises / establishments should working age; and that this adversely impacts contribute to the fulfillment of relevant on the well-being of millions of workers and Sustainable Development Goals. their families, and on the productivity of nations and their enterprises; VIII. Guidance in Implementing CSR 2. HIV and AIDS is not only a health issue, 1. Implementing CSR for labour supports the but also as a social and economic and a fulfillment of international labour standards workplace issue; and human rights. 3. HIV and AIDS is closely related to decent 2. At national level, tripartism provides the work and social responsibility; framework to address this matter through social dialogue. 4. A large number of employees are working in various sectors with high risk to HIV infection 3. At enterprise / establishment level, and potential as chain of transmission of HIV commitments must be made and priority or in community as well. action plan should be arrived at through social dialogue and stakeholder engagement. 5. In order to deal effectively with the negative impact of HIV and AIDS, especially stigma 4. Enterprises/establishments should plan their and discrimination against people living with CSR initiative, report regularly on progress, HIV, the workplace must take action; and continue the process of improvement through social dialogue and stakeholder 6. Workplaces would benefit from guidance on engagement. their role in preventing the transmission of HIV and managing the impact of HIV and AIDS, in ways that can be adapted to meet the growing needs of economies and workplaces throughout ASEAN Member States.
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Recalling: 1). Promote workplace cooperation, by establishing an HIV/AIDS Committee or 7. ASEAN Declaration of Commitment: Getting integrate the subject of HIV/AIDS into an to Zero New Infections, Zero Discrimination, existing committee (such as Occupational Zero AIDS-related deaths, which was adopted Safety and Health or substance abuse), with at the 19th ASEAN Summit in November 2011 participation from workers and management in Bali, Indonesia. [ASEC’s suggestion] at all levels and people living with HIV, as appropriate, with a view to gender balance. 8. The ASEAN Commitments on HIV and Written workplace policies and/or guidelines AIDS (2007), through which ASEAN through which the SLOM Working Group on Member States commit themselves to HIV Prevention and Control in the Workplace “Put into place necessary legislation and (SLOM-WG-HIV) initiates the following regulations (including workplace policies actions, should be developed by this Working and programmes) to ensure that persons Group. living with HIV and affected groups are protected and are not subjected to stigma and 2). Provide a sustainable HIV and AIDS discrimination. . .” education programme to all workers aimed at value formation behaviour change and 9. International Guideline on HIV/AIDS and non-discrimination, which includes: basic Human Rights (2006) which notes that “Laws, education on ways of HIV transmission; how regulations and collective agreements should workers can protect themselves and their be enacted or reached so as to guarantee families from HIV transmission (by evaluating workplace rights” related to HIV. and reducing their own risk factors); how HIV positive workers can live productive, meaningful lives; and how workers can access 10. The ASEAN Declaration on HIV/AIDS basic HIV related services and commodities Control (2001) which promotes “the creation in the workplace and in the community; of a positive environment in confronting stigma, silence and denial; elimination of discrimination; addressing the prevention, 3). Maintain the confidentiality of all medical treatment, care and support needs of those in records or other related information (including vulnerable groups and people at risk”; information related to HIV status) and keep such information separate from personnel files; provide access to files only to authorized 11. The Declaration of Commitment on HIV/ medical personnel and only release AIDS from the U.N. General Assembly information relating to HIV status upon written Special Session on HIV/AIDS (2001) in which approval of the individual worker whose file is world leaders commit themselves to “take in question; measures to provide a supportive workplace environment for people living with HIV/AIDS”; 4). Recruit, train and retain workers on the basis of their professional merits, irrespective 12. ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS of their HIV status, as long as qualified and the World of Work (2001) and ILO and independent medical professionals Recommendation 200-2010 Concerning consider them to be medically fit in available, HIV and AIDS and the World of Work, that appropriate work; encourage application of its key principles to produce “concrete responses at enterprise, community, regional, sectoral, national and 5). If the health condition of the workers living international levels” to HIV at the workplace; with HIV deteriorates or if they have special needs, provide reasonable accommodation1 in the workplace in consultation with workers 13. Millennium Development Goal 6: Combating who are living with HIV; HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria adopted in 2000. Propose to the governments, workers and employers within ASEAN 6). Prohibit/eliminate the practice of non- Member States the following essential actions promotion and termination based on the HIV/ related to HIV and AIDS that enterprises could AIDS status of employees; take in order to protect the dignity of workers and to promote their health and safety:
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7). Reduce, with a view towards eliminating, HIV- ASEAN Labour Ministers’ related stigma and discrimination, including a “zero tolerance” policy against spreading Work Programme 2016-2020, rumours related to HIV status, whether Senior Labour Officials Meeting real or imagined, and against any action or Working Group on Progressive speech that is discriminatory against another person, based on his/her sex, gender, sexual Labour Practices to Enhance orientation or sexual behaviour; the Competitiveness of ASEAN
8). Publicize the workplace policy and ensure (SLOM-WG) Work Plan 2016- that it is widely understood and implemented 2020, ASEAN Occupational by all workers and management; Safety and Health Network
9). Promote an environment of solidarity, Link : ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Work Programme cooperation and goodwill between all workers 2016-2020, Senior Labour Officials Meeting and management as well as community Working Group on Progressive Labour regardless of HIV status; Practices to Enhance the Competitiveness of ASEAN (SLOM-WG) Work Plan 2016- 10). Create a healthy and safe working environment, 2020, ASEAN Occupational Safety and by promoting universal precautions, such as Health Network the provision and maintenance of protective equipment and appropriate first aid measures; *** 11). Monitor, evaluate and share its progress under the HIV and AIDS workplace policy based on a self-evaluation or accreditation system.
The application of the recommendations in these guidelines shall be pursuant to the prevailing legislation and policies of the ASEAN Member States.
In accordance with the definition of reasonable accomodaton in the ILO Code of Practice on HIV/ AIDS and the World of Work.
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Adopted by the 24th ALMM ASEAN Committee on the Implementation of the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers (ACMW)
WORK PLAN 2016-2020
ASCC Vision An ASEAN Community that engages and benefits the peoples and is inclusive, 2025 sustainable, resilient, and dynamic
ASCC Enhance commitment, participation and social responsibility of ASEAN peoples through Objectives an accountable and inclusive mechanism for the benefit of all. Promote equitable access to opportunity for ASEAN people, as well as promote and protect human rights. Promote social development and environmental protection through effective mechanism to meet the current and future needs of the people.
Enhance capacity and capability to adapt and respond to social and economic vulnerabilities, disasters, climate change as well as emerging threats, and challenges.
Strengthen ability to continuously innovate and be a protective member of the global community. Overall A better quality of life for ASEAN people through workforce with enhanced Objective of competitiveness and engaged in safe and decent work derived from productive ALM’ Work employment, harmonious and progressive workplace, and adequate social protection. Programme 2016-2020 Key Result Productive Employment Area 2 of the ALM’ Work Programme 2016-2020 (outcome level) Intermediate Improved level of employment and reduced levels of unemployment and under- Targets by employment in ASEAN MemberStates 2020 of the Increased support for workers in rural employment and Micro, Small and Medium Key Result Enterprises(MSMEs) Area 2 that are contributed by ACMW Thematic Governing mechanisms of labour mobility (e.g. recruitment, job placement, reintegration Area 2.1 of the programme) ALM’ Work Programme 2016-2020 Contributing to the ASCC Blueprint 2025‘s Strategic Measures B.3.IX: Enhance regional initiatives in accordance with the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers to improve the protection and promotion of the rights of workers and migrant workers.
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Indicative Country Potential Project Title Timeline Budget Coordinator Collaborator 1 Workshop on best practices back-to-back ACMW Chair in protecting migrant with ACMW Singapore TBC workers(carried over activity Meeting, as (2018) of the ACWM WorkPlan) needed Workshop on educational incentives for migrant workers(2018) 2 ASEAN Forum on Migrant Annual ACMW Chair ILO, IOM, Labour (carried over activity 2016 Lao PDR TFAMW, of the ACMW WorkPlan) 2017 Philippines UN WOMEN, 9thAFML UN ESCAP 10th AFML: Theme: Protection of Domestic MigrantWorkers 3 ACMW review mechanism of Regular at AFML recommendations ACMW Meeting 4 Publication of a compendium 2016-2017 The E-READI of safe migration information Philippines material from AMS (carried (concept) over activity of the ACMW AMS Work Plan) (information provision) ASEC (publication) 5 Reintegration programme for 2017-2018 Indonesia UN ESCAP, returning migrant workers IOM, ILO 6 (a) Study on the demand and 2017-2020 Viet Nam ILO (ASEAN supply of migrant workers Triangle in receiving and sending Project),IOM countries in ASEAN (b) Capacity building and 2018-2019 Indonesia ILO IOM sharing best practices on labour market
Key Result Area 4 of the ALM’ Work Expanded Social Protection Programme(outcome level) Intermediate Targets by 2020 of the Key Strengthened social protection systems Result Area 4 that are contributed by ACMW Raised awareness on social protection Expanded coverage, afford ability, availability, quality, equitability and sustainability of social protection Reduce dincidence of workers invulnerable situations, including forced labour, in ASEAN Member States
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Thematic Area 4.1 of the ALM’ Work Social protection of migrant workers in ASEAN Programme 2016-2020 Contributing to the ASCC Blueprint 2025‘s Strategic Measures B.3.IV: Support accelerated implementation among ASEAN Member States to extend coverage, accessibility, availability, comprehensiveness, quality, equality, affordability and sustainability of social services and social protection. Indicative Country Potential Project Title Timeline Budget Coordinator Collaborator 7 Study on portability of social security for 2018 Thailand ILO (ASEAN migrant workers across ASEAN Member Triangle States Project) 8 Collaboration with SOMHD on addressing 2016- ASEC SOMHD health risk of migrant workers including 2020 (intermediary ASEAN – those affected by emerging infectious between ACMW OSHNET diseases and SOMHD) IOM
Thematic Area 4.2 of the ALM’ Work Protection and promotion of the rights of migrant Programme 2016-2020 workers Contributing to the ASCC Blueprint 2025‘s Strategic Measures: B.3.V. Enhance the effective implementation of relevant ASEAN declarations and instruments related to human rights B.3.VII. Enhance regional initiatives and stakeholder participation to promote the elimination of all forms of discrimination – institutionalised or otherwise – exploitation, trafficking, harmful practices, and violence and abuse against children, women, persons with disabilities, youths, migrant workers, elderly/older persons, and victims/survivors of trafficking in persons, ethnic minority groups, and vulnerable and marginalised groups. B.3.IX. Enhance regional initiatives in accordance with the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers to improve the protection and promotion of the rights of workers and migrant workers.
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Indicative Potential Project Title Timeline Country Coordinator Budget Collaborator 9 Finalisation of the ASEAN 2016- instrument on the protection 2017 and promotion of the rights of migrant workers 10 (a) Research on migrant 2017-2018 Indonesia IOM, ILO, UN worker rights-based on ESCAP E-READI standard employment contracts Research on gender 2018- Indonesia Dialogue partners, dimension of migration 2019 ILO, IOM, (including exploitation UN Women andmistreatment) Seminar/conference to socialize the research results to AMSand beyond 11 Public campaign on safe 2017 The Philippines E-READI ILO IOM migration 2018- Indonesia 2019 12 Repository of legislations and AMS (English text policies on migrant workers submission) of AMS – carried over activity ASEC (uploading to (carried over activity of the website) ACMW Work Plan) Thematic Area 4.3 of the Labour dimension of trafficking in persons ALM’ Work Programme 2016-2020 Contributing to the ASCC Blueprint 2025‘s Strategic Measures: B.3.V. Enhance the effective implementation of relevant ASEAN declarations and instruments related to human rights B.3.VII. Enhance regional initiatives and stakeholder participation to promote the elimination of all forms of discrimination – institutionalised or otherwise – exploitation, trafficking, harmful practices, and violence and abuse against children, women, persons with disabilities, youths, migrant workers, elderly/older persons, and victims/survivors of trafficking in persons, ethnic minority groups, and vulnerable and marginalised groups. B.3.IX. Enhance regional initiatives in accordance with the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers to improve the protection and promotion of the rights of workers and migrant workers.
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Potential Project Title Timeline Indicative Budget Country Coordinator Collaborator Collaboration with SOMTC under the framework of ASEAN Plan of Action against TIPs especially Women and Children: • Prevention of TIPs • Protection of victims • Regional and international cooperation andcoordination • Prosecution 13 Workshop on 2017 onwards The Philippines SOMTC and investigation and other relevant prosecution related ASEAN to labour dimension sectoral of TIPs in ASEAN bodies ILO, (follow-up of the IOM UNODC ASEAN workshop E-READI on improving border controls and strengthening the capacity of law enforcement authorities to address irregular migration and TIPs, 2016, Manila, the Philippines) 14 Workshop on 2016-2018 Indonesia SLOM-WG labour protection ILO, IOM of migrant workers E-READI through an ASEAN Dialogue networking forum Partners on labour inspection 15 Workshop on 2018-2019 Lao PDR SOMTC strengthening the SOMSWD ILO, capacity of labour IOM UNODC officials in the E-READI prevention of TIPs
Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism d. Capacity building on monitoring and evaluation for ACMW (criteria of evaluation would be set ACMW’s monitoring and evaluation mechanism: for each project in terms of its strategic fit and a. ACMW Chair to report the annual progress of its alignment to the ASCC Blueprint 2025’s the implementation of the ACMW Work Plan strategicmeasures) 2016-2020 to the annual meeting of SLOM. Resource Mobilisation Strategy:
b. ACMW to complete the output-level monitoring ACMW’s resource mobilisation strategy checklist and report it regularly to SLOM. a. Cost-sharing among ASEAN Member States; c. Outcome-based mid-term and final reviews and / or of the ACMW Work Plan 2016-2020 to be conducted together with the mid-term and b. Support from ASEAN Dialogue Partners and/or final reviews of the ALM’ Work Programme by external parties through resource mobilisation SLOM (every 2.5years). efforts by the Country Coordinators and/or with the support of the ASEAN Secretariat.
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ASEAN Ministerial Meeting Social Welfare Development in Pursuing ASEAN Community Vision 2025 on Social Welfare and Development (AMMSWD) 4. We reaffirmed our commitment to the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and resolved to support the strategic direction that ASEAN Joint Statement of the 9th ASEAN will take to realise a more people-oriented, people-centred community. Guided by Ministerial Meeting on Social the ASEAN Socio – Cultural Community Welfare and Development Blueprint 2025, we pledged to lead the social th welfare and development sector in making (9 AMMSWD) significant contribution to attaining an ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community that is inclusive, J a k a r t a , I n d o n e s i a , sustainable, resilient, dynamic, and one that 29 September 2016 engages and benefits the people.
5. We remain steadfast in our resolve to “Strengthening Social Welfare Development in make ASEAN relevant and felt directly and Pursuing ASEAN Community Vision 2025” personally by the people, and to put the welfare of the people at the center of our regional 1. We, the ASEAN Ministers/Heads of cooperation. We recognise the instrumental Delegations responsible for social welfare role of civil society organisations in bridging and development, convened the Ninth governments and local communities, and ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Social Welfare considered the recommendations arising and Development (9th AMMSWD), guided from the 11th ASEAN GO-NGO Forum on by the theme “Strengthening Social Welfare Social Welfare and Development held on 26 Development in Pursuing ASEAN Community September 2016 in Jakarta, Indonesia. We Vision 2025”, on 29 September 2016 in recognise the need to initiate policy reforms Jakarta, Indonesia. in order to respond to the changing regional landscape brought about by ageing society, 2. We were pleased to have the opportunity deepening inequality, heightened migration, to exchange views during the Retreat and the need of strengthening the resilience of the Ministers on Social Welfare and of peoples and communities living in highly Development on 29 September 2016, on the at-risk communities. We affirmed the need to most pressing issues in the ASEAN region ensure the adoption of inclusive approaches on social welfare and development, the to facilitate greater access and empowerment leadership role of social welfare in regional of vulnerable and marginalised groups so that cooperation, and the priorities and necessary no one is left behind in ASEAN Community institutional mechanisms to move forward the building. Towards this end, we reiterated the regional cooperation on social welfare and imperative of broadening and deepening the development. partnership with stakeholders, including the full participation of civil society organisations 3. Inspired by the message of H.E. Khofifah and the private sectors. Indar Parawansa, Minister for Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia and Chair of People-Oriented, People-Centred ASEAN the AMMSWD, during the Opening of the Community 9th AMMSWD, we are one in calling for a more inclusive, systematic, and sustained 6. We reaffirmed our commitment to mainstream initiatives on social welfare and development. the issues of persons with disabilities, This resonates with the ASEAN Community children, and older persons in laws, policies Vision 2025, particularly in championing the and programmes, as we continue to translate welfare of children, persons with disabilities, regional instruments into national laws and older persons and other vulnerable groups. policies. We noted the critical role of instituting public fiscal reforms and adopting innovative
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approaches to mobilising resources in order 10. We are encouraged by the publication of to expand the coverage of social protection the Regional Review on Laws, Policies for the benefit of all. and Practices within ASEAN relating to the Identification, Management, and Treatment 7. We commended the hard work of the Senior of Victims of Trafficking, especially Women Officials Meeting on Social Welfare and and Children, as a concrete step forward to Development and adopted the Strategic foster a common understanding of trafficking Framework on Social Welfare 2016 – in the region, as well as identifying key 2020. We noted with satisfaction the recommendations that leverages regional accomplishments enumerated in the Report cooperation towards combatting trafficking. of the 12th SOMSWD Meeting. 11. We noted with great satisfaction the adoption 8. We welcomed the recommendations by by the ACWC of the ASEAN Guidelines for a the children participants to the 4th ASEAN Non-Violent Approach to Nurture, Care, and Children’s Forum held in June 2016 in Hanoi, Development of Children in All Settings, as Viet Nam. We are deeply encouraged by the a way to provide guidance in ensuring the enthusiasm of the children in expressing their holistic upbringing of children to become views and recommendations on issues that healthy and productive members of society. affect them such as violence against children, trafficking-in-persons, cyber-bullying and 10th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Social online child pornography among others. Welfare and Development
Promotion and Protection of the Rights of 12. We expressed appreciation to Lao PDR for Women and Children its confirmation to host the Tenth ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Social Welfare and 9. We noted with great satisfaction the Development in 2019. achievements in implementing the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection 13. We were most thankful to Indonesia for the of the Rights of Women and Children warm and generous hospitality accorded to (ACWC) Work Plan 2012-2016, and the us and our respective delegations, and the accomplishments enumerated in the ACWC’s excellent arrangements for the Meeting. We Third and Fourth Annual Reports to the also expressed our sincere appreciation to AMMSWD in 2015 and 2016, respectively. the ASEAN Secretariat for its support to the Meeting.
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S t r a t e g i c F r a m e w o r k o n S o c i a l We l f a r e and Development 2016-2020
ASCC Goals:
a. Enhancecommitment, participation and social responsibility of ASEAN people sthrough anaccountable and inclusive mechanism for the benefit ofall; b. Promote equal access and opportunity for all,aswell as promote and protect human rights; c. Promote balanced social development and sustainable environment that meet the current and future need soft he people; d. Enhance capacity and capability to collectively respond and adapttoe merging trends; e. Streng then ability to continuously innovate and beaproactive member of the global community.
Objectives of the Strategic Framework on Social Welfare and Development: Enhance the well-being and improve the quality of life of older persons, children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups in ASEAN ASCC Blueprint Programme / Timeline and Indicative Country Potential 2025 Projects / Activities Implementation Budget Coordinator Partners KRAs Strategic (USD) Measures Priority Area : older persons Objective : healthy, active and productive ageing is promoted in an enabling and supportive environment B.1 B.1.1 1. ASEAN+3 2016 Thailand Plus Three Regional Countries Conference on Supportive Environment for Older Persons B.1 B.1.2 2. Review the 2016-2020 Malaysia ASWC ICSW existing standards Supported by Help Age of care for older Viet Nam persons in AMS and develop a regional guideline for minimum standards for quality care for older persons (in collaboration with ASWC) B.1 B.1.5 3. Establish an 2016 107,500 Malaysia SOMHD ASEAN research ESCAP network on ageing ICSW [Carried over Help Age from the Strategic Framework 2011- 2015]
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B.1 B.1.5 4. ASEAN Act (Active Ageing): Philippines ROK ASEAN Regional Impact Research Study Assessment on Active Ageing [Carried over from the Strategic Framework 2011-2015] B.2 B.2.1 5. Workshop to exchange 2016 100,000 Cambodia HelpAge views on the promotion of older International people’s associations (OPAs) OPAs in AMS [Carried over from the Strategic Framework 2011-2015] B.2 B.2.1 6. Workshop on technical 2016- Cambodia HelpAge assistance to provide access 2020 International and opportunity for older UN Agencies persons in ASEAN B.2.5 7. Strengthen database and 2018- Malaysia National data analysis on ageing issues 2019 statistics by the ASEAN Research offices Network on Ageing B.3 B.3.1 8. ASEAN+3 capacity building 2018 Philippines Plus Three activity on implementation of Countries rights-based/needs-based and life-cycle approach on care for older persons 9. Caring for Elderly in ASEAN 1-2 Singapore Plus Three Plus Three: Research and March Countries Policy Challenges in Long-Term 2016 Care 10. Social protection for the 2016- Viet Nam HelpAge older persons in ASEAN 2018 International, community Plus Three Country, SLOM Priority Area: children Objective: Promote the survival, protection, participation and development rights of children
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B.1 B.1.1 11. Develop an effective mechanisms and 2017 Thailand programmes to protect migrant children focusing development, education, and health services B.2 B.2.4 12. Study on policies and programmes on ECCDE 2016- Philippines especially those addressing the first 1,000 days of 2017 child life in ASEAN B.1 B.1.2 13. Regional Exchange to Network and Share 2018 Singapore Best Practices on the Management of Juvenile Delinquency and Rehabilitation of Juvenile Offenders B.2 B.2.1 14. Development of a model of multi-sectoral Viet Nam approaches responding to child protection Indonesia concern [Carried over from the Strategic Framework 2011-2015] B.2 B.2.1 15. Workshop on the children’s rights and 2016 Thailand business principles on child protection B.2 B.2.9 16. Workshop on the impact and cost of violence Indonesia against children [Carried over from the Strategic Framework 2011-2015] B.2 B.2.9 17. Conduct the ASEAN Children Forum (ACF) 2016 Viet Nam 2018 Brunei 2020 Darussalam. Cambodia B.2 B.2.9 18. Assessment of effectiveness of ASEAN 2016 Philippines Children Forum as a platform to promote children’s participation B.3 B.3.3 19. ASEAN Forum on Protection and 2016- Malaysia Rehabilitation forVictims of Trafficking [Carried 2017 over from the Strategic Framework 2011-2015] C.2 C.2.4 20. Workshop on Child Friendly Local 2017 Philippines Governance 21. Social protection on vulnerable children 2017- Myanmar UNICEF focusing on Integrated Social Protection System 2018 within ASEAN Member States 22. Sharing best practices on assistance to 2017- Lao PDR UNICEF, children and their families from disasters 2019 ACDM, U N DP, ACWC, UNHCR
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Priority Area: persons with disabilities Objective: Promote and protect the rights, and enhance the opportunities and participation of persons with disabilities for inclusive societies B.1 B.1.4 23. Enhancing the Implementation and 2016- Thailand UNICEF C.2 C.2.4 Reporting of the UN Convention on the 2020 Lao PDR UNESCAP Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)1 Viet Nam ILO (e.g. Forum/ Workshop/ Conference) 24. ASEAN Hometown Improvement through 2017 Thailand APCD Disability – Inclusive Communities Model
B.1 B.1.1 25. ASEAN+3 regional conference and study 2018 Thailand Plus Three C.2 C.2.4 visit on universal design for public infrastructure Countries and facilities for PWDs B.1 B.1.4 26. Capacity building on Community Based 2017- Malaysia UNESCAP E.1 E.1.9 Rehabilitation (CBR) in ASEAN [Carried over 2020 SOMHD from the Strategic Framework 2011-2015] B.1 B.1.4 27. Monitoring and Evaluation of ASEAN 2016- Thailand UNESCAP Mobilisation Framework of ASEAN Decade of 2020 PWDs (2011-2020) 1 Building upon at the discussion at the previous Workshop ASEAN Workshop on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) on June 2012 in Bangkok
B.1 B.1.4 28. Workshop on Sharing 2016-2020 Lao PDR UNESCAP of Best Practices of Micro- Handicap finance for PWDs and their International Families SOMRDPE B.1 B.1.4 29. Seminar on Ensuring 2017-2019 Myanmar UNESCAP Sustainable Development for Self – Help Group for Persons with Disabilities B.2 B.2.1 30. Workshop on 2017-2019 Thailand ASEAN Strengthening Self-Help Disability Groups of PWDs in ASEAN +3 Forum Countries B.2 B.2.1 31. Launching and 2016-2017 Thailand CSOs Implementation of the Launching: 2016 (2016-2018) Private sectors Network of Experts on Implementation: Subsequent Entrepreneurship in ASEAN 2016-2020 coordinator of the Network (rotated biennially) B.2 B.2.9 32. Workshop on Pre-School 2016 Philippines ACWC UNICEF Systems for Children with SOMED disabilities [Carried over from the Strategic Framework 2011-2015] B.2 B.2.9 33. Project for Improving the 2016-2020 Thailand APCD Overall Quality of Life and UNESCAP Well Being of PWDs in ASEAN Phase II
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D.4 D.4.1 34. Study on Social Protection 2016-2020 Viet Nam ACSS for PWDs in times of Thailand Climate – change related crises, disasters and other environmental changes2 (i.e. social welfare, social legislations, etc.)
2 Taking into account of the Comparative Study on the Social Welfare Laws in ASEAN (Country coordinator: Thailand)
Other Priority Areas Objectives: i. Promote social protection policies for increased access and sustainability ii. Strengthen the resilience of families and caregivers in the societies iii. Enhance the participation and social responsibility of stakeholders
B.1 B.1.2 35. Comparative Study on the Social 2016 Thailand ROK Welfare Laws in ASEAN [Carried over from the Strategic Framework 2011-2015] B.3 B.3.5 36. Study on vulnerable and marginalized 2017- Thailand ESCAP groups in AMS in order to identify the most- 2018 UNDP needy groups World Bank
B.3 B.3.1 37. Establishment of an ASEAN Network of 2016 Philippines ROK E.1 B.3.7 Family Development [Carried over from the E.1.8 Strategic Framework 2011-2015]
B.3 B.3.1 38. Support the Implementation of 2015- Indonesia E.1 B.3.7 the Work Plan of ASEAN Social Work 2017 Malaysia 3 E.1.8 Consortium (ASWC) 2017- Subsequent 2019 coordinator of ASWC (rotated biennially) B.3 B.3.2 39. Regional Forum on the Progress of 2017- Thailand SOMRDPE B.3.4 Social Protection: Sharing Good Practices 2018 and Strategies among AMS to Advocate for Improving National Financial Resources for Social Protection
3 Integrate it with the International Training Course for Social Workers in ASEAN.
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E.1 E.1.9 40. Workshop on volunteerism in ASEAN 2016- Thailand 2017 E.1 E.1.9 41. Workshop to share good practices on 2018 The volunteerism in the field of social welfare Philippines
E.1 E.1.8 42. Workshop on the promotion of CSR in 2016- Thailand CSR E.3 E.3.2 social welfare and development 2017 Network in Thailand
Strategies and approaches of SOMSWD to 3. Promote fund raising programmes and enhance the effective implementation of relevant engagement of the Plus Three Countries, ASEAN Declarations, relevant Strategic Measures NGOs/CSOs, private sector, and other of the ASCC Blueprint 2025, Strategic Framework stakeholders to support the implementation on Social Welfare and Development 2016-2020, of projects and activities in this Strategic and other regional commitments: Framework.
1. Report the progress of implementation of the 4. Monitor the progress of implementation following commitments of AMS to the annual of projects and activities in this Strategic meetings of SOMSWD: Framework through regular reporting by the Country Coordinators at the annual meetings a. Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Ageing: of SOMSWD, and evaluate the impact of Empowering Older Persons in ASEAN those projects and activities.
b. Brunei Darussalam Declaration on 5. Continue the annual ASEAN GO-NGO Forum Strengthening Family Institution: Caring for on Social Welfare and Development back- the Elderly to-back with the SOMSWD as a platform of information sharing and dialogue between c. Bali Declaration on the Enhancement of the governments and non-governmental Role and Participation of the Persons with organisations. Regional and/or national Disabilities in ASEAN Community private sector may be invited to the Forum when relevant depending on the Forum’s theme as determined by the host country. d. Mobilisation Framework of the ASEAN Decade of Persons with Disabilities (2011- 2020) 6. Support the implementation of the following multi-stakeholder mechanisms set up by SOMSWD and regular reporting of their e. Regional Framework and Action Plan to progress of work by the Country Coordinators Implement the ASEAN Declaration on to the annual meetings of SOMSWD: Strengthening Social Protection
a. ASEAN Social Work Consortium f. Ha Noi Declaration on the Enhancement of Welfare and Development of ASEAN b. ASEAN Children’s Forum Women and Children c. Network of Experts on Entrepreneurship in ASEAN 2. Coordinate with ACWC in monitoring the progress of implementation of the ASEAN d. ASEAN Research Network on Ageing Regional Plan of Action on the Elimination of Violence Against Children [to be further e. ASEAN Network of Family Development discussed at the next meeting]
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Relevant Strategic Measures of the ASCC Blueprint 2025
B.1. Reducing Barriers
[B.1.1] Reduce inequality, and promote equitable access to social protection and enjoyment of human rights by all and participation in societies such as developing and implementing frameworks, guidelines, and mechanisms for elimination of all forms of discrimination, violence, exploitation, abuse and neglect. [B.1.2] Provide guidelines for quality care and support for women, children, youths, the elderly/older persons, persons with disabilities, migrant workers, ethnic minority groups, and vulnerable and marginalised groups. [B.1.4] Promote regional cooperation initiatives to support ASEAN Member States in implementing the Bali Declaration on the Enhancement of the Role and Participation of the Persons with Disabilities in ASEAN Community and the ASEAN Decade of Persons with Disabilities (2011-2020) [B.1.5] Promote regional cooperation initiatives to support ASEAN Member States to be well prepared for ageing society B.2 Equitable Access for All [B.2.1] Enhance regional platforms to promote equitable opportunities, participation and effective engagement of women, youths, children, elderly/ older persons, persons with disabilities, people living in remote and border areas, and vulnerable groups in the development and implementation of ASEAN policies and programmes. [B.2.4] Provide mechanisms and enhance institutional capacity to promote greater access to basic social services for all, such as health services, education, including early childhood education and vocational education, and skills training, and to promote skills recognition. [B.2.5] Support ASEAN Member States’ initiatives in strengthening national gender and age- disaggregated databases and analyses, including on poverty and equity, establish a reliable regional database for key sectors to support ASEAN policies and programmes. [B.2.9] Ensure inclusive participatory and representative decision making at all levels with special attention to the needs of those in disadvantaged situations including ethnic minority groups, children, youths, women, persons with disabilities, and elderly/older persons B.3 Promotion and Protection of Human Rights [B.3.1] Promote regional inter-sectoral mechanisms towards a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach in enhancing quality care, well-being, gender equality, human rights, social justice, and fundamental freedoms of all, especially the vulnerable groups, in response to all hazards and emerging social and economic risks/threats. [B.3.2] Promote sustainable financing mechanism for social protection, particularly universal health coverage, early childhood care and development, financial risk protection for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, and social pension, through strategic partnerships with private sector and other relevant stakeholders. [B.3.3] Provide regional platforms of dialogue and support initiatives to address issues of traditional practices that impinge the fulfillment of rights.
[B.3.4] Support accelerated implementation among ASEAN Member States to extend coverage, accessibility, availability, comprehensiveness, quality, equality, affordability and sustainability of social services, and social protection.
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[B.3.7] Enhance regional initiatives and stakeholder participation to eliminate all forms of discrimination – institutionalised or otherwise – exploitation, trafficking, harmful practices, and violence and abuse against children, women, persons with disabilities, youths, migrant workers, elderly/older persons, and victims/survivors of trafficking in persons, ethnic minority groups, and vulnerable and marginalised groups. [B.3.8] Encourage intergenerational relationships, families and communities in promoting and protecting rights of elderly/older persons, and providing quality care and protection of elderly/older persons, in accordance to the Brunei Darussalam Declaration on Strengthening Family Institution: Caring for the Elderly. C.2 Environmentally Sustainable Cities [C.2.4] Promote cities that are child-, youths-, elderly/older persons-, and persons with disabilities- friendly through enhanced coordination with relevant sectors to provide sustainable and accessible infrastructure systems. [D.4] Strengthened social protection for women, children, youths, elderly/older persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic groups, migrant workers, other vulnerable and marginalised groups, and people living in at-risk areas including people living in remote and border areas and climate sensitive areas to reduce vulnerabilities in times of climate-change related crises, disasters and other environmental changes. [D.4.1] Encourage risk and vulnerability assessments and other scientific and evidence-based measures into policies and plans to ensure targeted response measures. E.1 Towards an Open and Adaptive ASEAN [E.1.8] Provide opportunities for relevant stakeholders for knowledge sharing, which would include sharing of best practices and studies. [E.1.9] Encourage volunteerism among AMS to strengthen the ASEAN Community. E.3 Engender a Culture of Entrepreneurship in ASEAN [E.3.2] Promote and nurture creative and inclusive social-entrepreneurship for youths, persons with disabilities, women and vulnerable and marginalised groups.
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Gender Sensitive Guideline for REAFFIRMING sports as an effective instrument in bringing about friendship, development, peace Handling Women Victims of and integration through greater interaction and Trafficking in Persons understanding among the ASEAN peoples;
GUIDED by and COMMITTED to the mandate Link : Gender Sensitive Guideline for Handling th Women Victims of Trafficking in Persons given by the Leaders at the 19 ASEAN Summit to enhance cooperation in sports and sports- related activities to promote healthier lifestyles *** among the citizens of ASEAN Member States and to encourage more interaction among the peoples of ASEAN as well as contributing to ASEAN Heads of Civil Service Meeting integration and community building, which led to for the ASEAN Cooperation on the inclusion of Sports as a new element under the Human Development characteristics of the ASEAN Civil Service Matters (ACCSM) Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Blueprint and the establishment of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports (AMMS) and the ASEAN Senior ACCSM Work Plan Officials Meeting on Sports (SOMS) in 2011; 2016 – 2020 RECALLING the Vientiane Declaration on Sports Cooperation in ASEAN in December 2013 that Link : ACCSM Work Plan 2016 – 2020 underlines the aspiration of the ASEAN Member States to raise the level of performance of ASEAN *** athletes at regional and international competitions and, in the process, enhance the collective achievements of ASEAN in competitive sports; and ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports (AMMS) RECOGNISING the breakthrough achievements of ASEAN athletes at the Olympic and Paralympic Games over the years, particularly at the recent Joint Statement of the Sports XXXI Olympic and the XV Paralympic Games held in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil in August and September Ministers of ASEAN Member 2016, where ASEAN recorded its best performance States on the Achievement so far;
of the ASEAN Athletes at the HEREBY STATE THE FOLLOWING: XXXI Olympic and the XV Paralympic Games Held in Rio 1. The performance and achievements of the ASEAN athletes at the XXXI Olympic and the De Janeiro, Brazil in August and XV Paralympic Games are praiseworthy and September 2016 deserve distinctive recognition, particularly the pride and inspiration they have brought to the ASEAN Community, as the region forges J a k a r t a , I n d o n e s i a , ahead together towards a bold and optimistic 30 November 2016 future that envisions the realisation of a politically cohesive, economically integrated, socially responsible, and a truly people- WE, the Ministers responsible for Sports of the oriented and rules-based ASEAN. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), namely Brunei Darussalam, the Kingdom of 2. The ASEAN Olympic and Paralympic athletes Cambodia, the Republic of Indonesia, the Lao and their achievements represent the resolve People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the of the ASEAN Community to develop a Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Republic common regional identity and build solidarity of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore, the among the nations and peoples of ASEAN. Kingdom of Thailand and the Socialist Republic of This resolve resonates with the post-2015 Viet Nam:
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vision of the ASEAN Sports Sector. Following 4. Sports plays a key role in promoting unity, ASEAN’s achievements at the XXXI Olympic camaraderie, awareness and understanding and the XV Paralympic Games, the support among peoples of ASEAN. In particular, of the ASEAN Member States to sports ASEAN will strive to continue the promotion of development and participation in global ASEAN awareness through sporting activities sporting events, under the guidance of the that bring the ASEAN peoples together ASEAN Work Plan on Sports (2016-2020), and engages and benefits the community, should continue to be strengthened to propel fostering the sense of an ASEAN Community greater success and regional pride at the through mutually beneficial sports exchange international sporting stage. programmes, strengthening ASEAN people’s sense of resilience with healthy lifestyles, and 3. ASEAN athletes are an inspiration to ASEAN increasing sports dynamism, competitiveness youth. As sports ambassadors of their and competencies through capacity building respective countries, they play an important and skills programmes. These efforts are in role in promoting the values of sports, such as alignment with the United Nations (UN)’s goal sportsmanship and fair play, and encouraging of harnessing the power of sports, as part of healthy lifestyles, especially amongst young its Sustainable Development Goals, to bring people. Thus, ASEAN should encourage the about positive social change, and support the engagement of ASEAN athletes, wherever global effort of achieving development and suitable, in various cooperation efforts of peace through effective and viable sports ASEAN. programmes. ***
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V. EXTERNAL RELATIONS
to their continued support towards the PMC + 1 implementation of the IAI Work Plan III (2016- Chairman’s Statement of 2020). the ASEAN Post Ministerial 6. The Ministers of the Dialogue Partners Conference (PMC) 10+1 Sessions welcomed the declaration of the ASEAN Community at the 27th ASEAN Summit in With the Dialogue Partners November 2015 in Kuala Lumpur, which represented a major milestone in ASEAN’s Vientiane, Lao PDR, 25 July 2016 integration. The meeting also commended ASEAN’s new strategic framework, “ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together”. “Turning Vision Into Reality for a Dynamic ASEAN Community” 7. The Ministers of RCEP Participating Countries noted the progress made to date 1. The ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference and encouraged all Parties to intensify efforts (PMC)+1 Sessions with ASEAN’s Dialogue to advance the RCEP negotiations towards Partners, namely Australia, Canada, China, a modern, comprehensive, high-quality, and the European Union, India, Japan, New mutually beneficial economic partnership Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the Russian agreement, as well as an early and successful Federation, and the United States of America conclusion. were held in Vientiane, Laos on 25 July 2016. Australia 2. These meetings provided the opportunity for ASEAN and the Dialogue Partners to review the progress in cooperation between ASEAN 8. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with Australia and the respective Dialogue Partners and was co-chaired by H.E. Aung San Suu Kyi, for both sides to renew their commitments to the Union Minister for Foreign Affairs of the further strengthen future cooperation aimed Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and The at contributing to the ASEAN Community Hon. Julie Bishop MP, Minister for Foreign Vision 2025 as well as the promotion of Affairs of Australia. peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. These meetings also served as platforms for 9. The Meeting welcomed the progress of the the Ministers to exchange views on regional ASEAN-Australia Plan of Action (2015-2019) and international issues of mutual interest to implement the ASEAN-Australia Strategic and concern. Partnership, which was adopted by Leaders at the ASEAN-Australia Commemorative 3. The Ministers underscored the importance Summit in Nay Pyi Taw, November 2014. of maintaining ASEAN’s Centrality, unity and leadership in the evolving regional 10. The Meeting condemned the violence architecture. and brutality committed by extremist organizations and redical groups in Iraq and 4. The Ministers welcomed the contributions by Syria, whose impact increasingly posses a the Dialogue Partners and External Parties threat to all regions of the world. Both sides to ASEAN connectivity, particularly to the therefore agreed to continue to cooperate to implementation of the Master Plan for ASEAN address the threat of international terrorism Connectivity (MPAC) and its successor and violent extremism in a comprehensive document. manner. The Meeting appreciated Australia‟s co-chairing of the Experts Working Group on Counter Terrorism under the ADMM-Plus 5. The Ministers appreciated Dialogue with Singapore over the period 2014-2017. Partners’ contribution and support for the The Meeting supported all measures to jointly implementation of the Initiative for ASEAN tackle the threat of international terrorism and Integration (IAI) Work Plan II and look forward violent extremism.
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11. The Meeting underscored the importance of the 14. The Meeting note the alignment of Australia’s Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking regional aid programme with ASEAN’s in Persons and Related Transnational Crime priorities in supporting regional economic (Bali Process) in combating people smuggling growth, human security and empowering and human trafficking issues. The Meeting women and girls. The Meeting welcomed took note the Bali Declaration on People the Mekong Business initiative (MBI), which Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and works with Mekong countries to expand the Related Transnational Crime as the outcome private sector by improving the regulatory of the Sixth Ministerial Conference of the Bali environment for small to medium enterprises. Process on 23 March 2016. In this connection, The Meeting noted that Australia‟s support ASEAN Ministers noted Australia‟s support to to Mekong Water Resources Program combat human trafficking through the AUD 50 contributed to help manage the region‟s water million Australia-Asia Program in Trafficking resource for greater economic opportunities. in Persons (AAPTIP) and Australia’s new The Meeting noted Australia‟s support for “International Strategy to Combat Human women’s economic engagement in the Trafficking and Slavery‟ launched at the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). sixth Bali Process Ministerial Conference on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and 15. Noting that education is a key aspect of Related Transnational Crime, held in Bali in ASEAN-Australia cooperation, the Meeting March 2016. The Meeting also appreciated the supported efforts to intensify people-to- support of Australia for the ASEAN Convention people links especially in the education Against Trafficking in Persons (ACTIP). The sector. ASEAN Ministers welcomed the Meeting welcomed the commencement in New Colombo Plan’s support for over 4,500 2015 of the AUD 20 million Tripartite Action Australian undergraduates to work and study to Enhance the Contribution to Growth and In the ten ASEAN Member States since 2014 Development in ASEAN (TRIANGLE II). and Australia’s commitment to increasing opportunities for student exchange in the 12. The Meeting welcomed the extension of the Indo-Pacific region. ASEAN Australia Development Cooperation Program (AADCP) II from 2015 to 2019, 16. The Meeting welcomed the launch in supporting the institutional strengthening 2015 of the Australia-ASEAN Council, of the ASEAN Secretariat and regional further strengthening people-to-people and mechanisms and capacities to implement institutional links. The Meeting was encouraged the AEC Blueprint. The Meeting welcomed by the Council’s active engagement with Australia’s substantial support of AUD 8 million ASEAN Missions in Canberra and early for the World Economic Forum‟s (WEF) Grow progress in implementing activities to improve Asia Initiative developed in partnership with community understanding of each other‟s the ASEAN Secretariat. economies and societies.
13. The Meeting agreed that all Parties should 17. The Meeting appreciated Australia‟s continue to work together to maximize the support for the ASEAN Coordinating Centre benefits of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA), through management (AHA Centre). Australia looked development cooperation, trade promotion forward to continuing its partnership with and economic diplomacy activities. In this ASEAN through relevant regional mechanism regard, the Meeting welcomed Australia‟s such as the ADMM-Plus to enhance military- continued support for the implementation of military and military-civilian coordination in the AANZFTA, including the extension of the rapid disaster response. AANZFTA Economic Cooperation Support Program until 2018 the Meeting was also 18. The Meeting underlined the importance of pleased with the ongoing implementation of maintaining peace, security and stability, the First Protocol to Amend the AANZFTA, freedom of navigation in and over-flight which will improve the administrative above the South China Sea. The Meeting efficiency and encourage enhanced business noted the commitment of ASEAN Member utilization of the AANZFTA. States and China to ensure the full and effective implementation of the Declaration
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on the Conduct of Parties in the South China the ASEAN-Canada Joint Declaration on Sea (DOC) in its entirety, and and welcomed Trade and Investment, thus showing its ASEAN Member States and China efforts strong interest to utilise existing ASEAN-led to work towards the early conclusion of an mechanisms to implement ASEAN-Canada effective Code of Conduct in the South China cooperation. Sea (COC). 24. The Meeting recognized the threats posed by 19. The two sides exchanged views on the terrorism and violent extremism and agreed future cooperation of ASEAN-Australia to cooperate in combating these threats. In Dialogue Relations and discussed potential this regard, ASEAN welcomed Canada‟s areas of cooperation, especially on the commitment to assist ASEAN to address subject of innovation where Australia can regional security challenges and Canada’s share its experience and expertise in the expanding engagement in the ASEAN fields of science and technology, climate Regional Forum, including Canada’s co- change renewable energy and food security. chairing and hosting of the Inter-Sessional The Meeting also exchanged views on Support Group Meeting on Confidence connectivity, gender issues, youth leadership Building Measures and Preventive Diplomacy and private sector development. and ARF Defence Officials Dialogue in 2017. ASEAN welcomed Canada‟s commitment to 20. The Meeting looked forward to the first assist ASEAN to address regional security biennial Leaders’ Summit to be held in Laos in challenges with an additional funding pledge September 2016 as an important opportunity of more than $17 million. to further strengthen the Strategic Partnership. 25. ASEAN noted Canada’s desire to expand its Canada regional engagement by joining the EAS and the ASEAN Defence Ministers‟ Meeting Plus 21. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with Canada (ADMM-Plus). was co-chaired by H.E. Perfecto R. Yasay, Jr., th Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic 26. The Meeting looked forward to the 40 of the Philippines and H.E. Stéphane Dion, Anniversary of ASEAN-Canada Dialogue Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada. Relations in 2017. In this regard, the Meeting agreed to strengthen ASEAN – Canada 22. The Meeting welcomed the progress in engagement by, expanding economic the implementation of the Plan of Action to partnership, and identifying new potential implement the Joint Declaration on the ASEAN- areas of cooperation. Canada Enhanced Partnership (2016-2020) to further deepen and enhance ASEAN- 27. ASEAN noted Canada’s candidacy for a Canada partnership in all areas of common non-permanent seat on the United Nations interest, including border security and human Security Council for a two year period trafficking, infrastructure development, trade beginning in 2021. and investment, good governance, human rights, including the rights of women and China children, disaster risk management, climate change and connectivity among others. The 28. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with China Meeting underlined the ongoing Canadian was co-chaired by H.E. Vivian Balakrishnan, support for regional programs in ASEAN Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic which currently amounts to almost CAD 76 of Singapore and H.E. Wang Yi, Minister of million. In particular, the Meeting welcomed Foreign Affairs of the People‟s Republic of Canada‟s announcement of its support for China. nuclear and radiological security through the ASEAN Centre for Energy. 29. The Meeting welcomed the significant progress achieved since its inception. The 23. ASEAN welcomed Canada’s commitment Meeting looked forward to the continuing to ASEAN centrality and its enhanced implementation of the adopted Plan of Action engagement with Southeast Asia through to implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN- ASEAN-Canada cooperation, including China Strategic Partnership for Peace and
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Prosperity for the period of 2016-2020 which 32. The Meeting underscored the importance of would further strengthen the deep and broad- maintaining strong economic ties between based partnership for closer ASEAN-China ASEAN and China. It welcomed the positive relations. role played by the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) in promoting economic and 30. The Meeting welcomed the celebration of the trade relations. Moving ahead, the Meeting 25th Anniversary of ASEAN – China Dialogue and looked forward to the full and effective Relations and expressed appreciation for the implementation of the Protocol to Amend the activities conducted in commemoration of Framework Agreement on Comprehensive this milestone. The Meeting urged all parties Economic Cooperation and Certain to work expeditiously towards finalising the Agreements thereunder between ASEAN deliverables including the Joint Statement of and China in order to bring about greater the ASEAN-China Commemorative Summit prosperity for our peoples and development for the 25th Anniversary of ASEAN-China of our economies. This would bring us closer Dialogue Relations and the Joint Statement to realising the twin goals of two-way trade on Production Capacity Cooperation, as well and investment of US$1 trillion and US$150 as ensuring the successful outcome of the billion respectively by 2020. Both sides ASEAN-China Commemorative Summit in reaffirmed their commitment to a liberal and September this year. The Meeting emphasized substantive air services framework in line the need to make full use of ASEAN-China with the upgrading of the ASEAN-China Free Cooperation Fund to support cooperation Trade Agreement. activities and projects in the years ahead for mutual benefit. 33. The Meeting welcomed the activities held in commemoration of the ASEAN – China 31. The Meeting appreciated the continued effort Year of Educational Exchanges this year. by ASEAN and China to intensify dialogue The Meeting also recognised the work of and consultations, so as to enhance mutual the ASEAN-China Centre in enhancing trust and confidence. This was reflected in the mutual understanding, people-to-people conduct of the following meetings: exchanges and facilitating trade, investment, tourism, education, culture, and information • 16th ASEAN-China Joint Working Group and media between ASEAN and China. In on the Implementation of the DOC on 9 this connection, the Meeting welcomed the to 11 March 2016 in Manila, Philippines; progress made in finalising the revised MOU
th on the ASEAN-China Centre and looked • 17 Meeting of the ASEAN-China forward to its adoption at the ASEAN-China Joint Cooperation Committee on 11 Commemorative Summit. April 2016 in Jakarta, Indonesia;
• 11th ASEAN-China Senior Officials 34. The Meeting noted China’s initiatives under Meeting on the Implementation of the the 2+7 Cooperation Framework for ASEAN- DOC on 27 April 2016 in Singapore; China relations, and looked forward to working closely with China to enhance cooperation on • 22nd ASEAN-China Senior Officials the basis of equality, mutual respect, benefit Consultation on 28 April 2016 in Singapore; and consensus.
• 17th ASEAN-China Joint Working Group 35. The Meeting welcomed China‟s continued on the Implementation of the DOC on support for ASEAN integration as well as 8 June 2016 in Ha Long, Viet Nam; ASEAN’s efforts in realising ASEAN 2025: • 12th ASEAN-China Senior Officials Forging Ahead Together, including through Meeting on the Implementation of the DOC narrowing the development gap and on 9 June 2016 in Ha Long, Viet Nam; and enhancing ASEAN Connectivity.
• Special ASEAN-China Foreign 36. The Meeting appreciated China’s support in Ministers Meeting on 14 June 2016 maintaining ASEAN unity and Centrality in the in Yuxi, Yunnan Province, China. evolving regional architecture.
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37. The Meeting underlined the importance of Luxembourg, as a significant step forward in maintaining peace, stability, security and paving the way towards the establishment of freedom of navigation in, and overflight above, an ASEAN-EU strategic partnership. the South China Sea. The Meeting endorsed the Joint Statement by Foreign Ministers 41. The Meeting looked forward to the convening of ASEAN Member States and China on of the 21st AEMM on 13-14 October 2016 the Full and Effective Implementation of in Thailand to further discuss our efforts the Declaration on the Conduct (DOC) of in enhancing ASEAN-EU partnership in Parties in the South China Sea (SCS) which contributing to the promotion of peace, reflected its commitment to ensure the full security, stability, and prosperity in the and effective implementation of the DOC in Southeast Asia region. The meeting also its entirety. While noting the progress made took note of the proposal to have two main in the consultations on the Code of Conduct deliverables of the 21st AEMM, namely, a short in the South China Sea (COC), the Meeting Political Declaration and a Roadmap, that encouraged that the pace of meetings be will help generate momentum for realizing a maintained to ensure the early conclusion Strategic Partnership. of a COC on the basis of consensus. The Meeting reached consensus in principle on 42. The Meeting looked forwarded to the the application of the Code for Unplanned commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of Encounters at Sea (CUES) for navy ships in ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations in 2017 the South China Sea. The Meeting looked and encouraged all relevant stakeholders forward to finalising initiatives under the DOC to identify a number of commemorative including the Draft Guidelines for Hotline activities. Communications among Senior Officials of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of AMS and 43. The Meeting agreed to further strengthen China in Response to Maritime Emergencies, our efforts in tackling transnational crime as well as the observance of CUES for naval challenges, particularly in the area of counter- vessels in the South China Sea, in time for the terrorism, trafficking in persons, irregular ASEAN-China Commemorative Summit. movement of persons, as well as cyber- crimes. 38. Looking ahead, the Meeting welcomed the proposal to designate the Year 2017 as the 44. The Meeting agreed to enhance maritime ASEAN-China Year of Tourism Cooperation cooperation through existing ASEAN – led which would serve to increase two – way mechanisms as well as the convening of the tourism and promote greater people-to- ASEAN-EU High Level Dialogue on Maritime people exchanges between both sides. Security Cooperation regularly.
European Union 45. The Meeting welcomed the successful convening of the inaugural ASEAN-EU 39. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with the Policy Dialogue on Human Rights on 19-23 European Union (EU) was co-chaired by October 2015 in Brussels. Both ASEAN and H.E. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign the EU expressed satisfaction on the mutual Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand and H.E. engagement and agreed to explore regular Miroslav Lajčák, Minister of Foreign Affairs dialogues on human rights issues of mutual and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, interest. as the representative of the European Union, on behalf of the EU High Representative 46. The Meeting noted the positive outcome of Federica Mogherini. the 14th ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM)- EU Trade Commissioner Consultations 40. The Meeting took note of the outcome of on 3 March 2016 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the Coordination Meeting held in October which commended the progress made in the 2015 in Bangkok and the Informal ASEAN- implementation of the ASEAN – EU Trade EU Meeting, represented by Thailand as and Investment Work Programme for 2015- Country Coordinator, in November 2015 in 2016 and in the joint stock – taking exercise of ASEAN-EU economic relations. The Meeting
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looked forward to continue exploring the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea feasibility of a region-to-region ASEAN-EU (DOC) in its entirety, and welcomed ASEAN FTA. Member States and China efforts to work towards the early conclusion of an effective 47. The Meeting looked forward to the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea commencement of negotiations on the (COC). ASEAN-EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement, which will bring mutual benefit to India both regions, by enhancing people-to-people and business-to-business interactions. 53. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with India was co-chaired by H.E. Pham Binh Minh, Deputy 48. The Meeting shared the same view that closer Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of people-to-people ties are a core component Viet Nam and H.E. General (Dr.) V.K Singh of a deeper ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations. (Retd), Minister of States for External Affairs In this regards The Meeting agreed to further of India. strengthen people-to-people connectivity through youth and academic exchanges, 54. The Meeting emphasized the significance research and innovation, as well as tourism. of the ASEAN-India Dialogue Partnership in contributing towards peace, stability 49. The Meeting welcomed the fruitful outcome and security in the region. In this context, of the 3rd ASEAN-EU Science, Technology the Meeting welcomed India‟s “Act East and Innovation Days (STI Days) organised Policy” and reaffirmed India‟s pertinent from 10-12 May 2016 in Hanoi, Viet Nam. role in continuing its support for ASEAN‟s The Meeting also looked forward to the Community Building efforts, as well as International Conference on STI Cooperation ASEAN‟s unity and Centrality in the evolving in Thailand and the 4th STI Days to be regional architecture. convened in the Netherlands in 2017. 55. Reaffirming the determination to further 50. ASEAN appreciated the EU‟s continued enhance cooperation by effectively support for the ASEAN Centre of Biodiversity implementing the 2016-2020 ASEAN-India (ACB), the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Plan of Action, the Meeting appreciated the Management and Emergency Response efforts by ASEAN and India officials to develop (AADMER), and the ASEAN Coordinating the list of priority areas for implementation Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on during 2016-2018 and noted that the list would Disaster Management (AHA Centre). The be submitted to ASEAN and India Foreign Meeting looked forward to the finalization Ministers for ad-referendum adoption. of the EU‟s Biodiversity Conservation and Management of Protected Areas in ASEAN 56. The Meeting reiterated its commitment to (BCAMP) program, which will grant the ACB strengthen cooperation to effectively deal access to up to EUR 10 million to improve with traditional and non-traditional security the protection status of threatened peatland challenges such as maritime security, areas that could be declared ASEAN Heritage terrorism, violent extremism and transnational Parks in the future. crimes under the frameworks of the 2016-2020 ASEAN-India Plan of Action and the ASEAN- 51. ASEAN noted the EU‟s desire to expand India Joint Declaration for Cooperation to its regional engagement by joining the East Combat International Terrorism. In this regard, Asia Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN Defence ASEAN suggested that India explore the Ministers‟ Meeting Plus (ADMM – Plus). possibility of cooperating and working with the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational 52. The Meeting underlined the importance of Crime (ABMTC) and looked forward to India maintaining peace, stability and security, hosting the Government-to-Government freedom of navigation in and over-flight above Cyber Dialogue in 2016. the South China Sea. The Meeting noted the commitment of ASEAN Member States 57. The Meeting encouraged greater maritime and China to ensure the full and effective cooperation between ASEAN and India, implementation of the Declaration on the including capacity building, and sharing of
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best practice to settle disputes at sea through connectivity through the use of Gigabit- peaceful means. In this regard, the Meeting capable Passive Optical Network (GPON) emphasized the importance of the sea lines technology. The Meeting looked forward to of communication in the region for security, the early and effective realization of these trade and economic prosperity of ASEAN, initiatives. India and international community. 61. The Meeting agreed to further strengthen 58. The Meeting noted the importance of ASEAN-India cooperation in disaster deepening trade and economic relations management and humanitarian assistance, through the effective implementation of the including supporting ASEAN in the realization ASEAN-India Trade-in-Goods, ASEAN – of ASEAN Declaration on One ASEAN, India Trade-in-Services and the ASEAN- One Response: ASEAN Responding to India Investment Agreements. The Meeting Disaster as One in the region and outside shared the view that ASEAN and India should the region which will be adopted at the 28th undertake further measures, among others, ASEAN Summit in Laos in September 2016. boosting trade and investment, strengthening The Meeting encouraged India to support SMEs competitiveness, enhancing ASEAN‟s efforts in preparedness for handling cooperation in innovation, and promoting disasters and risk reduction as envisioned in regional value chains and production ASEAN Community Vision 2025 on Disaster networks. The Meeting encouraged early Management. operationalization of the ASEAN – India Trade and Investment Centre to further boost trade 62. The Meeting welcomed the successful and investment cooperation activities in the conclusion of the 21st Session of the region and looked forward to India‟s support Conference of the Parties to the United in the expeditious conclusion of the RCEP Nations Framework Convention on Climate negotiations. Change (COP21) as well as the adoption of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change 59. The Meeting highlighted ASEAN-India in 2015. The Meeting further reiterated the connectivity as a priority cooperation area. shared commitment to address the adverse In this regard, the Meeting expressed effects of climate change and appreciated appreciation for India‟s commitment of a USD India‟s support for ASEAN‟s effort through 1 billion line of credit for connectivity projects the effective utilization of the ASEAN-India and welcomed the efforts made by the CPR Green Fund with the Inception Workshop on and the Indian Mission to ASEAN to develop Enhancing Climate Change Adaptation held the modalities on utilizing this credit line. The on 5-6 February 2015 in Bangi, Malaysia, Meeting looked forward to the completion the Inception Workshop on “Climate Change of the India-Myanmar – Thailand Trilateral Projections and Assessment of Impacts; highway, including exploring the extension Modelling and Capacity Building Programme- of the road project to Laos, Cambodia and India-ASEAN Region” held on 22-28 February Viet Nam. The meeting noted the ongoing 2016, as well as cooperation between ASEAN efforts to enhance air connectivity between Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) and National ASEAN and India, to support the growth of Biodiversity Authority (NBA) of India. business and tourism, and looked forward to the convening of the first Meeting of the 63. The Meeting expressed appreciation for ASEAN-India Working Group on Regional India‟s strong support and commitment to Air Services Arrangement. The Meeting the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) and also underlined the importance of people- emphasized the need to further strengthen to-people connectivity through enhanced cooperation in other areas such as food and cultural exchanges involving, among others, agriculture, trade facilitation, education, clean diplomats, youth, media and intellectuals. and renewable energy, tourism, health and well-being, SMEs, and start-ups. 60. The Meeting welcomed Prime Minister Modi’s announcement last year to increase 64. The Meeting welcomed the successful the ASEAN-India Science and Technology outcomes of the Delhi Dialogue VIII with the Development Fund from USD 1 million theme of “ASEAN-India Relations: A New to USD 5 million, to establish an ASEAN- Paradigm” held 17-19 February 2016 in New India Innovation Platform and to build digital Delhi.
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65. The Meeting stressed the importance of Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership, maintaining peace, stability, maritime safety and looked forward to the conclusion of the and security, freedom of navigation in and investment negotiations. over-flight above the South China Sea. 72. The Meeting reiterated its commitment to 66. The Meeting underscored the importance combat terrorism and transnational crime for the states concerned to resolve their through strengthened cooperation under differences and disputes through peaceful the ASEAN–Japan Joint Declaration for means in accordance with international law, Cooperation to Combat Terrorism and including the 1982 United Nations Convention Transnational Crime, including in further on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), without pursuing cooperation against terrorism, resorting to the use of force or threat of force, cybercrime and trafficking in persons in the and to exercise self-restraint in the conduct region. The Meeting further emphasised the of the activities and avoid actions that would importance of promoting moderation in order further complicate the situation and escalate to counter violent extremism which poses a disputes. serious threat to the region. In this regard, the Meeting noted the successful convening of the th 67. The Meeting stressed the need for ASEAN 13 Senior Official’s Meeting on Transnational Member States and China to ensure the Crime (SOMTC)+Japan Consultation held on full and effective implementation of the 25 May 2016 in Jakarta, Indonesia which Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in agreed to regularly update the SOMTC+Japan the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety, Work Plan to reflect projects that have been and work expeditiously towards the early and will be implemented. conclusion of an effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC). 73. ASEAN Ministers welcomed Japan‟s intention to contribute even more proactively 68. The Meeting noted that 2017 will mark the in securing peace, stability and prosperity of 25th anniversary of the ASEAN-India Dialogue the region and the international community, Relations and 10th year of ASEAN-India under its policy of “Proactive Contribution to interaction at the Summit level. The Meeting Peace” based on the principle of international welcomed the list of commemorative activities cooperation, including “Legislation for Peace to be conducted throughout 2017. and Security”, which took effect in March 2016. Japan 74. Recognising the critical need for quality 69. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with Japan was infrastructure, the Meeting welcomed Japan‟s co-chaired by Honourable Pehin Dato Lim Initiative of Expanded Partnership for Quality Jock Seng, Minister at the Prime Minister‟s Infrastructure and the G7 Ise – Shima Office and Second Minister of Foreign Affairs Principles for Promoting Quality Infrastructure and Trade of Brunei Darussalam and H.E. Investment, which would contribute to Fumio Kishida, Minister of Foreign Affairs of promoting quality infrastructure in Asia and Japan. enhancing regional connectivity. The Meeting encouraged Japan‟s support for better air connectivity between ASEAN and Japan, 70. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the including the establishment of a ASEAN- steady progress made in the implementation Japan Air Services Agreement. of the Vision Statement on ASEAN– Japan Friendship and Cooperation and its Implementation Plan adopted in Tokyo, Japan 75. ASEAN Ministers appreciated Japan‟s in 2013 on the occasion of the 40th Anniversary initiatives to support ASEAN‟s efforts to of ASEAN–Japan relations. develop human resources under “Industrial Human Resource Development Cooperation Initiative” and to increase the role of women 71. We were pleased to note the conclusion of the in economic development, through “Japan- negotiations for Chapter on Trade in Services, ASEAN Women Empowerment Fund”. including the Financial and Telecommunication annexes as well as Chapter on Movement of Natural Person (MNP) under the ASEAN-
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76. The Meeting valued Japan‟s contribution 80. The Meeting highlighted the importance of to ASEAN Community building efforts people-to-people exchanges to build closer and continued support for sub-regional contact, mutual understanding and friendship cooperation. In this regard, the ASEAN between ASEAN and Japan. In this regard, Foreign Ministers commended Japan‟s the ASEAN Ministers commended Japan‟s strong commitment to assist the Mekong active role in the implementation of exchange region in realizing “quality growth”. They programmes under various initiatives such as appreciated Japan‟s support represented the Japan – East Asia Network of Exchange by its consistent implementation of “New for Students and Youths (JENESYS) 2016, Tokyo Strategy 2015,” under the framework “WA – Project” and Sport for Tomorrow. of the “Mekong-Japan Cooperation” and welcomed the “Japan-Mekong Connectivity 81. The Meeting underlined the importance of Initiative” as well as Japan‟s contributions maintaining peace, security and stability of to ASEAN community building efforts under the Korean Peninsula. The Meeting shared the initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) with concerns over the recent developments in the the implementation of the IAI Work Pan III. Korean Peninsula, including the nuclear test The Meeting underscored that strong Japan- and launches using ballistic missile technology Mekong cooperation will enhance ASEAN- by the Democratic People‟s Republic of Japan relationship by bringing growth to the Korea (DPRK), which are in violation of the region as a whole. relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. The Meeting urged the 77. The Meeting welcomed the outcome DPRK to comply with the relevant UNSC of the 3rd ASEAN-Japan Public–Private resolutions. The Meeting called for the Dialogue on New Industries that was held peaceful denuclearization of the Korean in Bangkok, Thailand on 22nd June 2016, Peninsula and highlighted the importance and expressed appreciation to Japan for the of creating conducive environment towards sharing of experience on increasing services the early resumption of the Six-Party Talks productivity. to help pave the way for maintaining and strengthening peace, security and stability 78. The Meeting expressed appreciation to in the Korean Peninsula. The Meeting also the ASEAN-Japan Centre for its continued emphasized the importance of addressing contribution to promote trade, investment, humanitarian concerns of the international tourism and cultural exchanges and community, including the abductions issue. emphasised the need to further strengthen the Centre with a view to addressing new 82. The Meeting emphasized the importance challenges between ASEAN and Japan, in of maintaining peace, security and stability, accordance with the Agreement Establishing freedom of navigation in and over-flight the ASEAN Promotion Centre on Trade, above the South China Sea. The Meeting Investment and Tourism. underscored the importance of exercising self- restraint in the conduct of the activities, and 79. On disaster management, the ASEAN for the states concerned to resolve disputes Ministers appreciated Japan‟s support for through peaceful means in accordance with the full operationalization of the ASEAN international law, including the 1982 United coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Assistance on disaster management (AHA (UNCLOS). The Meeting underlined the need Centre), in particular efforts to establish an for ASEAN Member States and China to integrated ICT system. The Meeting welcomed ensure the full and effective implementation efforts to further enhance cooperation on the of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties Implementation of the Work Programme for the in the South China (DOC) in its entirety, and ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management welcomed ASEAN Member States and China and Emergency Response (AADMER) and efforts to work towards the early conclusion looked forward to the implementation of the of an effective Code of Conduct in the South projects under the ASEAN Disaster Risk China Sea (COC). Financing and Insurance (DRFI) Initiative.
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New Zealand including air links and regulatory cooperation. The Meeting noted the already strong tourism 83. The ASEAN PMC 10+1 Session with New and people flows between ASEAN and New Zealand was co-chaired by H.E. Retno L.P. Zealand. Marsudi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, and The Hon. Murray 89. The Meeting noted the importance of McCully, Minister of Foreign Affairs of New deepening trade and economic relations Zealand. through supporting the implementation of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade 84. The Meeting acknowledged the successful Agreement (AANZFTA). convening of the 40th ASEAN-New Zealand Commemorative Summit, held in Kuala 90. The Meeting stressed the need to further Lumpur on 22 November 2015 which strengthen cooperation in other areas such as elevated the ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue education, business-to-business interaction, Relations from a Comprehensive Partnership SMEs development, technology innovation, to a Strategic Partnership. agriculture, food safety and productivity, sanitary and phyto-sanitary, connectivity, 85. The Meeting expressed satisfaction with people-to-people contacts, youth exchange, the substantive progress of ASEAN – New and disaster management. Zealand cooperation, particularly in the implementation of the Plan of Action to 91. The Meeting also expressed appreciation for Implement the Joint Statement for ASEAN- New Zealand’s role as a Non – Permanent New Zealand Strategic Partnership 2016 Member of the United Nations Security – 2020, as well as the activities under the Council for the term 2015-2016 in contributing Initiative for ASEAN Integration. to international peace and security.
86. The Meeting welcomed the implementation Republic of Korea (ROK) of New Zealand’s two key Strategies, the People Strategy and the Prosperity Strategy, 92. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with ROK was which were launched at the Commemorative co-chaired by H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Senior Summit, as a notable demonstration of New Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Zealand‟s firm commitment to the Strategic International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Partnership. Cambodia and H.E. Yun Byung-se, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. 87. The ASEAN Ministers welcomed New Zealand‟s continued valuable contributions 93. The Meeting welcomed the signing of the Third towards ASEAN in strengthening ASEAN‟s Protocol to Amend the ASEAN – Korea Trade Community Building and integration process, in Goods (AKTIG) Agreement in August 2015 achieving ASEAN Community Vision 2025, and looked forward to its full implementation. as well as recognition of ASEAN Centrality The Meeting were also encouraged that in the evolving regional architecture. In this the Parties are working toward further regard, ASEAN expressed appreciation for liberalisation of sensitive products in line New Zealand’s increased engagement in with the modality endorsed by the Economic the region through ASEAN-led mechanisms, Ministers in August 2015 to enhance trade namely ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), relations with a view to achieving two-way East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Defence trade of USD 200 billion by 2020. Ministers‟ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus, which has contributed to peace, stability and prosperity 94. The Meeting took note of the outcome of the in the region. 20th ASEAN-ROK Dialogue on 2-3 June 2016 in Pyeongchang, the ROK. Both sides agreed 88. The Meeting expressed appreciation to New to further strengthen engagement in all areas Zealand for its important support in education, of cooperation. The Meeting supported the business, disaster risk management, and continued discussion on security-related agriculture cooperation. The Meeting matters within the framework of the ASEAN- also welcomed New Zealand’s interest to ROK Dialogue. enhancing cooperation on connectivity,
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95. The Meeting looked forward to deepening Unification of the Korean Peninsula of the cooperation in the area of aviation through the Republic of Korea as well as the Northeast ASEAN-ROK Working Group on Regional Air Asia Peace and Cooperation Initiative Services Arrangements and to conclude an (NAPCI) in promoting lasting peace in the air services agreement between ASEAN and Korea Peninsula, as well as cooperation and the ROK. trust in Northeast Asia.
96. The Meeting supported the role of ASEAN- Russian Federation ROK Business Council (AKBC) and encouraged it to work closely with the ASEAN- 101. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with the Russian Korea Centre (AKC) to promote Micro, Small Federation was co-chaired by H.E. Saleumxay and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Kommasith, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the private sector participation in the region. The Lao PDR, and H.E. Sergey Lavrov, Minister Meeting looked forward to the convening of of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. the 3rd AKBC, to be held in Lao PDR in 2016. 102. ASEAN and Russia are marking the 20th 97. The Meeting underlined the importance of anniversary of their Dialogue Partnership promoting cooperation to support ASEAN‟s in 2016. The Meeting appreciated the efforts in narrowing development gap and achievements of ASEAN-Russia cooperation enhancing connectivity in ASEAN. The in the last two decades across a wide range Meeting took note of ROK‟s four presidential of areas, including political, security, trade initiatives for the implementation of the and economic, culture, people-to-people UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals exchange and development, which have (SDGs), namely Better Life for Girls, Safe Life strengthened and enhanced the relations as for All, Science, Technology and Innovation for well as contributed to regional peace, security, Better Life and the New Rural Development stability and prosperity. Paradigm. 103. The Meeting welcomed the successful 98. The Meeting welcomed ROK‟s assistance in convening of the ASEAN-Russia disaster risk reduction and mitigation efforts Commemorative Summit to mark the 20th regionally and bilaterally through the following Anniversary of the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue agencies: Global Green Growth Institute Partnership held on 19-20 May 2016 in (GGGI) in resilience against the impact of Sochi, Russian Federation with the outcome climate change, and the Green Climate Fund documents as follows: (GCF) in mobilizing climate financing. i. Sochi Declaration of the ASEAN-Russian 99. The Meeting reiterated the importance of Federation Commemorative Summit to maintaining peace and stability in the Korean Mark the 20th Anniversary of ASEAN- Peninsula and expressed support for the Russian Federation Dialogue Relations denuclearisation of this region in a peaceful “Moving Towards a Strategic Partnership manner. In this regard, the Meeting shared for Mutual Benefit”. concerns over the recent developments in the Korean peninsula, including the nuclear test ii. Comprehensive Plan of Action to Promote and launches using ballistic missile technology Cooperation between the Association of by the Democratic People‟s Republic of Southeast Asian Nations and the Russian Korea (DPRK), which are in violation of the Federation (2016 – 2020). relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. The Meeting called for iii. Report of the ASEAN-Russia Eminent the creation of an environment conducive Persons Group (AREPG) “ASEAN to early resumption of the Six-Party Talks to and Russia: a Future-Oriented make further progress in denuclearization of Multidimensional Strategic Partnership”. the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner. 104. The Meeting looked forward to the effective 100. The Meeting expressed their support for implementation of the CPA 2016 – 2020 to the Trust-Building Process on the Korean further deepen and widen cooperation in the Peninsula and the Initiative for Peaceful three pillars, namely political and security,
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economic and social-cultural. The Meeting Indonesia on 2 July 2004, and under the emphasized the significance of realizing full ARF Work Plan on Counter-Terrorism and potentials of ASEAN-Russia partnership in all Transnational Crime 2015-2017 adopted at areas of common interest, taking into account the 22nd ARF in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 6 ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together August 2015. and its Blueprints, as well as the results of the implementation of the Comprehensive 110. Recognising that Regional Security Programme of Action to Promote Cooperation Architecture shall promote peace, stability between ASEAN and Russia 2005-2015. and prosperity in the region. The Meeting emphasized that the ongoing discussion 105. The Meeting took note of the Report of the on Regional Security Architecture shall not ASEAN-Russia Eminent Persons Group replace, but reinforce and give added value to (AREPG) and tasked their officials to follow the existing mechanisms. up on the recommendations contained in the AREPG Report. United States of America
106. The Meeting noted with satisfaction that a 111. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with the United number of commemorative activities as well States of America was co-chaired by H.E. Tan as the activities of the ASEAN-Russia Year Sri Othman Hashim, Secretary-General of of Culture 2016 have been planned and the Foreign Affairs of Malaysia and H.E. John carried out to signify the broadening and Kerry, Secretary of State of the United States strengthening of cultural ties between ASEAN of America. Member States and the Russian Federation. The meeting also highlighted the successful 112. The Meeting highlighted the significant convening of the first ASEAN-Russia Culture progress made in ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue Ministers Meeting on 19 May 2016 in Sochi, Relations in the past year, particularly with Russia and looked forward to more activities the elevation of relations to a strategic to encourage people-to – people contacts partnership at the 3rd ASEAN-U.S. Summit in 2016, including the ASEAN-Russia in Kuala Lumpur in November 2015. The University Forum in Vladivostok (Russia), the Meeting acknowledged that the strategic ASEAN-Russia Youth Symphony Orchestra partnership was further cemented with the Performances in Laos and the ASEAN-Russia Special ASEAN-U.S. Leaders‟ Summit in Youth Summit in Cambodia. Sunnylands, California in February 2016.
107. The Meeting encouraged the implementation 113. The Meeting discussed the progress and future of joint sectoral work plans in the areas of direction of ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue Relations, science & technology, agriculture and food and looked forward to commemorating 40 security, and energy, as a follow up to the years of ASEAN-U.S. relations in 2017. The Commemorative Summit. Meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment to continue promoting close cooperation 108. The Meeting agreed to further promote through ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the ASEAN-Russia economic relations by East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional effectively implementing the ASEAN-Russia Forum (ARF), and ASEAN Defence Ministers‟ Trade and Investment Cooperation Roadmap Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus) and Expanded which is aimed at further institutionalising ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF). a comprehensive dialogue mechanism on trade-related issues with a view to promoting 114. The Meeting underscored the importance cooperation in sectors of mutual interest of the U.S.‟ continued support to ASEAN to ASEAN and Russia taking into account Community Building and regional integration regional and global developments. efforts, particularly on the implementation of “ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together”. 109. We emphasized to deepen cooperation in combating international terrorism, including 115. The Meeting discussed the progress of the under the framework of the “ASEAN-Russia Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN- Joint Declaration for Cooperation to Combat U.S. Strategic Partnership (2016-2020) International Terrorism,” signed in Jakarta, and decided to continue to identify and
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implement priorities and practical measures 118. The Meeting reaffirmed the commitment to to be undertaken to realise the full potential promote disarmament, non – proliferation, of the strategic partnership. The Meeting also and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. reiterated the goals of the ASEAN Political- The Meeting reaffirmed the commitment to Security Blueprint 2025 in promoting regional work towards the accession of the Nuclear peace and stability. Weapon States (P5) to the Protocol to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone 116. The Meeting decided to continue to cooperate (SEANWFZ) Treaty, which will contribute closely to effectively deal with traditional positively to keeping the region free of nuclear and non-traditional security challenges weapons. The Meeting further reaffirmed such as terrorism, violent extremism, drug- the importance of maintaining peace and trafficking, maritime security, cybercrime, stability in the region and expressed support wildlife trafficking and trafficking in persons, for the early denuclearisation of the Korean and illegal, unreported and unregulated Peninsula in a peaceful manner in accordance fishing through increased engagement and with the relevant United Nations Security collaboration. In this regard, the Meeting Council Resolutions. highlighted the significant progress made on these issues, demonstrated by the adoption 119. The Meeting pledged to continue working of the EAS Statement on Countering Violent together to advance ASEAN-U.S. economic Extremism in November 2015. The U.S. cooperation and support the realisation of an commended ASEAN‟s efforts such as innovative, entrepreneurial ASEAN Economic the signing of the ASEAN Convention on Community. In this regard, the Meeting agreed Trafficking in Persons, especially Women to further expand and strengthen trade and and Children in November 2015; the investment ties, create more employment convening of the International Conference opportunities, support small and medium on De-radicalisation and Countering Violent enterprises (SMEs), foster innovation, Extremism in early 2016 in Kuala Lumpur; enhance productivity growth and continue to the establishment of the regional counter- facilitate the cooperation among ASEAN-U.S. messaging centre in Malaysia; and the Business communities for mutual economic implementation of the ASEAN Work Plan on benefit. The Meeting commended the U.S.- Combating Illicit Drug Production. ASEAN ASEAN Connect Initiative and welcomed the expressed its appreciation towards the U.S.‟ establishment of the U.S.-ASEAN Connect efforts to address these issues through Centres in Jakarta and the increased efforts of various programmes such as the ASEAN-U.S. regionally focused personnel at the strategic Partnership for Good Governance, Equitable location in Bangkok and in Singapore. The and Sustainable Development and Security Meeting further acknowledged the progress (PROGRESS) Programme; and the Aviation achieved on assisting SMEs with the and Border Security Programme. ASEAN launching of the Online SME Academy in May further expressed appreciation for the U.S.‟ 2016. continued support and active engagement on these issues, particularly in the framework of 120. The Meeting welcomed the United States‟ the EAS, ARF, ADMM Plus and the ASEAN initiative to enhance aviation, energy, and Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime information and communication (ICT) (AMMTC). The Meeting decided to continue relations with ASEAN and looked forward to work together to address ISIL‟s continued to the conclusion of an ASEAN-U.S. influence, including through strengthened Aviation Cooperation framework and further information sharing and law enforcement engagement through the U.S.-ASEAN Energy capacity building. Cooperation Work Plan ad U.S.-ASEAN ICT 2016 Work Plan. 117. The Meeting reaffirmed the importance of ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the ARF 121. The Meeting agreed to continue to and the EAS in upholding ASEAN Centrality work together to advance ASEAN-U.S. in the evolving regional architecture. ASEAN cooperation on socio-cultural issues. The recognised the U.S.‟ important support in Meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment to promoting regional cooperation through the further enhance cooperation in humanitarian latter‟s active participation in ASEAN-led assistance and disaster relief, fisheries and mechanisms.
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marine conservation, climate change and for ASEAN Member States and China to the environment, green financing, education, ensure the full and effective implementation health and cultural exchanges. of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety, 122. The Meeting welcomed the positive outcomes and work expeditiously towards the early of the 21st Session of the Conference of the conclusion of an effective Code of Conduct in Parties to the United Nations Framework the South China Sea (COC). Convention on Climate Change (COP21) as well as the adoption of the Paris Agreement 126. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the on Climate Change in 2015. The Meeting positive trajectory of ASEAN-U.S. strategic further reiterated the shared commitment partnership and relations that have to effectively implement the ASEAN-U.S. contributed to the maintenance of peace, Joint Statement on Climate Change of 2014, stability and prosperity in the region. The especially in creating a low-carbon economic Meeting welcomed the continued valuable growth, building more climate resilient engagement of the U.S. in the region through societies, and strengthening ASEAN‟s ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the ARF, capacity to mitigate and adapt to climate EAS, ARF, ADMM Plus and AMMTC. change. 127. The Meeting looked forward to the landmark 123. The Meeting agreed to further nurture young commemoration of the 40th anniversary of leadership and promote people-to – people ASEAN-U.S. relations next year. exchanges in the region, complementing existing programmes such as the Young *** Southeast Asia Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) and the ASEAN Youth Volunteer Programme. ASEAN – Australia ASEAN expressed appreciation for the existing ASEAN-U.S. Fulbright Visiting 28th ASEAN-Australia Forum Scholars Programme, as well as the new ASEAN-Fulbright Scholarship in conjunction Co-Chair’s Statement with the 40th anniversary of ASEAN-U.S. relations next year. Canberra, Australia, 22 April 2016
124. The meeting recognised the threat of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing 1. The 28th ASEAN-Australia Forum was held in and welcomed the U.S.‟ collaboration with Canberra on 22 April 2016, with participation the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development by representatives from ASEAN Member Centre (SEAFDEC) and the Coral Triangle States, Australia and the ASEAN Secretariat. Initiative (CTI), and the U.S. Task Force in This was the second Forum since the Combating IUU Fishing and Seafood Fraud formation of the ASEAN-Australia Strategic to address this IUU Fishing. The Meeting Partnership in 2014 as well as the first underlined the importance of strengthening Forum since the establishment of the ASEAN international cooperation through ASEAN- Community in 2015. led mechanisms such as EAS and ARF to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU Fishing. 2. The Forum was co-chaired by Mr Gary Quinlan, Deputy Secretary of the Department 125. The Meeting underlined the importance of of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia and maintaining peace, stability, safety, security, U Aung Lynn, Permanent Secretary of the freedom of navigation and over-flight Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of above the South China Sea. The Meeting the Union of Myanmar. underscored the importance of exercising self- restraint in the conduct of the activities, and 3. Mr Quinlan welcomed the declaration of the for the states concerned to resolve disputes ASEAN Community at the November 2015 through peaceful means in accordance with ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, which international law, including the 1982 United represented a major milestone in ASEAN’s Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea integration. Mr Quinlan also commended (UNCLOS). The Meeting stressed the need ASEAN’s new strategic framework, “ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together”.
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4. Participants reviewed regional developments, 9. Participants also welcomed Australia’s in particular the important contribution made continued support for the implementation by various ASEAN-led mechanisms in to of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand addressing both traditional and non-traditional Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA), and security concerns. Deeper cooperation in the the extension of the AANZFTA Economic East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum, Cooperation Support Programme until 2018. ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus and the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum would 10. Participants discussed ASEAN’s connectivity help to foster a stable strategic environment agenda, including Australia’s support for a and rules-based, open and inclusive regional successor document to the Master Plan on order. ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC), scheduled for release later in 2016. Participants also 5. Participants welcomed the Declaration issued discussed the Australian Government’s at the 10th anniversary of the East Asia Summit agenda for developing Northern Australia in Kuala Lumpur in November 2015, including and the potential synergies with ASEAN measures focused on strengthening the connectivity, including revitalizing the East Asia Summit, institutionally. Both sides development partnership between BIMP- reaffirmed the commitment to work together EAGA and the Northern Territory. in promoting a rules-based and norms-based regional architecture. 11. Mr Quinlan welcomed ASEAN’s Convention on Trafficking in Persons. In that context, 6. Participants highlighted the shared task participants reviewed Australia’s long- of promoting continued prosperity in the standing contribution to address this region, noting the extraordinary economic challenge in the region, including through the achievements of ASEAN over recent decades, Australia-Asia Program to Combat Trafficking reflected in the commencement of the ASEAN in Persons. Participants welcomed Australia’s Economic Community last year. ASEAN- new ‘International Strategy to Combat Human Australia two-way trade surpassed A$100 Trafficking and Slavery’ launched at the billion in 2014, making the combined ASEAN sixth Bali Process Ministerial Conference on economy Australia’s second largest trading People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons partner. Participants agreed that concluding and Related Transnational Crime, held in a comprehensive and high-quality Regional Bali in March 2016. They noted the Bali Comprehensive Economic Partnership Declaration adopted at that meeting, which (RCEP) would be critical to driving further recognised the need to enhance cooperation regional economic integration. and coordination among members, and with other ongoing regional and global initiatives, 7. Participants reaffirmed the progress of to combat human trafficking. ASEAN-Australia cooperation across the three pillars of the ASEAN Community, 12. Participants welcomed the establishment of as set out in the ASEAN-Australia Plan of the ASEAN-Australia Council, as a further Action for the Implementation of the Strategic demonstration of Australia’s commitment Partnership (2015-2019). Participants agreed to strengthening people-to-people ties with that progress of implementation would be ASEAN. They welcomed the expansion of discussed in more depth at the ASEAN- Australia’s New Colombo Plan, designed to Australia Joint Cooperation Committee engage young Australians with their region, to and would be presented to Ministers at the all ten ASEAN countries in 2015. Post-Ministerial Conference in July 2016 in Vientiane. 13. Participants underlined the importance of maintaining peace, security and stability, and 8. Mr Quinlan reaffirmed Australia’s support freedom of navigation and overflight in the to ASEAN economic integration and the South China Sea. They agreed that disputes institutional strengthening of the ASEAN should be resolved peacefully, including full Secretariat, through the ASEAN-Australia respect for legal and diplomatic processes and Development Cooperation Program Phase without resorting to the threat or use of force, Two (AADCP II). in accordance with universally-recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They agreed to
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promote maritime cooperation and committed and socially responsible, and a truly people- to non-militarisation and self-restraint in the oriented, people-centred ASEAN Community. conduct of activities. The ASEAN Leaders encouraged Australia to further contribute towards the realisation of 14. Participants welcomed the adoption of the vision and goals outlined in the ASEAN Resolution 2270 by the United Nations Community Vision 2025. We emphasized the Security Council on 2 March 2016, which importance of the rule of law in international imposed new measures aimed at halting the relations. DPRK’s efforts to advance nuclear and ballistic missile programs. They called on the DPRK 3. We were pleased to note the steady progress to take constructive steps towards returning achieved in the dialogue relations between to dialogue, comply with its obligations under ASEAN and Australia over the past forty- all relevant UNSC resolutions and abide by two years and looked forward to enhancing its commitments under the 19 September the ASEAN-Australia strategic partnership 2005 Joint Statement of the Six Party Talks, encompassing the areas of political-security, which would pave the way for the complete economic, socio-cultural and development and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean cooperation. Peninsula in a peaceful manner. 4. We were satisfied with the substantive 15. Participants looked forward to the progress and achievements made in the commencement of biennial ASEAN-Australia implementation of the ASEAN-Australia Leaders Summits, in Vientiane in September Plan of Action (2015-2019) to implement 2016, and the next ASEAN Australia Forum in the ASEAN-Australia Strategic Partnership, Myanmar in 2017. which was adopted by Leaders at the ASEAN – Australia Commemorative Summit in Nay *** Pyi Taw, November 2014.
Chairman’s Statement of the 5. The ASEAN Leaders also appreciated st Australia’s continued support for ASEAN’s 1 ASEAN-Australia Biennial unity and centrality in the evolving regional Summit architecture through ASEAN-led mechanisms, in particular, the East Asia Summit (EAS), the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting- V i e n t i a n e , L a o P D R , Plus (ADMM-Plus), ASEAN Regional Forum 7 September 2016 (ARF) and negotiation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. “Turning Vision Into Reality for a Dynamic ASEAN Community” 6. We expressed our appreciation for Australia’s support and contribution in strengthening 1. The First ASEAN-Australia Biennial Summit counter-terrorism cooperation in the region, was held on 7 September 2016 in Vientiane, including through regional fora such as the Lao PDR. The Summit was chaired by H.E. ASEAN Defence Minister’s Meeting-Plus Thongloun SISOULITH, Prime Minister of and the ASEAN Regional Forum, including the Lao PDR .The Summit was attended by its co-chairing of the ADDM-Plus Experts’ all Heads of State/Government of ASEAN Working Group on Counter – Terrorism with Member States and The Honourable Malcolm Singapore. We welcomed Australia’s Initiative Turnbull MP, Prime Minister of Australia. The to invite ASEAN countries to participate in an Secretary-General of ASEAN was also in Australian correctional services course on the attendance. management of terrorist prisoners.
2. The ASEAN Leaders welcomed Australia’s 7. We condemned the violence and brutality support for the establishment of the ASEAN committed by terrorist and radical groups in Community, which is a culmination of an Iraq and Syria, and any other parts of the world, almost five-decade long effort of regional whose impact increasingly poses a threat integration that is aimed at building a to all regions of the world. We adopted the politically cohesive, economically integrated renewed ASEAN-Australia Joint Declaration
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for Cooperation to Combat International Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 and the IAI Work Terrorism, reflecting our collective resolve to Plan III, which were adopted by ASEAN strengthen cooperation and to continue to Leaders at the 28th ASEAN Summit in work collaboratively to combat the scourge of Vientiane, Lao PDR on 6 September 2016. In terrorism and violent extremism in the region. this regard, we looked forward to Australia’s continued support. 8. We reaffirmed our commitment to prevent and combat terrorism and transnational crimes, 12. We noted the Mekong Business initiative (MBI), particularly trafficking in persons, people which works with Mekong countries to expand smuggling sea piracy, illicit drug trafficking, and the private sector by improving the regulatory cybercrime In this connection, we appreciated environment for small to medium enterprises. Australia’s support to combat trafficking in We also noted that Australia’s Mekong persons through the Australia-Asia Program Water Resources Program contributed to to Combat Trafficking in Persons (AAPTIP) help manage the region’s water resource and noted its new “International Strategy for greater economic opportunities. ASEAN to Combat Human Trafficking and Slavery” Leaders welcomed Australia’s announcement launched in March 2016. We recognized that it is co-funding the Women’s Livelihood Australia’s partnership as Co-Chair of the Bali Bond project, which aims to mobilise private Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in capital by providing loans for social enterprises Persons and Related Transnational Crime and and micro finance institutions to empower its initiatives, including the Regional Support women to achieve sustainable livelihoods Office. We also appreciated Australia’s in Cambodia, Philippines and Vietnam. support for the ASEAN Convention Against ASEAN Leaders further welcomed Australia’s Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women support for women’s economic engagement and Children (ACTIP), and welcomed the in the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), commencement of the Tripartite Action to including through its proposal to work with Enhance the Contribution of Labour Migration the Philippines to support a major ASEAN to Growth and Development in ASEAN women’s business forum in the Philippines (TRIANGLE II) in 2015. in 2017, as a commemorative event for ASEAN’s 50th anniversary. 9. We also expressed appreciation for Australia’s continuous support in enhancing 13. We noted the strength of Australia and cooperation in the field of immigration ASEAN’s trade and investment relationship, under the Directors-General of Immigration the benefits of deeper regional integration Departments and Heads of Consular Affairs and the shared task of promoting continued Division of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs prosperity in the region. We noted the role (DGICM)+Australia Consultation. of the Agreement Establishing the ASEAN- Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area 10. The ASEAN Leaders welcomed the extension (AANZFTA) in deepening Australia’s economic of the ASEAN Australia Development engagement with ASEAN, and welcomed the Cooperation Program (AADCP) II from entry into force and the implementation of 2015 to 2019, supporting the institutional the First Protocol to Amend the Agreement strengthening of the ASEAN Secretariat Establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New and regional mechanisms and capacities to Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) as implement the AEC Blueprint. We also noted well as Australia’s continued support for Australia’s substantial support for the World the implementation of AANZFTA, including Economic Forum’s (WEF) Grow Asia Initiative through the extension of the AANZFTA developed in partnership with the ASEAN Economic Cooperation Support Program to Secretariat. 2018. We noted that the General Review of the AANZFTA Agreement will take place in 2017, 11. We recognised Australia’s valuable support and looked forward to the recommendations in strengthening regional integration, through derived from the General Review by 2018. among others, ASEAN Connectivity and the We agreed on the importance of the General Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI). We Review in ensuring that the AANZFTA remains appreciated Australia’s contribution to the a high quality agreement. formulation of the Master Plan on ASEAN
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14. We noted the increased efforts by participating infectious diseases, pandemic preparedness, countries in furthering the progress in public health, environment, science, the Regional Comprehensive Economic technology, climate change, energy security, Partnership (RCEP) negotiations. Given its and food security identified as priorities by potential impacts on advancing global trade ASEAN and Australia. and growth, we agreed to redouble efforts to achieve a modern, comprehensive, high- 19. We are also determined to continue all quality and mutually beneficial agreement. our cooperation on economic, social and environmental matters consistent with and in 15. We noted with satisfaction the progress on the support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable development and standardization of ASEAN Development and the Sustainable agricultural practices in order to increase Development Goals adopted by the UN product marketability and access and General Assembly on 25 September 2015, enhance international competitiveness. We to promote the well-being of the peoples of underscored the importance of establishing ASEAN and Australia. an ASEAN wide mutual recognition mechanism to strengthen the implementation 20. We encouraged Australia’s continuous support and acceptability of these regional agricultural on the concrete implementation of the EAS practices, including the conduct of Study on Statement on Enhancing Regional Maritime Mutual Recognition Models for the ASEAN Cooperation within the EAS framework, Agricultural Best Practices. aiming at creating a secure and stable region which will provide an atmosphere conducive 16. We recognised the great importance of to economic development and prosperity. youth development in ASEAN and welcomed We welcomed the proposed EAS Maritime Australia’s New Colombo Plan initiative to Security Cooperation Seminar in Australia in promote people-to-people exchanges by November 2016 co-chaired by Indonesia and supporting Australian students to study and Australia. undertake work-based placements in ASEAN Member States. We also welcomed the launch 21. The two sides exchanged views on the future in 2015 of the Australia-ASEAN Council, cooperation of ASEAN-Australia Dialogue which, among others, actively engaged with Relations and discussed potential areas the ASEAN Committee in Canberra to improve of cooperation, especially on the subject community understanding of each other’s of innovation where Australia can share economies and societies. In this respect, its experience and expertise in the fields of ASEAN Leaders also welcomed the Council’s science and technology, climate change, ASEAN Emerging Leaders Program, which energy security, food security, business will build a cohort of young Southeast Asian development, sustainable agriculture, disaster leaders with links to Australia. ASEAN Leaders management and healthcare services. also welcomed Australia’s announcement that the number of Australia Award scholarships 22. We underlined the importance of maintaining offered to ASEAN Member States will almost peace, security and stability, freedom of double to more than 1,500 in 2017. navigation in and over-flight above the South China Sea. We underscored the importance 17. ASEAN Leaders expressed appreciation for the states concerned to resolve disputes to Australia for its continued support for the through peaceful means in accordance with ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian international law, including the 1982 United Assistance on Disaster Management Nations Convention on the Law of the (AHA Centre) in Jakarta. ASEAN Leaders Sea (UNCLOS). We also emphasized the encouraged Australia’s support for the importance of non-militarization. The Meeting realisation of ASEAN Declaration on One noted the commitment of ASEAN Member ASEAN, One Response: ASEAN Responding States and China to ensure the full and to Disaster as One in the region and outside effective implementation of the Declaration on the region. the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety, and welcomed ASEAN 18. We also reaffirmed our commitment to further Member States and China’s efforts to work promote cooperation in combatting emerging
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towards the early conclusion of an effective Expressing grave concern over the acute and Code of Conduct in the South China Sea growing threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters (COC). and the need to develop effective measures to counter that threat, including through more timely 23. We emphasised the importance of sustaining sharing of information and intelligence and stronger our dialogue relations at the highest level and border controls; looked forward to Australia hosting a Special ASEAN-Australia Summit in 2018. Recalling the 2001 ASEAN Declaration on Joint Action to Counter Terrorism, the 2004 ASEAN *** – Australia Joint Declaration for Cooperation to ASEAN-Australia Joint Combat International Terrorism, the 2007 ASEAN Convention on Counter Terrorism, the ASEAN Declaration for Cooperation to Comprehensive Plan of Action on Counter Combat International Terrorism Terrorism, and the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-Australia Strategic Partnership (2015- 2019), which serve as valuable frameworks for V i e n t i a n e , L a o P D R , regional efforts to combat terrorism and deepen 7 September 2016 counter-terrorism cooperation;
Reaffirming their determination to prevent, The Governments of Brunei Darussalam, the suppress and eliminate international terrorism in Kingdom of Cambodia, the Republic of Indonesia, all its forms and manifestations, in accordance with the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the Charter of the United Nations and international the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Republic law and having regard to all relevant United Nations of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore, resolutions and declarations on international the Kingdom of Thailand, the Socialist Republic terrorism, including the United Nations Global of Viet Nam, Member States of the Association Counter-Terrorism Strategy; of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the Government of Australia (hereinafter referred to Recognising the principles of sovereign equality, collectively as “the participants”); territorial integrity and non-interference in the internal affairs of other States; Unequivocally condemning in the strongest terms recent terrorist attacks around the world resulting Rejecting any attempt to associate terrorism with in the unacceptable loss of innocent lives and any religion, race or nationality; countless injuries, and extending their condolences and sympathy to the victims, their families and the Reiterating the need to combat terrorism in a people of affected countries; comprehensive manner, including by identifying and addressing the underlying factors and Reaffirming that terrorism in all its forms and conditions that contribute to the growth and spread manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever of violent extremism and radicalisation; and for whatever purposes, constitutes a serious threat to international peace and security and that Noting the 2015 East Asia Summit Statement on any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable; Countering Violent Extremism which recognised that responding to the threat of terrorist groups Recognising that the growing threat from terrorism exploiting the internet and social media platforms and violent extremism poses an unacceptable to recruit and radicalise vulnerable individuals risk to their communities and to regional stability, requires international cooperation as well as action security and prosperity, and contravenes the laws, by all tiers of government, civil society and the religious beliefs and fundamental values of all private sector; countries concerned; Reaffirming their continuing commitment Noting that terrorism has multiple dimensions, to strengthening regional cooperation and manifestations and causes and respects no collaboration in the fight against terrorism through national boundaries, reinforcing the importance of the East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum strengthening bilateral, regional and international (ARF), Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation cooperation to combat this threat; (APEC), Asia-Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG),ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting-
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Plus (ADMM-Plus), Senior Officials Meeting on internet and social media platforms for Transnational Crime (SOMTC) and various other terrorism-related purposes. regional fora; Sharing views and best practices on Encouraged by the strong existing co-operation rehabilitative programs including, where between ASEAN Member States and Australia on appropriate, social reintegration of foreign security, intelligence, law enforcement and other terrorist fighter returnees and people involved matters, and reaffirming their collective resolve in the commission of terrorism-related to deepen and expand this cooperation to fight offences. international terrorism to advance their shared interest in promoting stability and security in the Encouraging closer dialogue with civil society, region; academic and other institutions to foster greater understanding and support aimed at Declare as follows: suppressing terrorism and violent extremism, including by continuing to promote tolerance, OBJECTIVE interfaith dialogue, gender equality and the empowerment of women and young people. 1. This Declaration provides a framework for regional cooperation to prevent, disrupt and Improving intelligence and information-sharing suppress international terrorism and violent on terrorist financing and crime related to money extremism and to strengthen cooperation laundering, and strengthening regulatory and between the participants and their agencies administrative counter-terrorism financing in support of this objective. regimes, to detect and disrupt those seeking to use the global financial system to fund SCOPE AND AREAS OF COOPERATION terrorism.
2. The participants reaffirm their commitment to Supporting capacity-building and broader implementing the principles and objectives efforts to strengthen national counter – terrorism of this Declaration in conformity with their capabilities through technical cooperation, obligations under international law and in meetings of officials and experts, training accordance with their respective domestic and education, conferences, workshops and laws and specific circumstances. joint exercises, the development of capacity- building programs and sharing best practices. 3. The participants undertake to strengthen cooperation to counter the threat from Enhancing cooperation to strengthen counter- terrorism and violent extremism through the terrorism laws and legal frameworks and following actions, as appropriate: capacity within the law enforcement, judicial and prisons sectors, including through entities such as the Jakarta Centre for Law Enhancing cooperation, liaison, dialogue Enforcement Cooperation and the Southeast and the exchange of information among their Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism. intelligence, law enforcement, security, border management, defence and other relevant agencies to strengthen counter-terrorism Providing assistance and bolstering cross- regimes and develop practical and effective border cooperation in the areas of transport responses to the terrorist threat. security and border management, including document and identity fraud, to help identify terrorist suspects and their supporters and to Encouraging stronger cooperative and disrupt and deter the flow of foreign terrorist consultative arrangements between national fighters as well as terrorism-related funds and counter-terrorism agencies to engender a materials. more coordinated approach to responding to the threat. Strengthening capabilities and readiness to deal with chemical, biological, radiological and Adopting measures such as the sharing of nuclear (CBRN) terrorism, cyber terrorism and information and best practices and public any new forms of terrorism that emerge. outreach to counter violent extremist ideology and propaganda, including the use of the
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Enhancing collaboration in regional and Pholsena, Minister of Industry and Commerce international fora and implementing the of Lao PDR and H.E. Chrystia Freeland, the measures contained in the ARF Cooperation Canadian Minister of International Trade. Framework on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime and counter-terrorism 2. Canada commended the establishment of the related commitments agreed in other regional ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015 and multilateral fora, including the United as a major milestone in regional economic Nations. integration. Canada also welcomed the new AEC Blueprint 2025, which envisages an AEC Adhering to relevant United Nations Security by 2025 that is highly integrated and cohesive; Council resolutions and declarations on competitive, innovative and dynamic; international terrorism, particularly resolutions with enhanced connectivity and sectoral 1267, 1269, 1373, 1390, 1455, 1456, 1989, cooperation; a more resilient, inclusive, and 2170, 2178, 2195, 2199, 2253, and other UN people-oriented, people-centered community; resolutions and declarations on international and integrated with the global economy. terrorism. 3. The Meeting welcomed the establishment of Exploring on a mutual basis additional areas Canada’s Mission to ASEAN in Jakarta and of practical cooperation to further strengthen the appointment of Canada’s first dedicated the region’s response to emerging threats Ambassador to ASEAN in January 2016, as from terrorism and violent extremism. well as the opening of Canadian diplomatic offices in the Lao PDR and Cambodia. IMPLEMENTATION The Ministers strongly believe that these developments will contribute greatly to 4. The participants are encouraged to become ASEAN-Canada relations. parties to all 19 of the United Nations conventions and protocols relating to 4. The Ministers noted the strong performance terrorism. of ASEAN-Canada bilateral trade and investment for 2015. According to Canadian 5. The participants are each called upon to make statistics, two-way merchandise trade full use of existing cooperation arrangements has grown significantly, up 13.8 per cent or, if necessary, establish new mechanisms, to CAD $21.4 billion in 2015. As a group, to strengthen cooperation and collaboration ASEAN ranked as Canada’s sixth largest among agencies involved in tackling terrorism merchandise trading partner. Meanwhile, the and violent extremism to give effect to the stock of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from objectives of this Declaration. Canada to ASEAN amounted to over CAD $10 billion at the end of 2015, and the stock *** of foreign direct investment from ASEAN into Canada exceeded CAD $1 billion. This ASEAN – Canada positive performance will benefit both Canada and ASEAN. th Joint Media Statement of the 5 5. The Ministers welcomed the progress of AEM-Canada Consultations the 2016-2020 Work Plan to Implement the ASEAN-Canada Joint Declaration on Trade and Investment (JDTI), which aims to stimulate Vientiane, Lao PDR, 4 August 2016 increased trade and investment through strengthening dialogue and supporting private sector initiatives. 1. Economic Ministers from the ten ASEAN Member States and the Canadian Minister of International Trade met on 4 August 2016 6. To support the continued advancement in Vientiane, Lao PDR, for the Fifth AEM – of the Work Plan, and to further deepen Canada Consultations. The Consultations collaboration, the Ministers agreed to were co-chaired by H.E. Mrs Khemmani establish an annual ASEAN-Canada Trade Policy Dialogue that will cover trade policy areas of mutual interest. The Ministers further
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agreed to task the senior officials to prepare Enggartiasto Lukita, Minister of Trade, Indonesia; draft terms of reference of a feasibility study H.E. Mrs Khemmani Pholsena, Minister of Industry on a potential ASEAN-Canada Free Trade and Commerce, Lao PDR; H.E. Dato’ Sri Mustapa Agreement. Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia; H.E. Kyaw Win, Union Minister 7. The ASEAN Ministers expressed appreciation of Planning and Finance, Myanmar; H.E. Ramon for Canada’s continued support of ASEAN’s M. Lopez, Secretary of Trade and Industry, the post-2015 agenda. In particular, they noted Philippines; H.E. Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade the launch of new Canadian programming to and Industry (Trade), Singapore; H.E. Apiradi foster progressive trade in ASEAN, valued at Tantraporn, Minister of Commerce, Thailand; H.E. CAD $13.6 million. These projects will focus Tran Tuan Anh, Minister of Industry and Trade, Viet on small and medium enterprises growth and Nam; and H.E. Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General more inclusive and equitable global value of ASEAN. chains in the region. Additional ongoing *** Canadian programming in support of the ASEAN Economic Community is valued at CAD $11 million in the areas of infrastructure, Overview of ASEAN-Canada SMEs, agriculture and financial regulation. Dialogue Relations The Ministers also noted the priority that the new Government of Canada has placed on clean economic growth and climate change. 1. The first formal meeting between ASEAN and Canada was held in February 1977. 8. The Ministers noted Canada’s desire to At the Meeting, the Canadian Secretary expand its regional engagement by joining of State for External Affairs informed the the East Asia Summit (EAS) at the earliest Chair of the ASEAN Standing Committee of opportunity. Canada’s proposal to extend a programme of development assistance to ASEAN. This 9. During the dialogue with the Canada-ASEAN commitment was later formalised in 1981 with Business Council (CABC), the Ministers the signing of the ASEAN-Canada Economic commended the Council for its contribution Cooperation Agreement (ACECA), which to promoting ASEAN-Canada trade and came into force on 1 June 1982. investment, and noted that the 3rd Canada- ASEAN Business Forum under the theme of 2. The ACECA provided for industrial and “Partnering for Growth in ASEAN” will be held commercial cooperation in addition to in September 2016 in Jakarta, Indonesia. The technical cooperation. It also established Ministers encouraged the CABC to continue the ASEAN-Canada Joint Cooperation its active role in promoting Canadian business Committee to promote and review the engagement in the region. various cooperation activities envisaged between ASEAN and Canada. In July 1993, 10. As 2017 marks the 40th Anniversary of a revised ACECA was signed, incorporating ASEAN-Canada Dialogue relations, the new areas of cooperation, including science Ministers agreed to utilize the momentum to and technology and environment policy elevate our partnership to new heights by networking, institution-building, organisational strengthening our engagement, expanding and management development programmes economic partnership, and identifying new and efforts to stimulate private sector areas of potential cooperation. activities, market development and bilateral business cooperation, among others. LIST OF MINISTERS 3. While the initial focus of the relationship was The Hon. Pehin Dato Lim Jock Seng, Minister at on development cooperation, it has now been the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of expanded to cover a wide spectrum of areas Foreign Affairs and Trade, Brunei Darussalam; H.E. under political – security, economic and socio- Pan Sorasak, Minister of Commerce, Cambodia; cultural cooperation. Cooperation has been H.E. Chrystia Freeland, Minister of International undertaken through the framework of the Plan Trade, Canada; Mr Iman Pambagyo, Director- General of International Trade Negotiations, Ministry of Trade, Indonesia (representing H.E.
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of Action (POA) to Implement the ASEAN- to ASEAN (CPR), organised a ceremony on Canada Enhanced Partnership (2010-2015) 20 January 2012 at the ASEAN Secretariat. and its successor POA (2016 – 2020). Other commemorative
4. High-level contacts between ASEAN and 8. ceremonies of the Dialogue Partnership were Canada have also been established and also held in other ASEAN capitals throughout institutionalised through different mechanisms, the year, including during the visit of Prime including the ASEAN PMC+1 Session with Minister Stephen Harper to Thailand in March Canada, the ASEAN-Canada Dialogue, 2012. the ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting (AEM)-Canada Consultation, the Senior Security Cooperation Economic Officials Meeting (SEOM)-Canada Consultation, and the ASEAN-Canada Senior 9. Canada is one of the founding participants Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime of ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) since (SOMTC). 1994, Canada has actively participated in activities and supported the work of the POLITICAL-SECURITY COOPERATION ARF in confidence building and preventive diplomacy, as well as in addressing traditional Establishment of Canada’s Dedicated Mission and non-traditional security threats such as to ASEAN transnational crime including terrorism and violent extremism, non-proliferation and 5. In February 2009, Canada appointed H.E. disarmament, peacekeeping, cyber security, John T. Holmes as its first Ambassador to and maritime security, among others. In 2014- ASEAN, who was concurrently accredited to 2017, Canada is co-chairing the ARF Inter- the Republic of Indonesia and the Democratic Sessional Meeting on Non – Proliferation and Republic of Timor Leste. H.E. Donald Bobiash Disarmament (ISM on NPD) together with succeeded H.E. John T. Holmes to assume this Malaysia and New Zealand. position on 2 May 2013 until he relinquished his post as Canadian Ambassador to ASEAN 10. ASEAN and Canada signed a Joint on 23 March 2016. Declaration for Cooperation to Combat International Terrorism in Kuala Lumpur 6. As part of its commitment to strengthen in July 2006. This Declaration has been the relationship with ASEAN, Canada has implemented through various activities that established a dedicated Canada’s Mission both sides have undertaken under the ARF to ASEAN, headed by H.E. Marie-Louise and Canada-ASEAN SOMTC frameworks. Hannan, the first dedicated Ambassador of Canada has also provided support for ASEAN Canada to ASEAN. H.E. Hannan presented in this area through projects such as the her credentials to the Secretary-General of “Improving Counter-Terrorism Investigations ASEAN in March 2016. and International Collaboration in ASEAN Member States” (2014-2015) and “Improving 35th Anniversary of ASEAN-Canada Dialogue ASEAN Preparedness to Address Emerging Partnership Terrorist Threats” (2015).
7. In 2012, ASEAN and Canada celebrated 35 11. ASEAN and Canada have also collaborated in years of their friendship and cooperation. addressing other security issues arising from The Foreign Ministers of both sides endorsed greater connectivity, such as through the new a list of activities to commemorate this 35th initiative on “ASEAN CLMV Borders Security Anniversary of ASEAN-Canada Dialogue Support (2015-2016) and the “Mitigation Relations at the ASEAN PMC+1 Session of Biological Threats in ASEAN Countries” with Canada in July 2011 in Bali, Indonesia. project (2014-2017). Subsequently, the Canadian Embassy, in coordination with the ASEAN Secretariat and the Committee of Permanent Representatives
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ECONOMIC COOPERATION 16. The first-ever AEM Roadshow to Canada was held on 2-5 June 2014, during which the Trade, Investment, and Tourism Statistics ASEAN delegates learned from Canada’s achievements, experiences and expertise 12. Economic relations between ASEAN and in a wide range of areas, including in Canada have grown and expanded positively energy, transportation, finance, public- through the years. According to ASEAN private partnership (PPP) and promotion of statistics, trade between ASEAN and Canada innovation. The Roadshow also provides grew at an annual average rate of 21.0% great opportunities for ASEAN to promote between 2005 and 2008, before dipping by the ASEAN Economic Community as a 15.8% in 2009 due to the global financial recommended destination for Canada’s trade crisis and economic downturn. In 2014, total and investment. two-way trade between ASEAN and Canada was estimated at US$13.2 billion. With a Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC) share of 0.5% of ASEAN’s total trade, Canada remains as the ninth largest trading partner of 17. The Canada-ASEAN Business Council ASEAN.1 (CABC) was established at the First AEM- Canada Consultation on 31 August 2012. The 13. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from Canada CABC aims to promote business opportunities to ASEAN is registered at US$1.3 billion, and build business networks between the two making Canada the seventh largest source of sides. The CABC has conducted a number FDI of ASEAN.2 of activities to increase Canadian private sector’s engagement with ASEAN, including 14. Canada was the ninth largest tourism source the two Canada-ASEAN Business Forums market of ASEAN in 2014, with a total of held in Singapore in October 2013, and in 804,000 tourist arrivals.3 Bangkok in March 2014, respectively. As the CABC develops its partnership with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, it has Joint Declaration between ASEAN and Canada also been expanding linkages with other on Trade and Investment ASEAN-wide business associations and participating in the annual ASEAN Business 15. Following the adoption of “The Joint and Investment Summit. Declaration between ASEAN and Canada on Trade and Investment” on 2 October 2011 in Energy Cooperation Jakarta, Indonesia, the First AEM-Canada Consultation adopted “The 2012-2015 Work Plan to Implement the ASEAN-Canada 18. ASEAN and Canada are also working to Trade and Investment Joint Declaration” on strengthen cooperation in energy, including 31 August 2012 in Siem Reap, Cambodia. through the development of renewable and The Work Plan seeks to bolster commercial alternative energy sources and the promotion relations and enhance economic cooperation of clean energy technology. Canada and between ASEAN and Canada, focusing on Singapore successfully co-organised an three areas, namely: i) enhancing senior- ASEAN-Canada Renewable Energy Seminar level dialogue on trade and investment; ii) during the Singapore International Energy promoting increased trade and investment Week in October 2014. between ASEAN and Canada; and iii) increasing private sector’s involvement in promoting trade and investment. The successor Work Plan (2016-2020), which was adopted by the Ministers at the 4th AEM- Canada Consultations on 25 August 2015 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is currently being implemented.
1ASEAN Trade Database as of 21 October 2015. 2ASEAN FDI Database as of 21 October 2015. 3ASEAN Tourism Database as of 30 September 2015.
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Agricultural Cooperation and the Grow Asia 23. Canada has also been an active supporter Initiative (2015-2018) of ASEAN’s efforts in promoting the rights of women, children and migrant workers 19. Canada is also supporting ASEAN in promoting through various completed and on – going inclusive and sustainable agriculture through projects, including: i) Improving Women’s the Grow Asia Initiative, in collaboration with Human Rights in Southeast Asia (2011- the World Economic Forum (WEF), with 2016) via UN Women; ii) ASEAN Women’s a funding commitment of CAD$4.5 million Dialogue: Enhancing the Role of Women for the period of 2015-2018. This is a multi- in the Working System of Governance; iii) stakeholder project that involves the private Regional Mechanisms to Protect the Human sector in specific value chains collaboration Rights of Women and Girls in Southeast Asia in line with ASEAN’s food security objectives. (2010-2014); and (iv) Tripartite Action for the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of SOCIO-CULTURAL COOPERATION Migrant Workers (TRIANGLE) Project (2012- 2016). 20. Canada has contributed to the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement CONNECTIVITY on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER). It supported the 24. Apart from cooperation in support of the three ASEAN Secretariat in the people-centred pillars of the ASEAN Community, Canada development of a five-year Work Programme has also provided support for ASEAN in for AADMER. Canada has also launched enhancing its connectivity through the a CAD$10 million Integrated Disaster Risk “Asian Infrastructure Centre of Excellence”, Reduction Management Trust Fund to reduce in collaboration with Singapore and the the impact of disasters through technical Asian Development Bank (ADB). Canada assistance. and Singapore co-organised a Connectivity Seminar in March 2013, to which all ASEAN 21. On climate change, Canada is supporting a Member States were invited. Another ASEAN- project on “International Research Initiative on Canada Seminar on “Enhancing Connectivity Adaptation to Climate Change”. The project, through Public-Private Partnership” was held which was initiated in 2011 for a period of on 10 April 2014 at the ASEAN Secretariat. 72 months, focuses on Coastal Cities at Risk (CCaR) and is designed to develop the DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION knowledge base and enhance the capacity of mega-cities in Canada and Southeast Asia 25. ASEAN-Canada development cooperation to successfully adapt to and cope with risks has been undertaken in various areas under posed by the effects of climate change. the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN – Canada Enhanced 22. On health and pandemic preparedness and Partnership (2010-2015) and its successor response, Canada provided support to the POA (2016-2020). The annual ASEAN- CAREID project (2008-2012) to reduce the Canada Joint Cooperation Committee threat of emerging infectious diseases (EID) (ASEAN-Canada JCC) reviews and facilitates such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome the progress of the POA implementation. (SARS) and avian influenza to human security, regional stability, and sustainable 26. The ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership development in Southeast Asia. Under the Programme (ACEPP) was established in ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership April 2013 with the total funding commitment Programme (ACEPP), Canada is providing of CAD$10 million to support the POA a CAD$6-million project on “Mitigation of implementation for the period of 2013-2015. Biological Threats in ASEAN Countries Three projects have been identified under this (2014-2017) to accelerate the implementation Programme, namely: i) Mitigation of Biological of the work plans of the ASEAN Expert Threats in ASEAN Countries (2014-2017); ii) Group on Communicable Diseases (AEGCD) Improving Counter-Terrorism Investigations and ASEAN Working Group on Pandemic and International Collaboration in ASEAN Preparedness Response (AWGPPR). Member States (2014-2015); and iii) Toronto Centre Project on Financial Regulations.
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27. At the 12th ASEAN-Canada Dialogue held on AEC Blueprint 2025, which envisages an AEC 10 May 2015 in Vancouver, Canada informed by 2025 that is highly integrated and cohesive; the Meeting of its plan to re-bundle its regional competitive, innovative and dynamic; development cooperation programmes and with enhanced connectivity and sectoral make them more ASEAN-focused. Both sides cooperation; a more resilient, inclusive, and are also working to enhance the efficiency of people-oriented, people-centered community; funding and monitoring mechanisms of joint and integrated with the global economy. projects. 3. The Ministers noted the importance of 28. Canada has provided a CAD$1.3 million coordination on economic and trade information management software named cooperation in the past 25 years since the “ASEAN Online”, a product of OpenText establishment of the ASEAN-China Dialogue Canada, to the ASEAN Secretariat to Relations. Reconising the significance of enhance its information management and trade and investment between ASEAN and documentation work. The ASEAN Online China, the Ministers believe that it is timely to was launched at the Second ASEAN-Canada strengthen ASEAN-China trade and economic JCC held on 10 April 2014 at the ASEAN cooperation, therefore the ASEAN Economic Secretariat and ended the service in April Ministers take note with appreciation toward 2016. China’s Proposals. The Ministers noted the performance of ASEAN-China bilateral trade 29. At 4th ASEAN-Canada JCC held on 16 May and investment, and were pleased that, 2016 at ASEAN Secretariat, Canada updated despite the uncertainty in the global economy, the Meeting on the 16 ASEAN-Canada China maintained its position as ASEAN’s ongoing projects, including the 15 projects largest trading partner. ASEAN total trade that have been completed. At this JCC, both with China reached USD 346.4 billion in 2015, sides exchanged views on how to substantiate accounting for 15.2 per cent of ASEAN’s total the partnership in years to come, particularly trade. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows as ASEAN and Canada will celebrate the 40th from China to ASEAN amounted to USD 8.2 anniversary of their dialogue relations in 2017. billion in 2015, placing China as ASEAN’s fourth largest source of FDI. According to *** China’s statistics, trade between China and ASEAN increased 18.5 per cent on average ASEAN – China in the past 25 years from 1991 to 2015. Trade volume between China and ASEAN was USD 472.16 billion by 2015, equal to 11.9 per cent Joint Media Statement of the 15th of China’s total trade. Direct investment from China to ASEAN reached USD 9.45 billion AEM-MOFCOM Consultations with a year-on-year increase of 60.8 per cent.
Vientiane, Lao PDR, 4 August 2016 4. The Ministers welcomed the entry into force of the Protocol to Amend the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic 1. Economic Ministers from the ten ASEAN Cooperation and Certain Agreements (ACFTA Member States and Minister of Commerce Upgrading Protocol) between ASEAN and of China met on 4 August 2016 in Vientiane, China on 1 July 2016. The Ministers looked Lao PDR for the Fifteenth AEM-MOFCOM forward to the implementation of the ACFTA Consultations. The Consultations were co- Upgrading Protocol, which aims to enhance chaired by H.E. Mrs Khemmani Pholsena, trade and economic relations between ASEAN Minister of Industry and Commerce of Lao and China. The Ministers also tasked the PDR and H.E. Gao Hucheng, Minister of officials to continue deliberations in mapping Commerce of China. out the detailed work plan of for the further liberalization of trade in goods, improvement 2. China commended the establishment of the of product specific rules, and approaches to ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015 investment liberalisation and protection. as a major milestone in regional economic integration. China also welcomed the new
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5. The Ministers agreed to recommend the Joint Media Statement of the adoption of a Joint Statement between st ASEAN and China on Production Capacity 1 AEM-Hong Kong, China Cooperation as a deliverable of the ASEAN- Consultations China Commemorative Summit for the 25th Anniversary of the ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations. The Joint Statement aims at Vientiane, Lao PDR, 6 August 2016 providing opportunities to further strengthen economic and trade relations through the 1. Economic Ministers from the ten ASEAN cooperation on production capacity that will Member States and the Secretary for further boost confidence and engagement of Commerce and Economic Development of businesses from ASEAN Member States and Hong Kong, China (HKC) (“the Ministers”) China. met on 6 August 2016 in Vientiane, Lao PDR for the First AEM-HKC Consultations. The 6. The ASEAN Ministers congratulated China th Consultations were co-chaired by H.E. Mrs for the successful conclusion of the 12 Khemmani Pholsena, Minister of Industry China-ASEAN Expo 2015 held in Nanning, and Commerce of Lao PDR and Mr Gregory Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on So Kam-leung, Secretary for Commerce and 18–21 September 2015. This annual event Economic Development of HKC. showcased the various economic initiatives being pursued by both ASEAN and China, 2. HKC commended the establishment of the including the ACFTA, and the opportunities ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in arising from these initiatives. The Ministers 2015 as a major milestone in progressing the looked forward to the 13th China-ASEAN region’s integration and bringing this to greater Expo to be held in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang heights, and considered the prospective Autonomous Region on 11–14 September conclusion of the ASEAN-HKC Free Trade 2016. Agreement (AHKFTA) in 2016 to be another major development in the same direction. The LIST OF MINISTERS Ministers welcomed the new AEC Blueprint 2025, which envisages an AEC by 2025 that The Hon. Pehin Dato Lim Jock Seng, Minister at is highly integrated and cohesive; competitive, the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of innovative and dynamic; with enhanced Foreign Affairs and Trade, Brunei Darussalam; H.E. connectivity and sectoral cooperation; a Pan Sorasak, Minister of Commerce, Cambodia; more resilient, inclusive, and people-oriented, H.E. Gao Hucheng, Minister of Commerce, people-centred community; and integrated China; Mr Iman Pambagyo, Director General of with the global economy. International Trade Negotiations, Ministry of Trade, Indonesia (representing H.E. Enggartiasto Lukita, 3. The Ministers were pleased to note the Minister of Trade, Indonesia); H.E. Mrs Khemmani performance of ASEAN-HKC bilateral trade Pholsena, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Lao and investment in 2015. According to ASEAN PDR; H.E. Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister statistics, total merchandise trade between of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia; H.E. ASEAN and HKC reached USD 90 billion, Kyaw Win, Union Minister of Planning and Finance, and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows Myanmar; H.E. Ramon M. Lopez, Secretary of from HKC amounted to USD 3.4 billion. Trade and Industry, the Philippines; H.E. Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade), 4. The Ministers noted that a free trade Singapore; H.E. Apiradi Tantraporn, Minister agreement between ASEAN and HKC would of Commerce, Thailand; H.E. Tran Tuan Anh, strengthen the close economic ties between Minister of Industry and Trade, Viet Nam; and H.E. the two sides. The ASEAN Ministers also Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General of ASEAN. expressed their appreciation to HKC for its commitment to undertake economic and ***
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technical cooperation programme to support Chairman’s Statement of the the implementation of the ASEAN-HKC Free th Trade Agreement (AHKFTA) upon its entry 19 ASEAN-China Summit into force. to Commemorate the 25th Anniversary of ASEAN-China 5. The Ministers welcomed the steady progress of the negotiations and look forward to the Dialogue Relations timely conclusion of a mutually beneficial AHKFTA by 2016. With broader liberalisation Vi e n t i a n e , L a o P D R , and deeper integration, the AHKFTA would help generate more business opportunities 7 September 2016 and stimulate further economic growth in the region. “Turning Vision Into Reality for a Dynamic ASEAN Community” LIST OF MINISTERS 1. The 19th ASEAN-China Summit to H.E Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi, Permanent Commemorate the 25th Anniversary of Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, ASEAN – China Dialogue Relations was held Brunei Darussalam (representing the Hon. on 7 September 2016 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Pehin Dato Lim Jock Seng, Minister at the Prime The Summit was chaired by H.E. Thongloun Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Foreign SISOULITH, Prime Minister of the Lao DPR. Affairs and Trade, Brunei Darussalam); H.E Pan The Summit was attended by all Heads of Sorasak, Minister of Commerce, Cambodia; Mr State/Government of the Member States of Gregory So Kam-leung, Secretary for Commerce the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Economic Development, Hong Kong, (ASEAN) and H.E. Li Keqiang, Premier of China; Mr Iman Pambagyo, Director General of the State Council of the People’s Republic of International Trade Negotiations, Ministry of Trade, China. The Secretary – General of ASEAN Indonesia (representing H.E. Enggartiasto Lukita, was also in attendance. Minister of Trade, Indonesia); H.E. Mrs Khemmani Pholsena, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Lao 2. We acknowledged that ASEAN-China PDR; H.E. Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister relations are among the most substantial of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia; H.E. and dynamic, bringing mutual benefit and Kyaw Win, Union Minister of Planning and Finance, contributing to peace, stability and prosperity Myanmar; H.E. Ramon M. Lopez, Secretary of in the region. In this context, the ASEAN Trade and Industry, the Philippines; Mr Loh Khum Leaders appreciated China’s commitment to Yean, Permanent Secretary for Trade and Industry, support ASEAN Community-building toward Singapore (representing H.E. Lim Hng Kiang, the realization of the visions and goals set Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade), Singapore); forth in the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 H.E. Apiradi Tantraporn, Minister of Commerce, as well as China’s continued support for Thailand; H.E. Nguyen Cam Tu, Deputy Minister ASEAN Centrality in the evolving regional of Industry and Trade, Viet Nam (representing H.E. architecture through ASEAN-led processes, Tran Tuan Anh, Minister of Industry and Trade, Viet namely the ASEAN Plus Three, the East Nam); H.E. Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General of Asia Summit, the ASEAN Regional Forum, ASEAN. and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. *** 3. We welcomed the significant progress of ASEAN-China cooperation made over the past twenty – five years and welcomed the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of ASEAN- China Dialogue Relations and appreciated the series of commemorative activities held by the two sides to jointly celebrate the auspicious occasion. We adopted the Joint Statement of the 19th ASEAN-China Summit to Commemorate the 25th Anniversary of ASEAN-
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China Dialogue Relations which reaffirms our goals of two-way trade and investment of USD collective commitment in further strengthening 1 trillion and USD 150 billion respectively by the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership. We 2020. welcomed the significant progress achieved in the implementation of the Plan of Action to 9. We noted the intensification of the Regional implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN Comprehensive Economic Partnership – China Strategic Partnership for Peace and (RCEP) negotiations. Noting the immense Prosperity for the period 2016-2020 which potential of the RCEP to foster global and would further strengthen the deep and broad- regional trade and growth, we urged our based cooperation for closer ASEAN – China experts to redouble efforts toward achieving relations. a modern, comprehensive, high-quality and mutually beneficial economic partnership 4. The ASEAN Leaders noted China’s initiatives agreement. such as the “Belt and Road” and the 2+7 Cooperation Framework for further enhancing 10. We are pleased to adopt Joint Statement ASEAN-China relations, and looked forward between ASEAN and China on Production to working closely with China to enhance Capacity Cooperation and convinced that it cooperation on the basis of equality, mutual will provide opportunities to further strengthen respect, benefit and consensus. economic and trade relations, including competitiveness of the Micro, Small and 5. We reaffirmed our commitment to enhancing Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the supply cooperation in the field of non – traditional chains, which will further boost confidence security issues such as combating terrorism and engagement of businesses from ASEAN and extremism; illicit drug trafficking; illegal, Member States and China. unreported, and unregulated fishing; trafficking in persons and cybercrime. The 11. We take note of the upcoming 5th ASEAN China ASEAN Leaders also noted China’s continued Ministerial Meeting on Quality Supervision, support in enhancing law enforcement Inspection and Quarantine Cooperation cooperation through various initiatives and which will be held on 10 September 2016 in activities. Nanning, China. We wished the meeting could come up with recommendations to implement 6. We expressed our commitment to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) strengthening security and defence between the Governments of the Member cooperation through existing frameworks and States of the Association of Southeast Asian mechanisms such as the ASEAN Defence Nations and the Government of the People’s Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus). Republic of China on Strengthening Sanitary and Phytosanitary Cooperation to further 7. We were pleased to note that ASEAN-China realize the application of SPS measures economic relations have maintained their so as to enhance the export and import of strong momentum. China continued to be agriculture products between the two sides. ASEAN’s largest trading partner, with total bilateral trade at USD 346.4 billion in 2015. 12. We noted with appreciation the continuing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows from efforts to sustain the various initiatives China to ASEAN amounted to USD 8.2 billion identified in the China-ASEAN Science and in 2015, positioning China as ASEAN’s fourth Technology Partnership Program (STEP) that largest source of FDI. was launched in 2012. We recognized the contribution of the China-ASEAN Technology 8. We welcomed the entry into force of the Transfer Center in facilitating information Protocol to Amend the Framework Agreement sharing, resource matchmaking and other on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation related services to encourage collaboration and Certain Agreements thereunder between between ASEAN and Chinese enterprises ASEAN and China, for China and Viet Nam and science parks. We look forward to the th on 1 July 2016. We looked forward to the successful conduct of the 4 Forum on concrete outcomes of the negotiations on the China-ASEAN Technology Transfer and th Future Work Programme of the Protocol to Collaborative Innovation during the 13 contribute to the efforts in achieving the twin
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China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) which will be emergency preparedness, risk reduction, held on 11-14 September 2016 in Nanning, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, Guangxi, China. reconstruction and rehabilitation, while taking into account the existing ASEAN agreements 13. The ASEAN Leaders appreciated China’s and mechanisms. We encouraged China’s continued support for enhancing connectivity support for the realisation of the ASEAN within ASEAN and the region, through Declaration on One ASEAN, One Response: supporting the implementation of the Master ASEAN Responding to Disaster as One in the Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025. We region and outside the region. looked forward to the active involvement and contribution of the Asian Infrastructure 18. We also agreed to strengthen practical Investment Bank (AIIB) in promoting cooperation on environmental protection, enhanced ASEAN and regional connectivity. climate change, health, sustainable natural We were further determined to maximise resource management, and improve access the utilisation of existing mechanism and to clean air, water and sanitation, while taking committed resources as well as to explore into account the existing ASEAN agreements cooperation to enhance connectivity between and mechanisms. In this regard, we welcomed ASEAN and China. the adoption of the ASEAN-China Strategy on Environmental Cooperation (2016-2020) 14. We reiterated our commitment to further and looked forward to the ASEAN-China intensify cooperation in narrowing the Environmental Cooperation Action Plan development gap between and among (2016-2020) to be formulated on this basis to ASEAN Member States. In this connection, push forward practical cooperation in relevant we welcomed the successful convening of the fields. 1st Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting in Sanya, China, on 23 March 2016. 19. We acknowledged the role of the ASEAN- The ASEAN Leaders’ looked forward to China Centre in facilitating trade, investment, China’s support towards the implementation tourism, education and cultural exchange of the IAI Work Plan III (2016-2020). between ASEAN and China. In this connection, we looked forward to the conclusion of the 15. We welcomed the successful convening revised MOU on the establishment of the of the 9th ASEAN-China Education ASEAN-China Centre. Cooperation Week and the 2nd China-ASEAN Education Ministers Roundtable Meeting to 20. We underlined the importance of maintaining commemorate the 25th anniversary of ASEAN- peace, stability, security and freedom of China Dialogue Relations and as part of the navigation in, and overflight above, the South ASEAN-China Year of Educational Exchange China Sea. We welcomed the recent adoption on 2 August 2016. of the Joint Statement by the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN Member States and China on the 16. We noted that the endorsed Plan of Action Full and Effective Implementation of the of the ASEAN-China Memorandum of Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in Understanding on Health Cooperation would the South China Sea (DOC) We stressed complement the implementation of ASEAN the importance of the full and effective Post 2015 Health Development Agenda for implementation of the DOC in its entirety. 2016 to 2020. Priority areas of collaboration included cooperation on prevention and 21. We adopted the Joint Statement on the control of communicable diseases; public Application of the Code for Unplanned health emergency response mechanism Encounters at Sea (CUES) in the South and capacity for mitigating health impacts China Sea, and the Guidelines for Hotline of natural disasters; prevention and control Communications among Senior Officials of of non-communicable diseases; human the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of ASEAN resource development for health; and, Member States and China in Response to traditional medicine development. Maritime Emergencies in the Implementation of the DOC. We welcomed the elements 17. We agreed to strengthen practical cooperation of completing the implementation of Early on disaster management, which includes Harvest Measures by the end of 2016,
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finishing the consultation on the COC outline Reaffirming that the principles, shared values in the first half 2017 under circumstances and norms enshrined in the Charter of the United without disturbances and fast tracking Nations, the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of COC consultations as contained in China’s Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), proposed Four Visions on the Code of the Bali Declaration on ASEAN Community in Conduct (COC) consultations. We welcomed a Global Community of Nations (Bali Concord the designation of 2017 as the ASEAN-China III), the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, Year of Tourism Cooperation and looked and the East Asia Summit (EAS) Declaration on forward to enhance cooperation and activities the Principles for Mutually Beneficial Relations with a view to boosting two-way tourist visits (Bali Principles) as well as universally recognised and promoting greater people-to-people principles of international law, will continue to guide exchanges between ASEAN and China. ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations and friendly cooperation; *** Reaffirming our mutual respect for each other’s th Joint Statement of the 19 independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity ASEAN-China Summit to in accordance with international law and the th principle of non – interference in the internal affairs Commemorate the 25 of other states; and our commitment to promote Anniversary of ASEAN-China peace and stability in the region;
Dialogue Relations Reaffirming that the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) is a Vi e n t i a n e , L a o P D R , milestone document that embodies the collective 7 September 2016 commitment of the Parties to promote peace, stability, mutual trust and confidence in the region, in accordance with the UN Charter and universally Towards a Closer ASEAN-China Strategic recognised principles of international law, including Partnership the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); We, the Heads of State/Government of the Member States of the Association of Southeast Welcoming a series of commemorative activities Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the People’s Republic to mark the 25th Anniversary of ASEAN-China of China, gathered on 7 September 2016 in Dialogue Relations and jointly celebrate the Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, at auspicious occasion; the 19th ASEAN – China Summit to Commemorate th the 25 Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Hereby agree on the following: Relations; 1. We are committed to enhancing the ASEAN- Recalling with satisfaction the growth of ASEAN- China Strategic Partnership for mutual China Dialogue Relations over the past 25 years benefit, including through the full and effective and our wide-ranging cooperation; implementation of the 2016-2020 Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on Recognising that ASEAN-China ties are among the ASEAN – China Strategic Partnership for the most substantial and dynamic, bring mutual Peace and Prosperity. benefits, and contribute to regional peace, stability and prosperity; 2. China welcomes the establishment of the ASEAN Community, and reaffirms its Reaffirming the importance of China’s support for continued support for ASEAN’s integration ASEAN integration as well as ASEAN’s efforts in process and ASEAN Centrality in the evolving realising ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together, regional architecture. China also welcomes including through narrowing the development the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN in 2017. gap and enhancing ASEAN Connectivity, as well as maintaining ASEAN Centrality in the evolving 3. ASEAN reaffirms that China’s development regional architecture; is an important opportunity for the region, and supports China’s pursuit of peaceful
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development. ASEAN notes China’s 7. We are committed to further deepening and initiatives such as the “Belt and Road” and expanding mutually-beneficial economic the 2+7 Cooperation Framework. The ASEAN cooperation, including through the full and countries also reaffirm adherence to one- effective implementation of the ASEAN- China policy. China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) and Protocol to Amend the Framework Agreement on 4. We will continue to strengthen dialogue and Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and cooperation to enhance mutual understanding Certain Agreements thereunder between and friendship, promote defence exchanges ASEAN and China, and working towards and security cooperation to address common the early and successful conclusion of a security issues, including combating modern, comprehensive, high quality and terrorism, transnational threats and other mutually beneficial Regional Comprehensive non-traditional security challenges in pursuit Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement. of regional peace and stability through We also welcome the adoption of the Joint existing frameworks and mechanisms such Statement between ASEAN and China on as the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Production Capacity Cooperation. Plus (ADMM Plus) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and other existing frameworks. 8. We will continue to strengthen cooperation in the area of connectivity that will bring mutual 5. We welcome the adoption of the Joint benefits, including through capacity building Statement of the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN and resource mobilisation for the Master Member States and China on the Full and Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 (MPAC Effective Implementation of the DOC on 25 2025), exploring ways to improve connectivity July 2016 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. We reaffirm between both sides by synergising common our respect for and commitment to the freedom priorities identified in the MPAC 2025 and of navigation in and overflight above the South China’s “Belt and Road” initiative, and China Sea as provided for by the universally encourage the active involvement of relevant recognised principles of international law, multilateral financial institutions. including the 1982 UNCLOS; and undertake to resolve the territorial and jurisdictional 9. We are satisfied with the activities under the disputes by peaceful means, without resorting ASEAN-China Year of Educational Exchange, to the threat or use of force, through friendly including the successful convening of the 9th consultations and negotiations by sovereign ASEAN-China Education Cooperation Week states directly concerned, in accordance and the 2nd ASEAN-China Education Ministers’ with the universally recognised principles Roundtable Conference, the 2nd ASEAN- of international law, including the 1982 China Youth Exchange Visit: Education UNCLOS. We also undertake to exercise self- and Leadership, and are ready to expand restraint in the conduct of activities that would educational exchanges and cooperation. complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability. 10. We welcome the designation of 2017 as the ASEAN-China Year of Tourism Cooperation, 6. We remain committed to the full and effective and look forward to enhancing cooperation implementation of the DOC in its entirety and activities between ASEAN and China and working substantively towards the early with a view to boosting two-way tourist visits. adoption of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) based on consensus. 11. We will continue to strengthen cooperation We also welcome the establishment of the in environmental protection, sustainable Guidelines for Hotline Communications among development and management of land and Senior Officials of the Ministries of Foreign water resources, biodiversity conservation as Affairs of ASEAN Member States and China well as address transboundary challenges; in Response to Maritime Emergencies in the and strengthen dialogue and cooperation in Implementation of the DOC, and the adoption the international climate change and other of a Joint Statement on the Application of environment-related negotiations. the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES) in the South China Sea.
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12. We reiterate our commitment to support the fundamental interests of ASEAN Member and assist ASEAN’s efforts to narrow the States and China (“the Parties”) as well as the development gap between and among international community; ASEAN Member States including through the implementation of the Initiative for ASEAN Recognising that Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Integration (IAI) Work Plan III. Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam and China are parties to the 13. We welcome the successful convening of the Convention on the International Regulations for 1st Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Leaders’ Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGs); Meeting in Sanya, China, on 23 March 2016. We further welcome the strengthening of Recognising that Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, cooperation under existing Mekong sub- Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, regional cooperation mechanisms, such as Viet Nam and China are members of the Western the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC), Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) and have the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) and adopted the Code for Unplanned Encounters at the ASEAN-Mekong Basin Development Sea (CUES); Cooperation (AMBDC) and other relevant sub-regional frameworks to support efforts to Recognising that Laos and Myanmar, though not narrow the development gap in the region. members of the WPNS, affirm the significance of CUES in ensuring maritime safety; 14. We reaffirm our commitment to further intensify regional cooperation in East Asia and Recognising that CUES, as a coordinated means remain engaged in discussions and continue of communication to maximise safety at sea, coordination on an inclusive and rules-based offers a means by which navies may develop regional architecture. mutually rewarding international cooperation and transparency; *** Recalling that WPNS navies that choose to adopt Joint Statement on the CUES for naval cooperation do so on a voluntary Application of the Code for and non-binding basis, and that CUES is also available for implementation by other navies on Unplanned Encounters at Sea in the same basis; Hoping to further deepen mutual the South China Sea trust and cooperation among our navies through the implementation of CUES;
Vi e n t i a n e , L a o P D R , HEREBY declare the following: 7 September 2016 1. We reaffirm our commitment to CUES in order to improve operational safety of naval We, the Heads of State/Government of ASEAN ships and naval aircraft in air and at sea, and Member States and the People’s Republic of ensure mutual trust among all Parties; China met in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic on 7 September 2016. 2. We agree to use the safety and communication procedures for the safety of all our naval ships Reaffirming our commitment to the 2002 and naval aircraft, as set out in CUES, when Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South they encounter each other in the South China China Sea (DOC) and the Joint Statement of the Sea; and Foreign Ministers of ASEAN Member States and China on the Full and Effective Implementation of 3. We affirm that this effort contributes to the DOC, including the importance of the freedom our commitment to maintaining regional of navigation and overflight, as provided for by peace and stability, maximum safety at sea, universally recognised principles of international promoting good neighbourliness and reducing law including the 1982 United Nations Convention risks during mutual unplanned encounters in on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); air and at sea, and strengthening cooperation among navies. Recognising that maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea region serves ***
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Joint Press Statement of the meetings to continue their efforts for the th implementation of the consensus reached 5 China-ASEAN Ministerial during the Ministerial Meeting. Meeting on Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine 4. The Ministers noted the importance of Big Data Platform cooperation to jointly prevent (SPS Cooperation) and control animal and plant diseases as well as Inspection and Quarantine E-Certificate Nanning, China,10 September 2016 cooperation. They attended the Launching Ceremony for Big Data Platform of China- ASEAN Joint Prevention and Control of 1. The 5th China-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting Animal and Plant Diseases as well as the on Quality Supervision, Inspection and Ceremony for granting ASEAN Member Quarantine, with the theme of “Promote States the access key to China’s Inspection China-ASEAN SPS Connectivity, Build Up and Quarantine E-cert System. The Ministers Community of Common Destiny for Quality reaffirmed their commitment to enhance the and Safety”, was held on 10 September 2016 cooperation in the above-mentioned fields. in Nanning, China. The Meeting was attended by Ministers in-charge of SPS-related affairs 5. The Ministers noted with satisfaction the role of the ASEAN Member States and China as that the China-ASEAN SPS Cooperation well as the Secretary General of ASEAN. Website has played in sharing SPS-related The Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Dr. Zhi information and appreciated China’s effort Shuping, Minister of General Administration for the development and maintenance of of Quality Supervision, Inspection and the website. The Ministers encouraged Quarantine (AQSIQ) of the People’s Republic more participation from ASEAN Member of China, and H.E Segfredo R. Serrano, States in information updating and bring this Undersecretary of the Department of information sharing platform into its full play. Agriculture of the Philippines. 6. The Ministers adopted and issued the Joint 2. The Ministers reviewed and welcomed the Statement of the 5th China-ASEAN Ministerial progress made through SPS cooperation Meeting on Quality Supervision, Inspection and the implementation of China-ASEAN and Quarantine (SPS Cooperation), SPS MOU Plan of Action for 2015-2016. urged relevant departments to implement The Ministers emphasized their commitment the various consensus reached in the Joint to deepen their cooperation through the Statement. implementation of SPS MOU Plan of Action for 2017-2018: i) establishment of the information 7. The Ministers attended the Unveilling notification and communication system; ii) Ceremony for China-ASEAN Pilot Zone for exchanges of visits of relevant personnel of Border Trade Inspection and Quarantine. the Parties; iii) conduct of trainings, seminars and other similar activities (in consideration 8. The Ministers agreed that the 6thChina- of narrowing the development gap within ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Quality ASEAN); iv) collaborative research; v) Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (SPS establishment of mechanism for consultation. Cooperation) will be held in 2018.
3. The Ministers noted the successful outcomes 9. The Ministers expressed their appreciation to th of the 5 China-ASEAN SPS Cooperation the Government and People of the People’s rd Contact Points Meeting and the 3 China- Republic of China for their warm hospitality ASEAN SPS Cooperation Technical Working and kind arrangements for the Meeting. Groups Meeting on Food Safety, Animal Inspection and Quarantine and Plant The Meeting was attended by: Inspection and Quarantine, appreciated their contributions in enhancing the SPS communication and coordination among Ms. Hajah Khartini binti Haji Musa, Acting Director Parties, encouraged the above-mentioned of Agriculture and Agrifood, Brunei Darussalam; H.E. Veng Sakhon, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Cambodia; Mrs. Banun Harpini,
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Director General, Indonesia Agricultural Quarantine 3. The Ministers adopted the revised Strategic Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, Indonesia; H.E. Plan for ASEAN-China Transport Cooperation Dr. Phouang Parisak Pravongviengkham, Vice which aligns with ASEAN’s goals and actions Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Lao PDR; in the Kuala Lumpur Transport Strategic Mr. Bong YikJui, Consul General, Malaysia; Plan 2016-2025 and China’s vision of “Belt H.E. Dr. Aung Thu, Union Minister of Agriculture, and Road”. The strategic plan serves as an Livestock and Irrigation, Myanmar; H.E. Segfredo important guide for prioritisation, investment R. Serrano, Undersecretary of the Department of programming and funds mobilisation for Agriculture,Philippines; Ms. Tan Poh Hong, Chief seven key ASEAN-China transport corridors. Executive Officer, Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority, Singapore; H.E. Withaya Pewpong, Vice Minister 4. The Ministers adopted the Development for Agriculture and Cooperatives,Thailand; H.E Strategy for ASEAN-China Transport Scientific Ha Cong Tuan, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and and Technological Cooperation which aims to Rural Development, Viet Nam; H.E Zhi Shuping, promote transport scientific and technological Minister of General Administration of Quality cooperation and exchanges among ASEAN Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ), Member States and China, through research the People’s Republic of China; and H.E. Le Luong and development, standard and specifications, Minh, Secretary General of ASEAN. technological services, exchanges between scientific and technological personnel and *** setting up a research platform.
Joint Ministerial Statement 5. The Ministers were pleased with the entry into of the 15th ASEAN and China force of the ASEAN-China Maritime Transport Agreement and looked forward to its Transport Ministers Meeting implementation which would further advance (15th ATM+CHINA) cooperation and facilitation of international maritime passenger and cargo transportation in order to support regional trade. M a n i l a , P h i l i p p i n e s , 17 November 2016 6. The Ministers commended the progress made in the implementation of the ASEAN – China Air Transport Agreement (ACATA) and 1. The Fifteenth ASEAN and China Transport th its Protocols 1 and 2, and looked forward to Ministers Meeting (15 ATM+China) was held the further liberalisation between ASEAN and on 17 November 2016 in Manila, Philippines. China in support of the ASEAN-China Free The Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Trade Agreement. The Ministers tasked the Arthur P. Tugade, Secretary of Department senior officials and relevant working groups of Transportation of Philippines and H.E. Mr. to look into the possibility of expanding 5th Dai Dongchang, Vice Minister of Transport of freedom traffic rights between points in the People’s Republic of China. The Meeting ASEAN and China in order to further liberalise was preceded by the Fifteenth ASEAN and th the air services regime between ASEAN and China Senior Transport Officials Meeting (15 China. STOM+China) held on 16 November 2016.
th 7. The Ministers also welcomed the progress 2. The Ministers took note of the outcomes of 19 made in several projects/activities including ASEAN-China Summit held on 7 September facilitating ASEAN-China logistics information 2016 in Vientiane, Lao PDR particularly the cooperation, promoting ASEAN – China Leaders’ collective commitment in further cooperation in maritime training and education, strengthening the ASEAN-China Strategic and elevating the level of waterborne safety in Partnership. On China’s initiatives such as this region. the “Belt and Road” and the 2+7 Cooperation Framework for further enhancing ASEAN – 8. The Ministers welcomed new initiatives China relations, the Ministers noted that the in ASEAN-China transport cooperation Leaders looked forward to working closely including strengthening the coordination of with China to enhance cooperation on the top-level development planning, expanding basis of equality, mutual respect, benefit and transport infrastructure network, facilitating consensus.
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sea, land and air transportation, enhancing ASEAN-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia safety and environmental protection on water, on 21 November 2015. and promoting harmonization of standards in accordance with those of the relevant ACKNOWLEDGING the rapid, comprehensive, international organizations where appropriate, and significant progress achieved in ASEAN-China and information exchange. economic relations, and ASEAN Member States and China have become important partners for 9. The Sixteenth ASEAN and China Transport economic cooperation, laying a solid foundation Ministers Meeting will be held in Singapore in for promoting cooperation on production capacity; 2017. RECOGNISING the vital need for infrastructure LIST OF MINISTERS development, and accelerating industrialisation in ASEAN and China, which provide opportunities to H.E. Dato Seri Setia Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, further strengthen economic and trade relations Minister of Communications of Brunei Darussalam; through the cooperation on production capacity H.E. Mr. Sun Chanthol, Senior Minister and Minister that will further boost confidence and engagement of Public Works and Transport of Cambodia; H.E. of businesses from ASEAN Member States and Mr. Dai Dongchang, Vice Minister of Transport of China; China; Mr. Sugihardjo representing H.E. Mr. Budi Karya Sumadi, Minister for Transportation of RECOGNISING that ASEAN and China both Indonesia; H.E. Mr. Viengsavath Siphandone, face challenges in achieving sustainable Vice Minister of Public Works and Transport of economic and social development, the two sides Lao PDR; H.E. Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai, Minister of enjoy great potential for enhancing exchanges Transport of Malaysia; H.E. Mr. Thant Sin Maung, and cooperation, given their complementary Union Minister of Transport and Communications comparative advantages. The two sides would of Myanmar; H.E. Mr. Arthur P. Tugade, Secretary continue to improve and expand their respective of Transportation of the Philippines; H.E. Mr. Khaw industrial capacities, at both national and regional Boon Wan, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure levels. and Minister for Transport of Singapore; H.E. Mr. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, Minister of Transport On the basis of equality and mutual benefit, WE: of Thailand; H.E. Mr. Nguyen Hong Truong, Vice Minister of Transport of Viet Nam; and H.E. Mr. Lim ENCOURAGE a business – led cooperation Hong Hin, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for on production capacity to promote economic ASEAN Economic Community. development through industrial upgrading to complement the production and consumption *** needs of;
Joint Statement between ASEAN ASEAN Member States and China, so as to and China on Production achieve sustainable development and shared Capacity Cooperation prosperity;
EMPHASISE cooperation on highly- We, the Heads of State/Government of the Member complementary sectors based on ASEAN States of the Association of Southeast Asian Member States’ and China’s respective Nations (ASEAN) and the People’s Republic of th priorities, comparative advantages, and levels China, gathered on the 19 ASEAN-China Summit and the Commemorative Summit of the 25th of development; Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations in Vientiane, Lao PDR: RECOGNISE the importance of capacity building, taking into account the different REITERATING the importance of strong economic needs of ASEAN Member States on production relations between ASEAN and China towards capacity practices and providing the necessary achieving greater regional economic integration support for ASEAN Member States and China; as stated in the Chairman’s Statement of the 18th
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AFFIRM the business’ leading role in ASEAN and the EU exchanged views on undertaking the cooperation. Such cooperation developments in their respective regions. The will be guided by market conditions, and could EU welcomed the establishment of the ASEAN be conducted through various ways and means, Community on 31 December 2015 and the adoption including trade, investment, projects as well as of ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together, as well economic and trade zone in accordance with as reaffirmed its support to the centrality of ASEAN in the evolving regional architecture. The ASEAN internationally accepted business principles side appreciated the EU’s commitment to further and practices as well as domestic laws and strengthen ASEAN-EU relations as highlighted regulations; in the EU’s Joint Communication on ASEAN-EU relations, adopted by the European Commission SUPPORT the cooperation by facilitating on 18 April 2015, and the Conclusions of the exchange of information on relevant policies, Foreign Affairs Council on the same topic issued towards creating a favourable business and on 22 June 2015. investment environment for production capacity cooperation; ASEAN and the EU highlighted the unique nature, the deepening and the intensification of their partnership with considerable progress being ENCOURAGE the active role of research made in the political-security, economic and socio- institutions, including think-tanks, and other cultural fields and in the development of new knowledge partners through, among others, joint areas of cooperation. In this connection, ASEAN research on production capacity cooperation welcomed the establishment of the European and offer policy recommendations that meet the Union Mission to ASEAN and the appointment of national interests of ASEAN Member States and His Excellency Mr. Francisco Fontan as the first China. dedicated EU Ambassador to ASEAN.
th *** Both sides looked forward to celebrate the 50 Anniversary of the establishment of ASEAN and the 40th Anniversary of ASEAN-EU Dialogue ASEAN – European Union Relations in 2017.
rd ASEAN and the EU reiterated their commitment to The 23 Meeting of the further strengthening the existing close trade and ASEAN-EU Joint Cooperation investment relations between both regions. They welcomed the progress made in 2015 on the trade Committee (JCC) agenda between both regions, both at the bilateral and region-to-region level. Jakarta, Indonesia, 4 February 2016 ASEAN and the EU welcomed the strengthening of their cooperation in non – traditional security rd The 23 Meeting of the ASEAN-EU Joint areas, including on maritime security, preventive Cooperation Committee (JCC) was held on 4 diplomacy, mediation, cyber security, counter- February 2016 in Jakarta. terrorism and transnational crimes. The Meeting noted with appreciation the convening of the The meeting carried on the excellent momentum 2nd ASEAN-EU High Level Dialogue (HLD) on in strengthening ASEAN-EU relations, following Maritime Security Cooperation in Kuala Lumpur, the successful conclusions of the 20th ASEAN-EU Malaysia on 5-6 May 2015. The 2nd HLD served Ministerial Meeting held in Brussels on 23 July as a platform to exchange best practices and 2014, the informal ASEAN-EU Leaders’ Meeting experiences in addressing maritime related issues held in Milan in October 2014 and the ASEAN- vis-à-vis the strengthening of regional cooperation EU Post-Ministerial Conference in Kuala Lumpur and capabilities. The Meeting looked forward to the in August 2015, as well as the Informal ASEAN- convening of the ASEAN-EU High Level Dialogue EU Ministerial Meeting in November 2015 in on Maritime Security Cooperation in 2016 in Luxembourg. Both sides welcomed the substantial Thailand and in 2017 in the Philippines. rate of implementation of the cooperation activities foreseen in the Bandar Seri Begawan Plan of Action to Strengthen the ASEAN-EU Partnership (2013-2017).
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Both sides welcomed the growing dialogue and conservation in ASEAN, supporting the work in the engagement between the EU and ASEAN on broad areas of climate change, environment and disaster security and defence related issues, including management. the EU’s active engagement in the ARF. The Meeting noted with appreciation the EU-initiated Reaffirming the commitment by ASEAN and EU nd 2 Seminar on the EU’s Common Security and Ministers at the 20th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting Defence Policy, with a special focus on EU-ASEAN (AEMM), the EU raised the prospects for closer relations. Both sides underlined the importance of cooperation in line with the UN’s 2030 agenda further developing the dialogue on security and and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) crisis management, exchanging lessons learned in addressing global poverty and sustainable and seeking opportunities for practical cooperation development, including the implementation of as part of the effort to establish a roadmap towards the Paris Agreement adopted at the UN Climate an ASEAN-EU strategic partnership. Change Conference (COP21).
ASEAN and the EU were also satisfied with the The 23rd Meeting of the ASEAN-EU JCC was growing dialogue and cooperation on human rights co-chaired by Her Excellency Ms. Busadee and welcomed the inaugural ASEAN-EU Human Santipitaks, Ambassador and Permanent Rights Policy Dialogue in October 2015 in Brussels. Representative of Thailand to ASEAN, Country Coordinator for the ASEAN-EU Dialogue ASEAN noted with interest that as part of the Aviation Relations, and by Mr. Ranieri Sabatucci, Head Strategy for Europe, adopted by the European of the South-East Asia Division of the European Commission on 7 December 2015, the European External Action Service, together with Mr. Jorge Commission requested the mandate to negotiate de la Caballeria, Head of Unit of Development an ambitious ASEAN-EU Comprehensive Air Coordination South and South East Asia of the Transport Agreement. The parties looked forward European Commission Directorate General for to a mutually beneficial ASEAN-EU approach on International Cooperation and Development. liberalisation and regulatory cooperation, which The Meeting was opened by Her Excellency Ms. will strengthen air connectivity between ASEAN Busadee Santipitaks, Ambassador and Permanent and the EU. Representative of Thailand to ASEAN, and His Excellency Mr. Francisco Fontan, Ambassador Both sides acknowledged the successful of the EU to ASEAN and attended by members implementation and tangible results of the many of the Committee of Permanent Representatives ongoing projects in the area of development to ASEAN, officials from the ASEAN Secretariat cooperation, working in support of the ASEAN and EU, as well as representatives of EU Member integration processes across the economic, socio- States. cultural and political – security areas. ***
ASEAN and the EU welcomed the increase in EU th funding for development cooperation projects from Joint Media Statement of the 14 €70 million to €170 million in the period 2014- AEM-EU Trade Commissioner 2020 to help boost ASEAN integration, in support of the implementation of the newly adopted ASEAN Consultations 2025: Forging Ahead Together and its Blueprints. Both sides noted the successful discussions on Chiang Mai, Thailand, 3 March 2016 the preparation of the ASEAN Regional Integration Support from the EU Programme Plus (ARISE Plus) which took place on 2 February 2016 in Jakarta. 1. The ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Both sides also welcomed the recent conclusion and the EU Trade Commissioner held their of the Financing Agreement on the Enhanced EU- Fourteenth Consultations on 3 March 2016 ASEAN Dialogue Instrument (E-READI), which in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The Consultations received significantly increased funding in order were co-chaired by H.E. Khemmani Pholsena, to further intensify the already broad spectrum of Minister of Industry and Commerce, Lao PDR areas of ongoing cooperation and exchanges. The and H.E Cecilia Malmström, the EU Trade Meeting also noted the funding decision from the Commissioner. EU for the two new programmes, sustainable use of peatlands and haze mitigation, and biodiversity
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2. The Ministers and the EU Trade Commissioner and how to ensure added value by building noted the strong trade and investment on these bilateral FTAs. The Ministers and the relations between the two regions, with the EU Trade Commissioner instructed Senior EU being ASEAN’s second largest trading Economic Officials to intensify their work and partner and largest source of FDI inflows. to recommend by the next Consultations, the In 2015, ASEAN-EU two-way trade stood at appropriate next steps towards the ASEAN – €201 billion, a 11% increase year-on-year, EU FTA. based on EU statistics. In 2014 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows from the 7. The Ministers and the EU Trade Commissioner EU increased by 31.5 per cent to USD 29.3 reaffirmed their commitment to a strong billion, accounting for 21.5 per cent of the total multilateral trading system and to the World FDI inflows into ASEAN. Trade Organization (WTO). To this end, the Ministers and the EU Trade Commissioner 3. The Ministers and the EU Trade Commissioner welcomed the outcomes of the 10th WTO reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen Ministerial Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, held economic cooperation in order to deepening in December 2015, notably on agricultural economic relations between the two regions. export competition, and Least Developed Countries issues. They also looked forward to 4. The Ministers and the EU Trade Commissioner advancing negotiations on remaining issues of noted with appreciation the progress made in the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) and to the implementation of the ASEAN-EU Trade discussing on how the WTO can best address and Investment Work Programme for 2015- other challenges facing the global trading 2016, which include the holding of the 13th system. The Ministers and the EU Trade AEM-EU Trade Commissioner Consultations, Commissioner concurred on the importance the 22nd and 23rd SEOM-EU Consultations, of swift ratification of the Trade Facilitation th the 4th ASEAN-EU Business Summit, and Agreement (TFA) agreed at the 9 WTO various cooperation activities in the areas of Ministerial Conference in Bali in 2013, and finance, science and technology as well as encouraged all WTO members to complete standard and conformance. their respective domestic procedures as quickly as possible. 5. The Ministers appreciated the tangible outcomes of the on-going activities under 8. The EU Trade Commissioner also welcomed ASEAN Regional Integration Support from the expansion of the Information Technology the EU (ARISE), the EU-ASEAN Project on Agreement (ITA) agreed in Nairobi, with Intellectual Property Rights (ECAP III) and the participation of the EU and several ASEAN EU-ASEAN Capacity Building Programme for Member States, and progress in the Monitoring Integration Progress and Statistics negotiations for an Environmental Goods (EU-COMPASS). These activities have Agreement (EGA), in which the EU and been supporting various ASEAN integration one ASEAN Member State participate. initiatives such as the ASEAN Trade The EU Trade Commissioner encouraged Repository (ATR) and ASEAN Solutions for more ASEAN Member States to join these Investments, Services and Trade (ASSIST). initiatives. The ASEAN Ministers expressed their wishes for EU’s continued support for the 9. The EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) implementation of AEC Blueprint 2025. reported its activities to the Ministers and the EU Trade Commissioner. The Ministers 6. The Ministers and the EU Trade and the EU Trade Commissioner noted the th Commissioner reaffirmed their commitment recommendations of the 4 ASEAN – EU to working towards an ASEAN – EU Free Business Summit in the areas of strategy, Trade Agreement. In this regard, they noted finance, automotive, agri-food, infrastructure, the progress of the joint stock-taking exercise and competitiveness. They commended the on the assessment of the progress of ASEAN Business Summit as a business-driven event integration, the status of bilateral FTAs having been organized under the framework between the EU and ASEAN Member States, of ASEAN – EU economic cooperation.
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LIST OF MINISTERS AND THE EU TRADE Looking forward to the 40th Anniversary of ASEAN- COMMISSIONER EU Dialogue Relations in 2017, and recognizing that the relationship has contributed to strengthening H.E. Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi, Permanent the connectivity and links between the two regions Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as to promoting the interests of ASEAN and Brunei Darussalam (representing the Hon. Pehin the EU in all dimensions; Dato Lim Jock Seng, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Brunei Darussalam); H.E. Sun Chanthol, Emphasising the importance of the shared values Senior Minister and Minister of Commerce, and common interests that bind the two regions Cambodia; H.E. Cecilia Malmström, European in a long-standing partnership as “partners in Commissioner for Trade; Iman Pambagyo, Expert integration”, such as the principles of mutual respect Assistant to the Minister of Trade, Indonesia for the independence, sovereignty, equality for all (representing H.E. Thomas Trikasih Lembong, states, and including other principles of the UN Minister of Trade, Indonesia); H.E. Khemmani Charter, international law and the Treaty of Amity Pholsena, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Lao and Cooperation in Southeast Asia; Welcoming PDR; H.E. Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of the significant progress in the implementation International Trade and Industry, Malaysia; H.E. Dr. of the Bandar Seri Begawan Plan of Action to Kan Zaw, Union Minister for National Planning and Strengthen the ASEAN-EU Enhanced Partnership Economic Development, Myanmar; H.E. Adrian S. Cristobal Jr., Secretary of Trade and Industry, the (2013-2017) and underscoring the importance of Philippines; H.E. Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade its continued implementation; and Industry, Singapore; H.E. Apiradi Tantraporn, Minister of Commerce, Thailand; H.E. Nguyen Welcoming the EU’s support for ASEAN Cam Tu, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, integration as well as ASEAN’s efforts in realizing Viet Nam (representing H.E. Vu Huy Hoang, “ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together” for a Minister of Industry and Trade, Viet Nam). politically cohesive, economically integrated, socially responsible and a truly rules-based, people *** – oriented, and people-centred ASEAN; Bangkok Declaration on Welcoming the progress made towards the Promoting an ASEAN-EU Global upgrading of ASEAN-EU relations, including by Partnership for Shared Strategic establishing a dedicated EU Mission to ASEAN; Goals at the 21st ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting (AEMM) Recognising the growing common challenges and threats facing both ASEAN and the EU, coming from within and outside the two regions, including Bangkok, Thailand, both traditional and non-traditional challenges, 13-14 October 2016 and consequently, emphasising the importance of closer cooperation between ASEAN and the EU, Reaffirming the importance of close and cordial as part of the collective global endeavor to confront cooperation and partnership between the these challenges; Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU), rooted in a shared Reaffirming the commitment to the 2030 Agenda commitment to foster rules-based approaches to for Sustainable Development and to working promote security and prosperity for their citizens together on the implementation of the Sustainable and to address global challenges effectively, Development Goals (SDGs); advancing the interests of the peoples and citizens of ASEAN Member States and EU Member States, Recalling the decision of the 20th ASEAN-EU and in promoting global peace, progress and Ministerial Meeting in Brussels in 2014 for ASEAN prosperity; and the EU to work towards elevating their partnership to a strategic level and to developing a roadmap towards that common goal;
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ASEAN and the EU hereby: integration and operational experiences, inter- agency cooperation and the development of 1. Resolve to accelerate efforts in working towards work plans; a strategic partnership between ASEAN and the EU by strengthening cooperation both in 5. Reiterate its support for ASEAN centrality traditional areas of dialogue and cooperation in the evolving regional architecture in East including trade, connectivity, development Asia. The EU appreciates ASEAN’s role as the cooperation, energy, research and on political driving force for, and its important contribution and security issues; stressing that a future to, promoting dialogue and cooperation for ASEAN-EU Strategic Partnership must be peace, security, stability and prosperity in based on substantive action from both sides the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. ASEAN and concrete results; welcomes the interest of the EU in furthering engagement with the region through all 2. Affirm their readiness to strengthen ASEAN- ASEAN-led processes; EU relations and cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, and to this end, resolve 6. Underline the importance of the respect for to develop a comprehensive, robust and the rule of law, sovereignty and territorial forward-looking ASEAN-EU Plan of Action integrity of States, maritime security and 2018-2022 to be adopted in 2017, and to safety, freedom of navigation and overflight, implement any pending action lines in the peaceful resolution of disputes, in accordance current Plan of Action; with the universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 United 3. Agree to intensify engagement and dialogue Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea between the two sides, including through (UNCLOS) and the relevant standards and the ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting (AEMM), recommended practices by the International the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the with the EU (PMC)+1, ASEAN-EU Trade International Maritime Organisation (IMO); Commissioners Consultation, the ASEAN-EU Senior Officials’ Meeting, ASEAN-EU Senior 7. Welcome the renewed commitment of Economic Officials’ Meeting and the ASEAN ASEAN Member States and China to ensure – EU Joint Cooperation Committee, as well the full and effective implementation of the as encourage greater interaction between the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties two regions including through an ASEAN-EU in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety, Forum of Strategic Thinkers to be convened and support the efforts of ASEAN Member in Thailand and the ASEAN-EU Business States and China to work towards the early Summit; conclusion of an effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC); 4. Resolve to enhance political and security dialogue and cooperation between ASEAN 8. Reaffirm their commitment to preserve and the EU with a view to strengthening the Southeast Asia region free of nuclear regional capabilities in traditional and weapons and all other weapons of mass non-traditional security areas, and in destruction by strengthening cooperation this connection, welcome strengthened on disarmament and non-proliferation of dialogue and cooperation on maritime weapons of mass destruction and promoting security, counter-terrorism, cyber security, relevant international instruments; including preventive diplomacy and mediation and the entry into force and universalisation of crisis management between ASEAN and the the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, EU, including on the basis of the ASEAN-EU and reaffirm their commitment to fight against Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational the illicit trade in conventional arms, including Crimes (SOMTC) Work Plan, contributing through the Arms Trade Treaty; positively towards deepening ASEAN – EU relations. Areas for future ASEAN-EU 9. Reaffirm their commitment to promote and Maritime Security Cooperation would include protect human rights and fundamental information sharing on a voluntary basis, freedoms, the rule of law, gender equality, in particular on best practices for regional women’s empowerment, and to promote mutual respect amongst the states and
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peoples including through the exchange of between ASEAN and the EU higher education good practices, dialogues, seminars and institutions, and explore possibilities for other initiatives; ASEAN-EU scholarships including through EU-funded programmes such as Erasmus+ 10. Reaffirm their respect for diversity, tolerance and SHARE; and moderation, as part of the global culture of peace, and our rejection of violent 16. Establish a dialogue between ASEAN extremism and terrorism in all its forms and and EU officials in 2017 in Thailand on manifestations, and to this end, resolve to sustainable development as a platform strengthen our dialogue and cooperation to to promote cooperation on the effective address these common threats to humanity implementation of the 2030 Agenda for and civilization, including through regional Sustainable Development and the 2015 Paris and multilateral initiatives; Agreement on Climate Change, and in this regard, encourage Parties that have not done 11. Support efforts to enhance strategic so to ratify the Paris Agreement as soon as connectivity between and beyond ASEAN possible; and the EU through more effective land, sea and air links between the two regions 17. Raise public awareness of the importance as well as between the peoples and citizens of the ASEAN-EU partnership, including of ASEAN Member States and EU Member enhancing access to information and States including through the conclusion of activities related to the ASEAN-EU Dialogue an ASEAN-EU Comprehensive Air Transport Relations for persons with disabilities, elderly, Agreement (CATA); and children;
12. Promote the economic partnership between 18. Reaffirm their commitment to contribute ASEAN and the EU with the aim to increase towards narrowing the development gaps trade and investment between both regions within and between ASEAN Member States and reaffirm their commitment to intensify and improving connectivity within the region, work towards the timely resumption of including by supporting the implementation region-to – region ASEAN-EU Free Trade of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Agreement negotiations and in this regard, Work Plan III and the Master Plan on ASEAN noted the progress of the joint stock-taking Connectivity 2025, as well as consider exercise on the assessment of the progress potential sub-regional connectivity projects in of ASEAN integration, the status of bilateral the Mekong sub-region and Brunei-Indonesia- FTAs between ASEAN Member States and Malaysia-Philippines – East ASEAN Growth the EU and how to ensure added value by Area (BIMP-EAGA) in future ASEAN-EU building on these bilateral FTAs; programming; and
13. Enhance economic cooperation among 19. Celebrate the 40th anniversary of ASEAN- other, on standards, quality and conformity EU Dialogue Relations through joint and assessment, micro-small-medium sized individual programmes and activities in order enterprises (MSMEs), and science and to bring the benefit of this partnership to the technology though the ASEAN-EU Trade and peoples and citizens of Southeast Asia and Investment Work Programme; Europe.
14. Strengthen people-to-people contacts and Endorsed at the 21st ASEAN-EU Ministerial linkages involving, among others, youth, Meeting held on 13-14 October 2016 in Bangkok, media, academics, think-tank institutions, the Kingdom of Thailand parliamentary bodies and civil societies, and build and nurture friendship and *** understanding between ASEAN and the EU through, inter alia, interfaith dialogue and cultural exchanges;
15. Promote cooperation on education as well as encourage mobility of students and academics
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ASEAN – India • Participation of tourism stakeholders in travel marts, tourism exhibitions and th festivals in ASEAN Member States and Joint Media Statement of the 5 India;
Meeting of ASEAN-India Tourism • Establishment of the ASEAN-India Crisis Ministers Communications Team;
• Progress of the ASEAN Promotional Manila, the Philippines, Chapter for Tourism (APCT) in Mumbai; 22 January 2016 and
• India’s support of visit from ASEAN 1. The Fifth Meeting of ASEAN and India Member States teachers/faculty of Tourism Ministers was held on 22 January hospitality institutes to India. 2016 in Manila, the Philippines, in conjunction with the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2016. The 5. The Ministers expressed their sincere Meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Benito Jr. appreciation to the Government and People Bengzon, Undersecretary, Department of of the Philippines for the warm hospitality Tourism of the Philippines, and H.E. Mr. Vinod and excellent arrangements made for the Zutshi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, India. Meetings.
2. The Ministers were pleased with the increase LIST OF MINISTERS in tourism exchange between ASEAN and India in 2015 where the preliminary total The Meeting was attended by: number of arrivals from India to ASEAN was 3.57 million, an increase of 9.9 per cent as (Mr. Wardi Haji Mohammad Ali, Deputy Permanent compared to 2014. The Ministers also noted Secretary, Ministry of Primary Resources and that the number of ASEAN tourists to India in Tourism, Brunei Darussalam, representing H.E. 2015 has reached 0.7 million, an increase of Dato Paduka Hj Ali Hj Apong, Minister of Primary 2% per cent compared to 2014. Resources and Tourism, Brunei Darussalam; H.E. Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism, Cambodia; 3. The Ministers agreed to implement the H.E. Mr. Vinod Zutshi, Secretary, Ministry of th decision of the 13 ASEAN-India Summit Tourism, Government of India; Mr. I Gde Pitana, held on 21 November 2015 in Kuala Lumpur Deputy Minister for International Tourism to further enhance ASEAN-India cooperation Marketing Development, Ministry of Tourism, in tourism under the framework of the 2012 Indonesia, representing H.E. Dr. Arief Yahya, Memorandum of Understanding between Minister of Tourism, Indonesia; H.E. Mr. Chaleune ASEAN and India on Strengthening Tourism Warinthrasak, Vice Minister of Information, Culture Cooperation with intensified efforts and and Tourism, Lao PDR; H.E. Datuk Mas Ermieyati activities. In this regard, the Ministers Samsudin, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Culture, emphasised the need to expedite efforts on Malaysia; H.E. U Ye Myint Aung, Ambassador visa facilitation to promote tourism exchange. Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic In accordance with the announcement of the Union of Myanmar to the Republic of the made by Hon. Prime Minister of India to Philippines, Myanmar; Mr. Benito Jr. Bengzon, extend electronic-visa facility to all ASEAN Undersecretary, Department of Tourism of the countries, India has now extended this facility Philippines, representing H.E. Mr. Ramon R. to 9 ASEAN Member States and the tenth Jimenez, Jr. Secretary of Tourism, Philippines; country will also be included shortly. The Mr. Leong Yue Kheong, Assistant Chief Executive Ministers also welcomed the on-going annual (International Group), Singapore Tourism Board, programmes to enhance people-to-people representing H.E. Mr. S. Iswaran, Minister for exchanges including students, farmers, media Trade and Industry (Industry), Singapore; H.E. Ms. and diplomats in ASEAN Member States and Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister for Tourism India. and Sports, Thailand; H.E. Ms. Dang Thi Bich Lien, Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of 4. The Ministers commended the progress made Viet Nam; and H.E. Mr. Le Luong Minh, Secretary- in the implementation of the Memorandum of General of ASEAN. Understanding including: ***
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Joint Media Statement of the 13th Consultations in August 2015 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Ministers underscored the AEM-India Consultations importance of the review in ensuring that the AITIG Agreement is trade facilitative, relevant Vientiane, Lao PDR, 6 August 2016 to the current global trading practices, and the review will lead to further growth in ASEAN – India trade to fulfil the aim set in 2012 by the 1. Economic Ministers from the ten ASEAN Leaders for the total trade to reach USD 100 Member States and the Minister of Commerce billion. and Industry of the Republic of India met on 6 August 2016 in Vientiane, Lao PDR, for 6. The Ministers noted with appreciation the the Thirteenth AEM-India Consultations. The increased activities conducted by the ASEAN- Consultations were co-chaired by H.E. Mrs India Business Council (AIBC) over the past Khemmani Pholsena, Minister of Industry and year. The Ministers welcomed the successful Commerce of Lao PDR, and H.E. Mrs Nirmala organisation of the 4th AIBC Meeting held Sitharaman, Minister of State for Commerce at the margins of the 48th AEM and related and Industry (Independent Charge) of India. meetings in August 2016 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The Ministers were optimistic that the 2. India commended the establishment of the AIBC will continue contributing towards the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015 dissemination of trade-related information as a major milestone in regional economic on India and ASEAN Member States to the integration. India also welcomed the new AEC businesses, and invigorating engagement Blueprint 2025, which envisages an AEC by among the business communities in the 2025 that is highly integrated and cohesive; regions. competitive, innovative and dynamic; with enhanced connectivity and sectoral LIST OF MINISTERS cooperation; a more resilient, inclusive, and people-oriented, people-centred community; H.E. Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi, Permanent and integrated with the global economy. Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Brunei Darussalam (representing The Hon. 3. The Ministers were pleased to note the Pehin Dato Lim Jock Seng, Minister at the Prime performance of ASEAN-India bilateral trade Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Foreign and investment for 2015. ASEAN-India total Affairs and Trade, Brunei Darussalam); H.E. Pan merchandise trade reached USD 58.7 billion, Sorasak, Minister of Commerce, Cambodia; H.E. accounting for 2.6 per cent of ASEAN’s total Mrs Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State for trade and placing India as ASEAN’s sixth Commerce and Industry (Independent Charge), largest trading partner. Meanwhile, Foreign India; Mr Iman Pambagyo, Director General of Direct Investment (FDI) flows from India to International Trade Negotiations, Ministry of Trade, ASEAN amounted to USD 1.3 billion, placing Indonesia (representing H.E. Enggartiasto Lukita, India as ASEAN’s eighth largest source of Minister of Trade, Indonesia); H.E. Mrs Khemmani FDI. Pholsena, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Lao PDR; H.E. Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister 4. The Ministers reiterated the importance of the of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia; H.E. implementation of the ASEAN-India Trade in Kyaw Win, Union Minister of Planning and Finance, Services and Investment Agreements to further Myanmar; H.E Ramon M. Lopez, Secretary of contribute towards elevating the ASEAN-India Trade and Industry, the Philippines; Mr Loh Khum relations to a strategic partnership. In this Yean, Permanent Secretary for Trade and Industry, regard, the Ministers encouraged all Parties Singapore (representing H.E. Lim Hng Kiang, to ratify these Agreements. Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade), Singapore); H.E. Apiradi Tantraporn, Minister of Commerce, 5. The Ministers welcomed the constructive Thailand; H.E. Nguyen Cam Tu, Deputy Minister discussions on how to progress the planned of Industry and Trade, Viet Nam (representing H.E. review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Tran Tuan Anh, Minister of Industry and Trade, Viet (AITIG) Agreement pursuant to the Scope Nam); and H.E. Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General of the Review of the Agreement, which was of ASEAN. previously endorsed at the Twelfth AEM-India ***
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Chairman’s Statement of the 14th the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations in 2017 and ASEAN-India Summit welcomed the conduct of commemorative activities in India and in ASEAN member states Vi e n t i a n e , L a o P D R , throughout 2017, including a Commemorative Summit in India, Ministerial Meetings, 8 September 2016 Business Conclaves,Cultural Festivals and other activities to take the ASEAN-India partnership to our peoples. Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic ASEAN Community 5. We noted the good progress of implementation of the new Plan of Action to Implement 1. The 14th ASEAN-India Summit was held on the ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace, 8 September 2016 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Progress and Shared Prosperity (2016- The Meeting was chaired by H.E. Thongloun 2020) and looked forward to the timely and SISOULITH, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR. full implementation of the POA with a view The Summit was attended by all Heads of to strengthening the ASEAN-India Strategic State/Government of ASEAN Member States Partnership and contribute towards the and His Excellency Mr. Narendra Modi, realization of the ASEAN Community Vision Prime Minister of the Republic of India. The 2025. In this regard, we noted the list of priority Secretary-General of ASEAN was also in areas for the period of 2016-2018, which attendance. would better help both sides to successfully implement the 2016-2020 Plan of Action. 2. India commended ASEAN Member States on the establishment of the ASEAN Community 6. ASEAN Leaders welcomed Prime Minister and reiterated its support for ASEAN’s Modi’s announcement of an additional efforts in the realization of the ASEAN contribution of US $ 50 million to the ASEAN- Community Vision 2025. The ASEAN Leaders India Fund. appreciated India’s continued support for the ASEAN Unity and Centrality in the evolving regional architecture, including India’s 7. Recognizing that terrorism remains significant active participation and positive contribution threat to peace and stability in our region, we to ASEAN-led mechanisms, namely the reiterated our strong commitment to combat ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), East Asia terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, Summit (EAS), the Regional Comprehensive and stressed that there can be no justification Economic Partnership (RCEP) and ASEAN for acts of terror on any grounds whatsoever. Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM We express our determination to take Plus). concrete measures to step up cooperation and coordination among our law enforcement and security agencies. 3. The ASEAN Leaders welcomed India’s initiatives, namely the “Act East Policy” and “Make in India” and appreciated India’s 8. We recognize the need to counter and continued support for the ASEAN Community prevent the spread of violent extremism and and ASEAN’s efforts in building a region that is radicalism that leads to acts of terrorism. In politically cohesive, economically integrated, addition, ASEAN and India support the early socially responsible and truly rules based, adoption of the Comprehensive Convention people oriented and people-centered. The on International Terrorism, currently under ASEAN and India Leaders agreed to continue negotiation at the United Nations. enhancing the partnership between ASEAN and India that would bring about tangible 9. We agreed to cooperate towards benefits to both sides as well as contribute addressing traditional and non-traditional to the promotion of peace, stability, and security challenges, including in areas prosperity in the region. of deradicalization, prevention of violent extremism and cybercrime. ASEAN leaders 4. We were satisfied with the steady progress looked forward to the convening of the first made in ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations over ASEAN-India Cyber Dialogue in New Delhi in the past twenty-four years. We look forward to late 2016.
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10. We noted that the trade and investment as trade, investment, tourism and people- performance between ASEAN and India to-people exchanges between ASEAN and has yet to reach its fullest potential. The India. We also welcomed the inauguration of total bilateral merchandise trade in 2015 the ASEAN Study Centre in Shillong, North amounted to US$ 58.7 billion, or about 2.6 Eastern Hill University, India on 8 August 2016 per cent of ASEAN’s total trade. Investment to facilitate ASEAN-India research projects flows were robust with FDI from India into and studies. ASEAN increasing by 98% to US$ 1.2 billion in 2015. We welcomed the progress on the 15. We noted the continuous endeavour in Parties’ ratification of the ASEAN-India Trade advancing the progress of the Regional in Services and Investment Agreements and Comprehensive Economic Partnership encouraged the remaining parties to do so at (RCEP) negotiations. Considering the the earliest. We reiterated the importance of immense potential of the RCEP to stimulate implementing these Agreements by all Parties global trade and growth, we urged all countries to further contribute towards elevating the to intensify their efforts toward achieving a ASEAN-India economic relations to a higher modern, comprehensive, high-quality and level. mutually beneficial agreement.
11. We also recognised the vital importance 16. We noted the implementation of the Plan of of the planned review of the ASEAN-India Action (POA) on ASEAN-India Cooperation Trade in Goods (AITIG) Agreement to ensure in Food, Agriculture and Forestry (2011- that the Agreement is trade-facilitative and 2015) and looked forward to the finalisation remains relevant to the current global trading of the successor POA (2016-2020) to further practices. In this regard, we hoped that the enhance cooperation in food, agriculture review will contribute to further growth in and forestry in key areas of mutual interest, ASEAN-India trade to meet the USD 100 with the aim of enhancing productivity of billion target set in 2012. agricultural products and meet the challenges of food security in the region. 12. We encouraged greater maritime cooperation between ASEAN and India, including but 17. noted with appreciation the increase in not limited to, the enhancement of maritime the ASEAN-India Science and Technology connectivity. We looked forward to enhanced Development Fund (AISTDF) from US$ 1 maritime connectivity which would provide million to US$ 5 million in 2016 to further lower logistic costs, and motivate increased encourage and sustain the implementation trade in goods and services between the two of collaborative R&D and technology parties. development programmes between ASEAN and India. We also expressed our appreciation 13. We noted with appreciation the increased to the Indian Space Research Organization activities conducted by the ASEAN-India (ISRO) in supporting the capacity of ASEAN Business Council (AIBC) over the past year Member States in the development of space and welcomed the successful organisation of technology and its applications. ASEAN the 4th AIBC Meeting held at the margins of the Leaders also welcomed Prime Minister 48th ASEAN Economic Ministers and related Modi’s commitment to establishing an meetings in August 2016 in Vientiane, Lao ASEAN-India Innovation Platform and to build PDR. We encouraged the AIBC to continue its digital connectivity through the use of Gigabit- role in disseminating trade-related information capable Passive Optical Network (GPON) on India and ASEAN Member States to the technology and looked forward to the early businesses, and foster engagement among and effective realization of these initiatives. business communities in the regions. 18. We welcomed the successful conclusion of 14. We also looked forward to the signing of the the 21st Session of the Conference of the ASEAN-India Memorandum of Understanding Parties to the United Nations Framework (MoU) on establishing the ASEAN-India Convention on Climate Change (COP21) as Centre and its early operationalisation which well as the adoption of the Paris Agreement would serve as an important platform to on Climate Change in 2015. The ASEAN promote cooperation in various areas such Leaders further reiterated the shared
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commitment to address the adverse effects strengthen people to people links and human of climate change and appreciated India’s resource development in the region and support for ASEAN’s effort through effective agreed to further cooperation in the area. utilisation of the ASEAN-India Green Fund for the implementation of various activities in 22. Leaders noted India’s proposal to document enhancing ASEAN Member States capacity civilizational ties by mapping Indian in climate change adaptation. inscriptions along the Mekong River as well as documentation of shared cultural symbols. 19. We are pleased to look forward to further enhancement of ASEAN-India cooperation 23. Leaders appreciated India’s gesture of in disaster management and humanitarian designating ASEAN as the Guest of Honour assistance, including supporting ASEAN for the fifth International Buddhist Conclave to in the realisation of ASEAN Declaration be held in India from 2-6 October 2016, as on One ASEAN, One Response: ASEAN well as inviting Tourism Ministers, 150 monks, Responding to Disaster as One in the scholars and media persons from ASEAN region and outside the region. The Leaders countries to the Conclave. encouraged India to support ASEAN’s efforts in disaster preparedness and risk reduction 24. ASEAN Leaders expressed appreciation for as envisioned in ASEAN Community Vision India’s strong support and commitment to 2025 on Disaster Management. The Leaders the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) and also welcomed India’s initiative to host an agreed to further strengthen cooperation in Asian Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Risk other areas such as food and agriculture, trade Reduction in November 2016. facilitation, education, clean and renewable energy, tourism, health and well-being, SMEs 20. We reaffirmed ASEAN-India connectivity as development, and poverty alleviation. ASEAN a priority cooperation area. We appreciated Leaders also welcomed the signing of the India’s commitment of a USD 1 billion MoUs between India and CLMV countries line of credit for digital and infrastructure on the establishment of the Centres of connectivity projects and welcomed the Excellence in Software Development and efforts in developing the modalities and Training, including most recently with Viet project proposals on utilizing the credit line. Nam on 3 September 2016 under the IAI- The Leaders of ASEAN welcomed India’s India cooperation framework. The Leaders support to the implementation of the Master of ASEAN also welcomed India’s support for Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025. We the implementation of the Initiative for ASEAN encouraged the early conclusion of the Integration Work Plan III (2016-2020) and Agreement on Maritime Transport between capacity building initiatives. ASEAN and India. We noted the ongoing efforts to enhance air connectivity between 25. We emphasized the importance of ASEAN and India, to support the growth of maintaining peace, security and stability, business and tourism, and looked forward unimpeded commerce, freedom of navigation to the convening of the first Meeting of the in and overflight above the South China ASEAN-India Working Group on Regional Air Sea. We underscored the importance for Services Arrangement. the states concerned to resolve disputes through peaceful means in accordance with 21. We also emphasized the importance of international law, including the 1982 United enhancing of people-to-people connectivity Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and cultural cooperation, including through (UNCLOS). In this regard, India urged all enhanced exchanges activities involving, parties to show utmost respect for the 1982 among others, diplomats, youth, media UNCLOS, which establishes the international and intellectuals and Indian scholarship legal order of seas and oceans. programmes for ASEAN students, as well as cooperation to preserve each other’s 26. We looked forward to the commemoration of fine traditions and heritages. We noted the the 25th Anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue effective implementation of the ASEAN-India Relations in 2017. Student Exchange Programme which helps ***
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ASEAN – Japan 5. The Ministers noted the on-going efforts to improve the implementation of the AJCEP Agreement. The Ministers underscored the Joint Media Statement of the 22nd importance of the implementation of the AJCEP Tariff Reduction Schedules (TRS) AEM–METI Consultations and Product Specific Rules (PSR) in the updated Harmonised System in facilitating Vientiane, Lao PDR, 6 August 2016 the trade between ASEAN and Japan. In this regard, the Ministers tasked officials to exert utmost efforts and flexibilities in resolving the 1. Economic Ministers from the ten ASEAN outstanding issues to finalise the transposition Member States and the Minister of Economy, of AJCEP TRS as soon as possible. The Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan met on 6 Ministers also stressed the importance of August 2016, in Vientiane, Lao PDR for the adhering to the guidelines to resolve the Twenty-second AEM-METI Consultations. outstanding transposition issues. The Consultations were co-chaired by H.E. Mrs Khemmani Pholsena, Minister of Industry 6. The Ministers commended the progress made and Commerce of Lao PDR, and H.E. in the implementation of the ASEAN-Japan Hiroshige Seko, Minister of Economy, Trade 10-year Strategic Economic Cooperation and Industry of Japan. Roadmap. The Ministers welcomed the revision of the Roadmap which takes into 2. Japan commended the establishment of the consideration the new strategic thrust of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) on AEC Blueprint 2025 and agreed to report 31 December 2015 as a major milestone in the renewed Roadmap to the ASEAN-Japan regional economic integration. Japan also Summit. The Ministers shared the view that welcomed the new AEC Blueprint 2025, ASEAN and Japan would work together to which envisages an AEC by 2025 that is meet the objectives of the Roadmap through highly integrated and cohesive; competitive, enhancing Bilateral Economic Cooperation, innovative and dynamic; with enhanced Economic Integration of ASEAN and connectivity and sectoral cooperation; a Cooperation for Integrating the Region into more resilient, inclusive, and people-oriented, the Global Economy. The Ministers noted people-centred ASEAN; and integrated with the importance of strengthening cooperation the global economy. in the various pillars of cooperation in the Roadmap such as infrastructure development, human resource development, 3. The Ministers were pleased to note that MSME development, innovation and transfer Japan is ASEAN’s second largest trading of technology, trade facilitation, supply-chain partner and the second largest source of FDI and connectivity, nurturing new industries, for ASEAN. In 2015, two way trade between establishing of ASEAN-Japan innovation ASEAN and Japan reached USD 239.4 billion, network and enhancing inclusive and open accounting for 10.5 per cent of ASEAN’s total economic integration. The Ministers also trade. Meanwhile, Foreign Direct Investment noted the importance of open trade policies (FDI) flows from Japan to ASEAN amounted and advanced industrial development to to USD 17.4 billion, accounting for 14.5 per tackle the uncertainty in the global economy. cent of total FDI inflows into ASEAN.
7. The Ministers welcomed the progress of the 4. The Ministers welcomed the conclusion of the activities undertaken by AMEICC (AEM and negotiations on Trade in Services including METI of Japan Consultations – Economic the Financial and Telecommunication and Industrial Cooperation Committee) in annexes and Movement of Natural Persons various areas, including (i) industrial human (MNP) Chapters as well as the investment resources development, through assisting negotiation under the ASEAN-Japan young people in Asia in improving their Comprehensive Economic Partnership technical skills and acquiring knowledge (AJCEP) Agreement. The Ministers look in the next three years as well as providing forward to the implementation of the outcomes capacity building in mutually agreed areas; of the negotiations. ii) support SMEs development through financing, which includes improving SME
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financing for AMS as appropriate iii) Mekong and Commerce, Lao PDR; H.E. Dato’ Sri Mustapa industrial development through the “Mekong Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industrial Development Vision 2015–2020”; Industry, Malaysia; H.E. Kyaw Win, Union Minister iv) AMEICC’s WG activities, in particular, the of Planning and Finance, Myanmar; H.E. Ramon launch of full operation of the ASEAN-Japan M. Lopez, Secretary of Trade and Industry, the Chemical Safety Database (AJCSD) under Philippines; Mr Loh Khum Yean, Permanent AMEICC WG-CI. The ASEAN Economic Secretary for Trade and Industry, Singapore Ministers expressed their appreciation to (representing H.E. Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Japan for its continuous support to ASEAN Trade and Industry (Trade), Singapore); H.E. economic development. Apiradi Tantraporn, Minister of Commerce, Thailand; H.E. Nguyen Cam Tu, Deputy Minister 8. The Ministers noted the outcomes of the of Industry and Trade, Viet Nam (representing H.E. 3rd ASEAN-Japan Public Private Dialogue Tran Tuan Anh, Minister of Industry and Trade, Viet on New Industries, held on 22 June 2016 Nam);and H.E. Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General in Bangkok, Thailand, particularly on the of ASEAN. recommendations on the enhancement of *** productivity in the services industry, which is indispensable for further economic growth in th ASEAN. The recommendations are the result Chairman’s Statement of the 19 of joint discussion among ASEAN and Japan ASEAN-Japan Summit government officials, services companies, and researchers in understanding the policies in services and the best practices Vi e n t i a n e , L a o P D R , in services industry. The Ministers noted 7 September 2016 that the recommendations could be used as foundation to build new cooperation Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic mechanism between ASEAN and Japan to ASEAN Community further improve the productivity of services industry in Asia. 1. The 19th ASEAN-Japan Summit was held on 7 September 2016 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. 9. The Ministers also noted the outcomes of th The Meeting was chaired by H.E. Thongloun the 9 Dialogue between Secretary-General SISOULITH, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR. of ASEAN and Federation of Japanese The Summit was attended by all Heads of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in State/Government of ASEAN Member States ASEAN (FJCCIA), in particular, the session and H.E. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan. with Chairs of Sectoral Committees for The Secretary-General of ASEAN was also in the first time. The Ministers noted the attendance. recommendations to further facilitate trade through ASEAN trade in goods agreement, 2. We were pleased to note the steady progress harmonization of standards, and the achieved in the dialogue relations between improvement of custom procedures. ASEAN and Japan over the past forty-three years and reaffirmed the importance of the LIST OF MINISTERS ASEAN-Japan Strategic Partnership, which contributed to regional peace, stability and H.E Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi, Permanent prosperity. We underscored that strong Japan- Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mekong cooperation will enhance ASEAN- Brunei Darussalam (representing The Hon. Japan relationship by bringing growth to the Pehin Dato Lim Jock Seng, Minister at the Prime region as a whole. Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Brunei Darussalam); H.E. Pan 3. The ASEAN Leaders appreciated Japan’s Sorasak, Minister of Commerce, Cambodia; Mr continued support for ASEAN’s unity and Iman Pambagyo, Director General of International centrality in the evolving regional architecture Trade Negotiations, Ministry of Trade, Indonesia through ASEAN-led processes, in particular (representing H.E. Enggartiasto Lukita, Minister of the ASEAN Plus Three, the East Asia Trade, Indonesia); H.E. Hiroshige Seko, Minister Summit, and the ASEAN Regional Forum, for Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan; H.E. the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus, Mrs Khemmani Pholsena, Minister of Industry
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and the Regional Comprehensive Economic defence and security cooperation and Partnership. The ASEAN Leaders also exchange in the region and looked forward appreciated Japan’s continued support for to the 2nd ASEAN-Japan Defence Ministers’ ASEAN Community-building efforts toward Informal Meeting scheduled to be held in the realisation of the ASEAN Community Vientiane, Lao PDR in November 2016. Vision 2025. We emphasized the importance of the rule of law in international relations. 7. We were pleased to note that Japan became ASEAN’s second largest trading partner and 4. We noted with satisfaction the substantive the second largest source of foreign direct progress made in the implementation of the investment (FDI) to ASEAN. In 2015, two-way Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship trade between ASEAN and Japan reached and Cooperation and its Implementation Plan US$239.4 billion, accounting for 10.5 per adopted in Tokyo in 2013 on the occasion cent of ASEAN’s total trade. FDI inflows from of the 40th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Japan to ASEAN valued at US$17.4 billion relations. and accounted for 14.5 per cent of total FDI inflows to ASEAN. We commended the 5. We strongly condemn the terrorist attack conclusion of negotiations on investment in Davao, the Philippines on 2 September under the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive 2016, which caused the loss of innocent Economic Partnership (AJCEP). We looked lives, injuries, and damage to properties. forward to the expeditious implementation We extend our deepest sympathies and of the outcomes of the AJCEP services and condolences to the Philippine Government investment negotiations taking into account of and people, especially to the families of domestic procedures and regulations by each the victims of this attack. In this context, Party. we reiterated our commitment to combat terrorism and transnational crime through 8. We welcomed the ministerial endorsement strengthened cooperation under the ASEAN– of the Renewed ASEAN-Japan 10-year Japan Joint Declaration for Cooperation Strategic Economic Cooperation Roadmap, to Combat Terrorism and Transnational which takes into consideration the AEC Crime. We commended the progress made Blueprint 2025. We looked forward to closer in the implementation of the Work Plan cooperation between ASEAN and Japan to for Cooperation to Combat Terrorism and meet the objectives of the renewed Roadmap Transnational Crime and reiterated our through enhancing bilateral economic support to various initiatives and activities cooperation, economic integration of ASEAN to enhance cooperation as well as promote and cooperation for integrating the region into moderation in addressing the new trends the global economy. We noted the importance and emerging challenges on terrorism and of strengthening cooperation in the various violent extremism as well as transnational pillars of cooperation in the Roadmap such as crime, including, trafficking in persons (TIP), infrastructure development, human resource piracy, IUU fishing and cybercrime. We development, Micro, Small and Medium noted the successful convening of the 13th Enterprises (MSME) development, innovation Senior Official’s Meeting on Transnational and transfer of technology, trade facilitation, Crime (SOMTC)+Japan Consultation held supply-chain and connectivity, nurturing new on 25 May 2016 in Jakarta, Indonesia. We industries, establishing of ASEAN-Japan also welcomed Japan’s initiatives to support innovation network and enhancing inclusive counter – terrorism efforts by Asian countries and open economic integration. We also announced today. noted the importance of open trade policies and advanced industrial development to 6. The ASEAN Leaders welcomed Japan’s tackle the uncertainty in the global economy. intention to contribute more proactively in securing peace, stability and prosperity of 9. We noted the intensification of the Regional the region and the international community, Comprehensive Economic Partnership under its policy of “Proactive Contribution to (RCEP) negotiations. Considering the Peace” based on the principle of international significant potential of the RCEP to stimulate cooperation, including “Legislation for Peace global trade and growth, we encouraged and Security”, which took effect in March 2016. all Parties to intensify efforts to advance We noted the importance of strengthening the RCEP negotiations towards a modern,
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comprehensive, high-quality, and mutually realizing “quality growth”, as well as promoting beneficial economic partnership agreement, environmental protection and sustainable as well as an early and successful conclusion. use of water resources We appreciated Japan’s support represented by its consistent 10. The ASEAN Leaders welcomed and highly implementation of the “Japan-Mekong Action valued Japan’s continued support and Plan” and the “Mekong Industrial Development contribution to the Initiative for ASEAN Vision”, in order to realize “New Tokyo Integration (IAI) through the support for Strategy 2015,” under the framework of the the implementation of the IAI Work Pan III “Mekong-Japan Cooperation” and welcomed (2016-2020). The ASEAN Leaders expressed the “Japan-Mekong Connectivity Initiative”. appreciation for Japan’s support to the Initiative We supported the efforts to bring into full play for ASEAN Integration (IAI), especially in the these initiatives and commitments. area of human resource development through the one-year attachment programmes at the 13. The ASEAN Leaders acknowledged the ASEAN Secretariat for junior government support from the Ministry of Agriculture, officials of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) Japan in and Viet Nam (CLMV). We welcomed Japan’s the area of strengthening capacity building continued support in the implementation of in agriculture sector and human resource the IAI Work Plan III (2016-2020). development through partnership with ASEAN universities, and improving statistics data on 11. The ASEAN Leaders valued Japan’s support food processing and distribution related to for the implementation of the Master Plan agriculture in the region. Those initiatives on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2015 and are important to strengthen food value chain looked forward to its continued support for issues in the region. the MPAC 2025 and to promoting enhanced ASEAN connectivity as well as connectivity 14. The ASEAN Leaders also acknowledge the between ASEAN and Japan. Recognising support of Japan through the Japan – ASEAN the critical need for quality infrastructure, Integration Fund and AMEICC (AEM and the ASEAN Leaders welcomed Japan’s METI of Japan Consultations – Economic and Initiative of Expanded Partnership for Industrial Cooperation Committee) in various Quality Infrastructure and the G7 Ise-Shima capacity building activities in support of SME Principles for Promoting Quality Infrastructure development in ASEAN. Investment, which would contribute to promoting quality infrastructure in Asia and 15. In addition to promoting low carbon enhancing regional connectivity. We noted technologies and high efficiency coal-fired with satisfaction the steady progress of the power generation to realize low carbon growth, ASEAN-Japan Transport Partnership. We we welcomed the energy efficiency initiatives welcomed the convening of the first ASEAN- under ASEAN-Japan energy cooperation such Japan consultation on Regional Air Services as energy efficiency technology training and Agreement in Tokyo, Japan, in March 2016. energy managers’ accreditation, and called The ASEAN Leaders encouraged Japan’s for more focused efforts on transfer of energy continued support for better air connectivity sustainability knowledge, good practices, between ASEAN and Japan, including and technology. Also, we underscored the the early conclusion of a more liberal and importance of continued investments in mutually beneficial ASEAN – Japan Air energy projects and the continued efforts to Services Agreement, based on the principle promote of high quality energy infrastructure of meaningful exchange of traffic rights, to ensure future energy security. over and beyond what has been exchanged bilaterally between Japan and each ASEAN 16. The ASEAN Leaders appreciated Japan’s Member State, and expressed our expectation contribution in the area of disaster for the possibility of opening up wider access management, including in strengthening between ASEAN and Japan. cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) among the defence 12. The ASEAN Leaders valued Japan’s sectoral and militaries under the ASEAN contribution to sub-regional cooperation. Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM- In this regard, we commended Japan’s Plus), and welcomed its continued support commitment to assist the Mekong region in
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for the full operationalization of the ASEAN also underscored the importance of sharing coordinating Centre for Humanitarian the best practices regarding the education Assistance on disaster management (AHA models such as KOSEN. Centre). We encouraged efforts to further enhance cooperation on the Implementation 20. The ASEAN Leaders and Japan welcomed of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster the efforts to enhance friendly relations and Management and Emergency Response promote deeper cooperation between ASEAN (AADMER) and its Work Programme. We and Japan in the field of sports, through the encouraged Japan’s support for the realisation establishment of the ASEAN Plus Japan of ASEAN Declaration on One ASEAN, One Ministerial Meeting on Sports (AMMS+Japan), Response: ASEAN Responding to Disaster in line with the Vision Statement on ASEAN- as One in the region and outside the region. Japan Friendship and Cooperation and aligned with the ASEAN Work Plan on Sports 17. The ASEAN Leaders appreciated Japan’s 2016-2020. support for promoting health development in the region and enhancing cooperation in 21. We acknowledged Japan’s assistance in the the field of healthcare, including through the field of ICT through the ICT – infrastructure ASEAN Japan Health Initiative. enhancement studies under the “ASEAN Smart Network Initiative” and cooperation 18. The ASEAN Leaders appreciated Japan’s activities under the new “ASEAN ICT Master initiatives to support ASEAN’s efforts to Plan 2020”. We also recognized that cyber develop human resources under “Industrial security is a growing global challenge and Human Resource Development Cooperation could impede ASEAN’s progress as a Initiative” and “Innovative Asia”. and to digitally-enabled community. In this regard, increase the role of women in economic we welcomed the progress made in the development, through “Japan-ASEAN implementation of the “ASEAN-Japan Women Empowerment Fund.” Collaboration Framework on Information Security”, and noted with appreciation 19. We highlighted the importance of people-to- Japan’s determination to proactively support people exchanges to build closer contact, cybersecurity efforts of ASEAN member mutual understanding and friendship between states through measures such as dispatching ASEAN and Japan. In this regard, we noted specialists and trainers, providing trainings with satisfaction the progress made on and equipment, supporting the establishment various exchange programmes under the of cybersecurity strategy and guideline, Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for encouraging public-private partnerships, and Students and Youths (JENESYS) 2016, promoting measures against cybercrime Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Programme (SSEAYP), “WA-Project” 22. We emphasized the importance of maintaining and Sport for Tomorrow, Sakura Science peace, security and stability, freedom of Plan, ASEAN and Today’s World (AsTW), navigation in and over-flight above the South Japan-ASEAN Science, Technology and China Sea. We underscored the importance Innovation Platform (JASTIP), as well as of exercising self-restraint in the conduct of the ASEAN University Network/Southeast the activities, and for the states concerned to Asia Engineering Education Development resolve disputes through peaceful means in Network (AUN/SEED-Net) Project Phase III. accordance with international law, including Moreover, recognizing various achievements the 1982 United Nations Convention on between ASEAN and Japan in the field of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). We also Science, Technology and Innovation, we emphasized the importance of non – acknowledged the importance of promoting militarization. We underlined the need for joint research and implementation of its ASEAN Member States and China to ensure outcome such as Science and Technology the full and effective implementation of the Research Partnership for Sustainable Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in Development (SATREPS), e-ASIA Joint the South China (DOC) in its entirety, and Research Program (e-ASIA JRP) and Japan welcomed the efforts of ASEAN Member ASEAN Science, Technology and Innovation States and China to work towards the early Platform (JASTIP)/Collaboration Hubs for conclusion of an effective Code of Conduct in International Research Program (CHIRP). We the South China Sea (COC).
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23. The ASEAN Leaders commended Japan Joint Ministrial Statement of for its active participation in the ASEAN th Regional Forum and expressed appreciation the 14 ASEAN and Japan for Japan’s commitment to co-chair the Inter- Transport Ministers Meeting Sessional Meeting on Maritime Security with th the Philippines and the United States for the (14 ATM+Japan) period of 2014 to 2017. Manila, Philippines, 24. We encouraged Japan’s continuous support 18 November 2016 on the full implementation of the EAS Statement on Enhancing Regional Maritime Cooperation, within the EAS framework, 1. The Fourteenth ASEAN and Japan Transport aiming at creating a secure and stable region Ministers Meeting (14th ATM+Japan) was held which will provide atmosphere conducive in Manila, the Philippines on 18 November for economic development and prosperous 2016. The Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Mr. community. Arthur P. Tugade, Secretary of Transportation of the Philippines and H.E. Mr. Ryosei 25. We underlined the importance of maintaining Tanaka, State Minister of Land, Infrastructure, peace, security and stability of the Korean Transport and Tourism of Japan. The Meeting Peninsula. The Meeting shared concerns was preceded by the Fifteenth ASEAN and over the recent developments in the Korean Japan Senior Transport Officials Meeting (15th Peninsula, including the nuclear test and STOM+Japan) held on 16 November 2016. launches using ballistic missile technology, including submarine-launch ballistic missile 2. The ASEAN Ministers welcomed the on 23 August 2016 by the Democratic announcement of Japan to support the People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), which various activities based on the Kuala are in violation of the relevant United Nations Lumpur Transport Strategic Plan 2016-2025 Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. in the areas of air transport, land transport, We urged the DPRK to comply with the maritime transport, sustainable transport and relevant UNSC resolutions. We called for transport facilitation through projects and the peaceful denuclearization of the Korean activities under the ASEAN-Japan Transport Peninsula and highlighted the importance Partnership (AJTP) in a comprehensive and of creating conducive environment towards continuous manner. the early resumption of the Six-Party Talks to help pave the way for maintaining and 3. Noting the Chairman’s Statement of the 19th strengthening peace, security and stability in ASEAN-Japan Summit held on 7 September the Korean Peninsula. We also emphasized 2016, the ASEAN Ministers valued Japan’s the importance of addressing humanitarian support for the implementation of the Master concerns of the international community, Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2015 including the abductions issue. and looked forward to its continued support for the MPAC2025. Recognising the critical 26. We expressed appreciation to the ASEAN- need for quality infrastructure in the region, Japan Centre for its continued contribution the ASEAN Ministers welcomed Japan’s and emphasized the need to further utilize the initiative of Expanded Partnership for Centre to promote trade, investment, tourism Quality Infrastructure and the G7 Ise-Shima and cultural exchanges between ASEAN and Principles for Promoting Quality Infrastructure Japan, in accordance with the Agreement Investment. The Ministers confirmed Establishing the ASEAN Promotion Centre on continued cooperation which would contribute Trade, Investment and Tourism. enhancing ASEAN connectivity as well as connectivity between ASEAN and Japan. 27. We reaffirmed and promote cooperation, where appropriate, within the United Nations 4. The Ministers noted with satisfaction the framework, including the continuing process steady progress of 22 projects implemented of UN Reform. based the AJTP Work Plan for 2015-2016, under the Pakse Action Plan adopted at the *** 11th ATM+Japan in December 2013. The
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Ministers supported the concepts of ASEAN Boon Wan, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure models of the Audit Training Programme and and Minister for Transport of Singapore; H.E. Mr. Maritime Security Training of Trainers (ToT) Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, Minister of Transport Programme as key deliverables under the of Thailand; H.E. Mr. Nguyen Hong Truong, Vice Work Plan. Minister of Transport of Viet Nam; and H.E. Mr. Lim Hong Hin, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for 5. The Ministers endorsed the AJTP Work Plan ASEAN Economic Community. for 2016-2017 which would enhance further the work on “quality transport” in ASEAN. ANNEX 1 The Ministers noted that the new Work Plan included new initiatives of “Implementation List of ASEAN and Japan Transport Partnership of the New ASEAN-Japan Action Plan on Projects/Activities Environment Improvement in the Transport Sector”, “Project for Encouraging the Use of (Transport Facilitation) Environmentally Friendly Ships in ASEAN”, “Implementation of Green Logistics Vision • ASEAN-Japan Transport Logistics Project and Action Plans”, and “Regional Action • SEAN-Japan New Air Navigation System Plan on Port Security (RAPPS) 2017 under • ASEAN-Japan New Cooperative Program ASEAN-Japan Maritime Security Transport on Comprehensive Vehicle Safety Programme”. The list of projects/activities and Environment Measures including contained in the new Work Plan appears as Development of Technical Regulations ANNEX 1. and Establishment of a Type Approval System for Vehicles 6. The Ministers welcomed the convening of the • Urban Public Transport Policy Framework 1st ASEAN-Japan Consultation on Regional Air Services Agreement (AJC-RASA) in • Joint Research on Road Technologies for March 2016, succeeding two meetings of ASEAN Cross-Border Corridors ASEAN-Japan Working Group on Regional (Transport Infrastructure) Air Services Agreement. The Ministers agreed to task the AJC-RASA to discuss • ASEAN-Japan Port Development further and work towards a more liberal Research Project and mutually beneficial ASEAN-Japan Air • Cooperation for Promotion of Public- Services Agreement with a view to enhance Private Partnership (PPP) the air transport relationship between Japan • ASEAN-Japan Cruise Promotion Program and each ASEAN Member State. (Quality and Sustainable Transport) 7. The Fifteen ATM+Japan Meeting will be • Project for Safe and Efficient Transport convened in Singapore in 2017. • ASEAN-Japan Port Technology Joint Research Project LIST OF MINISTERS • ASEAN-Japan Seafarers Policy Cooperation H.E. Dato Seri Setia Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, Minister of Communications of Brunei Darussalam; • Regional Action Plan on Port Security H.E. Mr. Sun Chanthol, Senior Minister and Minister (RAPPS) under ASEAN-Japan Maritime of Public Works and Transport of Cambodia; Mr. Security Transport Programme Sugihardjo representing H.E. Mr. Budi Karya • ASEAN-Japan Aviation Security Project Sumadi, Minister for Transportation of Indonesia; • ASEAN Railways Revival Plan H.E. Mr. Ryosei Tanaka, State Minister of Land, • ASEAN “Mega-Float” Promotion Project Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan; • ASEAN-Japan Airport Study Project (Eco- H.E. Mr. Viengsavath Siphandone, Vice Minister Airport) of Public Works and Transport of Lao PDR; H.E. • New ASEAN-Japan Action Plan on Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai, Minister of Transport Environment Improvement in the Transport of Malaysia; H.E. Mr. Thant Sin Maung, Union Sector Minister of Transport and Communications of Myanmar; H.E. Mr. Arthur P. Tugade, Secretary of • ASEAN-Japan Intelligent Transport Transportation of the Philippines; H.E. Mr. Khaw System Development
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• Cooperation Program for Improvement of ASEAN amounted to USD 5.7 billion in 2015, Safety in the Maritime Transport placing Korea as ASEAN’s fifth largest source • Project for Encouraging the Use of of FDI. Environmentally Friendly Ships in ASEAN 4. The Ministers welcomed the entry into force (Human Resource Development) of the Third Protocol to Amend the ASEAN- • Transport Policy Officials Training Korea Trade in Goods Agreement (AKTIGA) Program in Japan on 1 January 2016 for Thailand and Korea, 11 February 2016 for Myanmar, 6 April 2016 • ASEAN-Japan Transport Information for Singapore, 10 June 2016 for Lao PDR, 14 Platform Project July 2016 for the Philippines, and 26 July 2016 for Malaysia. With the introduction of the new *** commitments on customs procedures and trade facilitation, as well as the inclusion of ASEAN – Republic of Korea Parties’ line-by-line tariff reduction schedules, the Ministers expressed their hope that the Protocol could further facilitate the trade th Joint Media Statement of the 13 between ASEAN and Korea, thus helping AEM-ROK Consultations achieve the two-way trade target of USD 200 billion by 2020 as set and agreed by the Leaders. Vientiane, Lao PDR, 4 August 2016 5. The Ministers welcomed the progress made in the negotiation for further liberalisation of 1. Economic Ministers from the ten ASEAN Sensitive Track products under the AKTIGA, Member States and the Minister of Trade, including the exchange of initial lists of Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea products of interest by Parties. The Ministers met on 4 August 2016, in Vientiane, Lao PDR, were therefore pleased to announce that for the Thirteenth AEM-ROK Consultations. the negotiations for further liberalisation of The Consultations were co-chaired by H.E. Sensitive Track products under the AKTIGA Mrs Khemmani Pholsena, Minister of Industry had officially commenced. The Ministers and Commerce of Lao PDR, and H.E. Joo looked forward to substantive outcomes Hyunghwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and from the negotiation by the next AEM-ROK Energy of the Republic of Korea (ROK). Consultations.
2. ROK commended the establishment of the 6. The Ministers underlined the importance ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015 of enhanced participation of business as a major milestone in regional economic communities and reaffirmed the Leaders’ view integration. ROK also welcomed the new AEC that the ASEAN-ROK Business Council should Blueprint 2025, which envisages an AEC by be utilised to further promote cooperation 2025 that is highly integrated and cohesive; among the private sector and Micro, Small and competitive, innovative and dynamic; Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Collaboration with enhanced connectivity and sectoral amongst Parties may include human resource cooperation; a more resilient, inclusive, and development, sharing of best practices as well people-oriented, people-centred community; as participation in the regional value chain. and integrated with the global economy. 7. The Ministers were pleased to note the good 3. The Ministers were pleased to note the progress made on economic cooperation performance of ASEAN-Korea bilateral trade between ASEAN and Korea, including project and investment for 2015. Total merchandise activities funded under the ASEAN-Korea trade between ASEAN and Korea grew to Economic Cooperation (AKEC) Fund. Since USD 122.9 billion, accounting for 5.4 per cent the 12th AEM-ROK Consultations in August of ASEAN’s total trade and placing Korea as 2015, eight (8) projects under AKEC Fund ASEAN’s fifth largest trading partner. Foreign have been endorsed by ASEAN and Korea Direct Investment (FDI) flows from Korea to to support the implementation of the ASEAN- Korea Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA) and
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to improve ASEAN Member States’ capacity of ASEAN Member States and H.E. Park in various areas such as trade facilitation, Geun-hye, President of the Republic of Korea human resources, and sustainable (ROK). The Secretary-General of ASEAN development. The Ministers encouraged was also in attendance. ASEAN Member States to come up with more project proposals and expressed their 2. The ROK welcomed the progress made in appreciation to the Government of ROK for ASEAN Community-building following the its continued support to ASEAN. The ASEAN establishment of the ASEAN Community in Ministers also expressed their appreciation to 2015. The ASEAN Leaders welcomed the the Government of ROK for its support in the ROK’s commitment to contribute towards the development of the ASEAN Tariff Finder. realization of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025. The ASEAN Leaders appreciated LIST OF MINISTERS the ROK’s continued support for ASEAN’s Unity and Centrality in the evolving regional The Hon. Pehin Dato Lim Jock Seng, Minister at architecture through ASEAN-led processes, the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of in particular the ASEAN Plus Three, the East Foreign Affairs and Trade, Brunei Darussalam; H.E. Asia Summit, the ASEAN Regional Forum, Pan Sorasak, Minister of Commerce, Cambodia; Mr and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Iman Pambagyo, Director General of International Partnership. Trade Negotiations, Ministry of Trade, Indonesia (representing H.E. Enggartiasto Lukita, Minister of 3. We noted the significant progress achieved Trade, Indonesia); H.E. Joo Hyunghwan, Minister in ASEAN-ROK relations over the past one of Trade, Industry and Energy, Republic of Korea; year and looked forward to the effective H.E. Mrs Khemmani Pholsena, Minister of Industry implementation of the Plan of Action to and Commerce, Lao PDR; H.E. Dato’ Sri Mustapa Implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN- Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and ROK Strategic Partnership for Peace and Industry, Malaysia; H.E. Kyaw Win, Union Minister Prosperity (2016-2020) which would further of Planning and Finance, Myanmar; H.E. Ramon advance our cooperation. M. Lopez, Secretary of Trade and Industry, the Philippines; H.E. Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade 4. We were pleased to note the well performing and Industry (Trade), Singapore; H.E. Apiradi trade and investment relations between Tantraporn, Minister of Commerce, Thailand; H.E. ASEAN and the Republic of Korea (ROK) in Tran Tuan Anh, Minister of Industry and Trade, Viet 2015. With total bilateral merchandise trade Nam; and H.E. Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General reaching USD 122.9 billion, and Foreign Direct of ASEAN. Investment (FDI) inflows from ROK to ASEAN recorded at USD 5.7 billion, ROK remained *** ASEAN’s fifth largest trading partner and ASEAN’s fifth largest source of FDI. Chairman’s Statement of the th 18 ASEAN-Republic of Korea 5. We were also pleased to note the entry into Summit force of the Third Protocol to Amend the ASEAN-Korea Trade in Goods Agreement (AKTIGA), which will further contribute to the Vie nt ia ne , La o P D R , smooth implementation of the Agreement. 7 September 2016 We were encouraged that the negotiation for further liberalisation of Sensitive Track products under the AKTIGA have commence Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic and looked forward to substantive outcomes ASEAN Community from the negotiation as a step forward to enhance ASEAN-ROK trade. We hoped that 1. The 18th ASEAN-Republic of Korea (ROK) these efforts will help achieve our aim of a Summit was held on 7 September 2016 in two-way trade target of USD 200 billion by Vientiane, Lao PDR. The Meeting was chaired 2020. by H.E. Thongloun SISOULITH, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR. The Summit was 6. We noted joint efforts in intensifying the attended by all Heads of State/Government Regional Comprehensive Economic
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Partnership (RCEP) negotiations. In view of 11. The ASEAN Leaders welcomed the the large potential of the RCEP to promote ROK’s support for the operationalization global trade and growth, we urged RCEP of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for participating countries to exercise their Humanitarian Assistance on disaster best endeavour to achieve a modern, management (AHA Centre) in Jakarta, comprehensive, high quality and mutually Indonesia, and the implementation of the beneficial agreement. ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) and 7. We noted with satisfaction the activities its Work Programme. We encouraged the and programmes on sustainable forest ROK’s support for the realisation of ASEAN management, rehabilitation and restoration Declaration on One ASEAN, One Response: of degraded forest and capacity building ASEAN Responding to Disaster as One in the in ASEAN under the ASEAN-ROK Forest region and outside the region. Cooperation (AFoCo) Agreement, which terminated on 4 August 2016. We also 12. The ASEAN Leaders welcomed ROK’s acknowledged and expressed our support assistance in disaster risk reduction and for the progress in the establishment of Asian mitigation efforts regionally and bilaterally Forest Cooperation Organisation (AFoCO). through the Global Green Growth Institute The Agreement text for the Establishment of (GGGI) to strengthen capacity to address AFoCO was finalized on 22 September 2015. the impact of climate change, and the Green It shall enter into force upon ratification by 5 Climate Fund (GCF) in mobilizing climate signatory countries including the ROK. financing.
8. We welcomed the pragmatic proposals of 13. The ASEAN Leaders appreciated the ROK’s the Korea-ASEAN Business Council to build commitment to supporting the implementation and enhance growth of MSMEs through of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity dialogue, market research, study visits and 2015, including through Public-Private sector – and industry-specific networking Partnership (PPP), particularly in physical and collaboration. In this connection, we infrastructure, development of information urged active participation of the business and communications technology and associations in ASEAN to take advantage people-to-people connectivity, and looked of the opportunities presented by these forward to ROK’s continued support for proposed collaborations. the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025. In this context, we 9. We highlighted the importance of enhancing welcomed the contribution of the ASEAN – participation in the business sector and Korea Centre for its organisation of the annual encouraged the role of ASEAN-ROK ASEAN Connectivity Forum to facilitate Business Council (AKBC) as well as the business opportunities and enhance Public- establishment of the ASEAN-ROK Innovation Private Partnership in connectivity projects th Centre Network Initiative Supporting Science, and its hosting of the 4 ASEAN Connectivity Technology and innovation (STI) cooperation Forum on 8 November 2016 in Seoul. We aimed at promoting Micro, Small and Medium also looked forward to deepening cooperation Enterprises (MSMEs) cooperation, including in the area of aviation through the ASEAN – human resource development and the ROK Working Group on Regional Air Services sharing of best practices. We welcomed the Arrangements and noted the heightened convening of the 3rd AKBC, on 3 August 2016 expectations of ASEAN Transport Ministers in Vientiane, Lao PDR. for the early conclusion of a more liberal and mutually beneficial air services agreement 10. ASEAN welcomed ROK’s support for the between ASEAN and the ROK, while noting launch of ASEAN’s Tariff Finder Initiative ROK’s view that such development would which would allow ASEAN MSMEs’ greater require sufficient time to discuss. access to information as well as the understanding of the ASEAN-led Free Trade 14. We recognised that regional integration and Agreements, including ASEAN-ROK Free narrowing the development gap are priorities Trade Agreement. in the ASEAN community-building process and towards that end, looked forward to the ROK’s continued cooperation and support for
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narrowing the development gap between and Leaders’ Visit to Korea, the ASEAN-ROK Film among ASEAN Member States, through the Leaders Incubator as well as ASEAN-KOREA implementation of the Initiative for ASEAN Youth Taekwondo Cultural Exchange Camp. Integration (IAI) Work Plan III (2016-2020). In this regard, we noted ROK’s four presidential 18. We reiterated the importance of maintaining initiatives for the implementation of the peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and expressed support for the denuclearization (SDGs), namely Better Life for Girls, Safe Life of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner. for All, Science, Technology and Innovation for We shared serious concerns over the recent Better Life and the New Rural Development developments on the Korean peninsula, Paradigm. We also attached great importance including the nuclear test on 6 January 2016 to the Mekong-ROK cooperation, which has and subsequent launches using ballistic contributed to narrowing the development gap missile technology, including submarine- and enhanced connectivity, and sustainable launch ballistic missile on 23 August 2016 by management of natural resources, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea thereby contributing to meaningful (DPRK), which are in violation of the relevant economic integration. United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. We called for the creation of an 15. We expressed appreciation to the ASEAN- environment conducive to the resumption of Korea Centre for its continued contribution the Six-Party Talks to make further progress and encouraged the enhanced role of Centre in denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in promoting trade, investment, tourism, in a peaceful manner. We urged the DPRK cultural cooperation and people-to-people to comply with all relevant UNSC resolutions, contacts between ASEAN and the ROK. including the UNSC Resolution 2270 and called on all parties to exert common efforts 16. We emphasized the importance of enhancing to maintain peace and security in the said cultural cooperation between ASEAN and the region. ROK and looked forward to the inauguration of the ASEAN Culture House in Busan as 19. We expressed support for the Republic of well as the observance of the ASEAN-ROK Korea’s Trust-Building Process on the Korean Cultural Exchange Year in 2017 to further Peninsula and the “Initiative for Peaceful enhance understanding and appreciation Unification of the Korean Peninsula” as well of ASEAN culture in the ROK. In line with as the Northeast Asia Peace and Cooperation this, we took note of the ROK’s initiative to Initiative (NAPCI) in promoting lasting peace establish Busan Asian Film School. in the Korea Peninsula, as well as cooperation and trust in Northeast Asia. 17. The ASEAN Leaders welcomed ROK’s continued support to enhance friendly *** relations and promoting people-to- people mobility between ASEAN and the Joint Ministerial Statement of the ROK through educational and exchange th activities, such as enhancing the capacity of 7 ASEAN and Republic of Korea vocational education, the Fostering ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting Future Leaders Programme, the ASEAN- th Korea Academic Exchange Programme, (7 ATM+ROK) the ASEAN-Korean Knowledge Exchange Program, and the ASEAN-Korea Forum and M a n i l a , P h i l i p p i n e s , Advanced Seminars for 2015 and 2016. We also note with appreciation the Program on 18 November 2016 Curriculum Development on Gender and Development, ASEAN Cyber University 1. The Seventh ASEAN and ROK Transport Project, KRIVET Project, the ASEAN-Korea Ministers (7th ATM+ROK) Meeting was held Education and Exchange Program for Young on 18 November 2016 in Manila, Philippines. Scholars in Women’s Studies, the ASEAN- The Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Korea Future – Oriented Youth Exchange Arthur P. Tugade, Secretary of Department of Programme, the ASEAN – Korea Frontier Transportation and, H.E. Mr. Seungho Lee, Forum (AKFF), the ASEAN Next Generation
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Deputy Minister for Transport and Logistics, 4. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment in Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport further enhancing air transport connectivity of the Republic of Korea. The Meeting was between ASEAN and ROK and encouraged preceded by the Eighth ASEAN and ROK the relevant working groups to look into Senior Transport Officials Meeting (8th convening the 2nd Meeting of the ASEAN- STOM+ROK) held on 16 November 2016. ROK Working Group on Regional Air Services Arrangements for the conclusion of a more 2. The Ministers welcomed the progress made liberal and mutually beneficial air services in implementing the following ASEAN-ROK agreement, while noting ROK’s view that Transport Cooperation Roadmap projects/ such development would require sufficient activities in 2016 as well as the completion of time to discuss. the 1st Phase of the Basic Study on Efficiency of ASEAN Highway Investment Model: 5. The Eighth ATM+ROK Meeting will be held in the Singapore in 2017. a) Feasibility Study developing railway project linking Viet Nam and Lao PDR (Vientiane LIST OF MINISTERS – Thakek – mu Gia – Tan Ap – Vung Ang); H.E. Dato Seri Setia Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, b) The Project for the Establishment of the Minister of Communications of Brunei Darussalam; Civil Aviation Training Center (CATC) In H.E. Mr. Sun Chanthol, Senior Minister and Minister Cambodia; and of Public Works and Transport of Cambodia; Mr. Sugihardjo representing H.E. Mr. Budi Karya c) Capacity Building Training Programmes Sumadi, Minister for Transportation of Indonesia; on Railway Policy and Safety; Logistics H.E. Mr. Viengsavath Siphandone, Vice Policy and Technology; ITS Policy and Minister of Public Works and Transport of Lao Technology; Transport and Logistics PDR; H.E. Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai, Minister of Development and Land Compensation. Transport of Malaysia; H.E. Mr. Thant Sin Maung, Union Minister of Transport and Communications 3. The Ministers welcomed the outcomes of of Myanmar; H.E. Mr. Arthur P. Tugade, Secretary the 7th ASEAN-ROK Transport Cooperation of Transportation of the Philippines; H.E. Mr. Forum which was held in June 2016 in Seoul, Seungho Lee, Deputy Minister for Transport and ROK. The Ministers looked forward to the Logistics, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and implementation of the following key projects/ Transport of the Republic of Korea; H.E. Mr. Khaw activities for 2017: Boon Wan, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport of Singapore; H.E. Mr. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, Minister of Transport a) Capacity building training program for of Thailand; H.E. Mr. Nguyen Hong Truong, Vice Railway Policy and Safety; Minister of Transport of Viet Nam; and H.E. Mr. Lim Hong Hin, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for b) Capacity building training program for ASEAN Economic Community Logistics Policy and Technology; *** c) Capacity building training program for Sustainable Urban Transportation Systems; and
d) Capacity building training program for Transport and Logistics Development and Land Compensation.
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ASEAN – Russian Federation ACKNOWLEDGING the significance of the implementation of the ASEAN – Russian Federation Intergovernmental Agreement on Sochi Declaration of the Economic and Development Cooperation of 2005, ASEAN-Russian Federation the ASEAN-Russian Federation Intergovernmental Agreement on Cultural Cooperation of 2010 and Commemorative Summit the Comprehensive Programme of Action to to Mark the 20th Anniversary Promote Cooperation between ASEAN and the of ASEAN-Russian Federation Russian Federation 2005-2015; Dialogue Partnership NOTING the on-going changes in the world and the increasing tendency towards multipolarity; Sochi, Russia, 19-20 May 2016 NOTING also that evolving regional security architecture should be open, transparent, inclusive, “Moving Towards a Strategic Partnership for and rules-based in accordance with international Mutual Benefit” law, including the principle of equality;
WE, the Heads of State/Government of the Member WELCOMING the establishment of the ASEAN States of the Association of Southeast Asian Community in 2015 and Russia’s efforts within Nations (ASEAN) and the Russian Federation, the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union gathered in Sochi, Russian Federation, on 19-20 (EAEU); May 2016 to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of ASEAN-Russian Federation Dialogue Partnership; REAFFIRMING our commitment to building stronger, deeper and mutually beneficial relations RECOGNISING with appreciation the achievements between ASEAN and the Russian Federation made over the past 20 years of ASEAN-Russian towards regional peace, stability, and prosperity; Federation dialogue partnership and cooperation across a wide range of areas, including political, security, trade and economic, culture, people – to- RECOGNISING the importance of the promotion people exchange and development cooperation, and protection of human rights, including through which have strengthened and enhanced the practical steps, exchange of best practices and relations as well as regional peace, stability and closer cooperation, in particular in international prosperity; fora;
ADHERING to the principles, purposes, shared HAVING considered all aspects of the development values and norms stipulated in the Charter of of the ASEAN-Russian Federation dialogue the United Nations, the Treaty of Amity and partnership, we hereby agreed to undertake the Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), the East following: Asia Summit (EAS) Declaration on the Principles for Mutually Beneficial Relations (Bali Principles), Strengthening of Dialogue Partnership as well as recognising consistency of ASEAN – Russia cooperation with ASEAN processes, 1. Further strengthen the Dialogue Partnership principles and norms such as ASEAN Centrality in based on the principles of equality, mutual the evolving regional architecture; benefit and shared responsibility to promote peace, stability, security, prosperity, economic RECALLING our commitment under the Joint growth, sustainable development and social Declaration of the Heads of State/Government progress in the Asia-Pacific region with a view of ASEAN and the Head of State of the Russian to working towards a strategic partnership; Federation on Progressive and Comprehensive Partnership signed on 13 December 2005 in 2. Enhance high-level engagement and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and the Joint Statement cooperation within the existing framework of the Second ASEAN-Russia Federation Summit of the ASEAN-Russian Federation Dialogue adopted in Hanoi, Vietnam on 30 October 2010; Partnership and ASEAN – led mechanisms, such as East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus);
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Political and Security Cooperation 9. Ensure maritime security and safety, freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded 3. Reaffirm commitment to the principles and commerce. Promote self-restraint, non-use norms of international law enshrined in the UN of force or the threat to use force and the Charter, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation resolution of dispute through peaceful means in Southeast Asia (TAC), including mutual in accordance with universally recognised respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity principles of international law, including as of States, non-interference in internal affairs, stated in the United Nations Charter, the and the non-use of force or the threat to 1982 United Nations Convention on the use force, as well as respect for ASEAN Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the relevant processes, principles and norms; standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation 4. Continue to support deeper regional (ICAO) and the International Maritime integration, including through the Organisation (IMO); implementation of ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together and ASEAN Centrality in 10. Support the full and effective implementation such mechanisms as the EAS, ARF, and the of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties ADMM-Plus as well as welcome the role of in the South China Sea (DOC) and early the Russian Federation in promoting peace, conclusion of an effective Code of Conduct in security and stability in the Asia-Pacific; the South China Sea (COC) on the basis of consensus; 5. Intensify the on-going efforts of States Parties to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear 11. Consolidate the role of the East Asia Summit Weapon-Free Zone (Bangkok Treaty) and (EAS) as the key platform for a Leaders- the Nuclear Weapon States to resolve led dialogue on the wide range of strategic, outstanding issues pertaining to the signing political and economic issues of mutual and ratifying of the Protocol to that Treaty; interest and common concerns, including continued multilateral consultations within 6. Foster greater cooperation to address EAS on regional security architecture; traditional and non-traditional security challenges, such as international terrorism, 12. Where appropriate, further promote transnational crime, threats to information cooperation in various global and regional security as well as countering the illegal fora, including in the United Nations (UN), production and trafficking of drugs, under Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), global and regional frameworks, primarily Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), and G20; through the United Nations; Economic Cooperation 7. Enhance cooperation in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, as well 13. Continue dialogue on possible ways to as violent extremism and radicalisation in strengthen cooperation to support the ASEAN accordance with the relevant resolutions of Economic Community (AEC) and AEC the UN Security Council and the UN Global Blueprint 2025; Counter – Terrorism Strategy. To this end, promote moderation to counter extremism 14. Explore the possibility of mutually beneficial as called for by the Global Movement of cooperation among ASEAN, EAEU and the Moderates; Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO);
8. Promote cooperation in combating 15. Encourage sustainable and inclusive transnational organised crime, including economic growth, as well as establishment of human trafficking, illegal migration, sea a more representative system of international piracy, arms smuggling, money laundering, economic management with a view to respond international economic crime and cybercrime. constructively to the global and regional ASEAN appreciates the readiness of the economic and financial challenge; Russian Federation to continue the relevant capacity building training courses; 16. Encourage the reform of the international financial system, taking into account
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the interests and increasing influence 26. Promote responsible fishing practices and of developing countries and emerging address illegal, unreported and unregulated economies; fishing;
17. Support the development of multilateral 27. Contribute to sustainable development of trade rules ensuring the equal rights and maritime economy based on the principles of opportunities as well as prosperity and balance between ecological stability and well- welfare for all; being of the population, as well as between the responsible management and efficient 18. Promote regional economic cooperation use of water resources; through regular consultations within existing mechanisms aimed at promoting trade and 28. Encourage the expansion of contacts investment, including promoting an open and between the research centres, universities, non-discriminatory market in the Asia-Pacific scientific funds, scientific and technological region, taking into account the interests of associations and companies for creating and each and every economy; promoting new technologies and innovative products, exchanging knowledge through 19. Endeavor to increase substantially the volume joint project activities, research, seminars and of trade between ASEAN Member States and workshops; Russia; 29. Promote scientific and technological 20. Russia put forward a proposal to launch a joint cooperation aimed at facilitating an innovation feasibility study of a comprehensive free trade economy in areas such as aeronautics, bio-, area between ASEAN and EAEU. ASEAN will nano-, and space technologies and medicine; consider this initiative; 30. Explore cooperation through the transfer of 21. Encourage transport cooperation in areas technologies, joint technological research and such as maritime, road and rail transport development as well as capacity building in infrastructure networks and civil aviation, space technology and its applications; including through capacity building and exchange of best practices; 31. Encourage partnerships between government and the private sector, including through 22. Explore cooperation in the area of electronic Public-Private Partnership (PPP), and commerce with the objective of increasing promote business-to – business relations, mutual trade and investment; Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) development and strengthening 23. Strengthen cooperation in pursuit of energy private sector engagement between ASEAN security, including energy efficiency, as and Russia; well as energy accessibility, affordability and sustainability, including through joint 32. Strengthen contacts between entrepreneurs development of renewable energy and clean and business associations of ASEAN Member energy technologies; States and the Russian Federation, including through the Russia-ASEAN Business Council 24. Explore cooperation in the areas of oil and as well as the exchange of business missions; gas, electric power, energy efficiency, civilian nuclear energy, and renewable energy to 33. Promote favourable conditions for economic enhance energy security; activities through the mutual improvement of investment and business climate and trade 25. Promote cooperation in agriculture, ensuring facilitation; national and regional food security, as well as the expansion of trade and investments in 34. Explore enhancing efforts aimed at promoting healthy and ecologically clean food products; the financial welfare and financial awareness of the population on complex financial products and services in a rapidly evolving digital environment;
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35. Explore the possibility of cooperation on 43. Fully utilise the ASEAN Centre in Moscow strengthening infrastructure financing State Institute of International Relations initiatives in ASEAN and Russia; (MGIMO) University to facilitate promotional activities in developing people-to-people ties, Social and Cultural Cooperation including academic and youth and cultural exchanges between ASEAN and the Russian 36. Welcome and implement the ASEAN-Russia Federation; Year of Culture 2016, aimed at broadening and strengthening cultural ties between ASEAN Cooperation on Narrowing the Development Member States and the Russian Federation Gap and Connectivity and encourage efforts and initiatives to provide impetus in this area; 44. Welcome Russia’s further support, as appropriate, of ASEAN’s efforts in narrowing 37. Enhance cooperation in education to promote the development gap within and between stronger people-to – people connections, ASEAN Member States, including the mutual understanding and friendship. Expand Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI), and professional training programmes and the promotion of inclusive and sustainable academic exchanges, in particular, between economic growth as stipulated in the IAI Work the young scientists, as well as promote Plan II and its successor document; vocational training programmes. To these ends, a Joint Working Group on Education 45. Explore ways to cooperate on ASEAN is being set up to oversee and enhance Connectivity in line with the Master Plan education collaborations; on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) and its successor document. Promote enhanced 38. Promote greater awareness and appreciation connectivity between ASEAN and Russia of each other’s traditions, history, heritage and including more effective transport links, and cultural diversity through cultural exchange closer people-to-people ties; activities, art exhibitions, film festivals and other cultural events. Promote inter – cultural Implementation and inter-civilisational dialogue, as well as ASEAN-Russia consultations on cultural 46. Task the relevant authorities of ASEAN Member cooperation; States and the Russian Federation to take necessary measures and efforts to implement 39. Strengthen cooperation in environmental the actions set forth in this Declaration. Such protection, climate change, health, water implementation of the Declaration shall be resources management, and to improve reviewed on an annual basis through existing access to clean water and clean air; cooperation frameworks;
40. Welcome the adoption of the Paris Agreement 47. Welcome the adoption of the Comprehensive under the United Nations Framework Plan of Action to Promote Cooperation Convention on Climate Change; between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Russian Federation 41. Deepen cooperation in disaster management (2016-2020) and task relevant Ministers to by improving national and regional crisis oversee its implementation in their respective management centres and emergency sectors through appropriate ASEAN-Russia monitoring and forecasting systems, mechanisms; advancing professional training of national emergency response personnel and rendering 48. Acknowledge with appreciation the efforts of assistance in case of emergencies; the ASEAN-Russia Eminent Persons Group in preparing the Report “ASEAN and Russia: A 42. Explore cooperation to encourage high quality Future – Oriented Multidimensional Strategic of life and equitable access to opportunities Partnership” and task the relevant Ministers for all and to promote and protect the rights to study it thoroughly and to use proposed of women, children, youths, elderly persons, recommendations, when applicable, with persons with disabilities, and migrant workers; a goal to implement the provisions of the present Declaration;
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49. Take appropriate measures to ensure higher We have continued to support performances efficiency of the ASEAN-Russian Federation of the ASEAN-Russia Youth Symphony Dialogue Partnership Financial Fund Orchestra, founded in 2011 on the occasion of (ARDPFF) for implementation of the tasks the 15th Anniversary of ASEAN-Russia Dialogue set forth in the present Declaration. In this Partnership. regards, ASEAN welcomes the commitment of the Russian Federation to make further Supporting the advancement of friendly relations annual contributions to the ARDPFF. between the ASEAN Member States and the Russian Federation in the field of culture and the Adopted in Sochi, Russian Federation on the arts, we have agreed to step up collaboration in Twentieth Day of May of the Year Two Thousand that direction. and Sixteen. We have agreed to promote cooperation and *** exchanges in the fields of music, theatre, archives, libraries, museums, cultural heritage, dance, visual Joint Statement of the Meeting of arts, film, copyright, folk-crafts, decorative and ASEAN-Russia Culture Ministers applied arts, circus and other artistic forms, subject to the national legislation, policies and international obligations of our respective countries. Sochi, Russia, 19 May 2016 We have agreed to cooperate on matters of protection, preservation, restoration and use of We, Ministers responsible for Culture and Arts cultural heritage sites in order to expand interaction of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and share best practices in the protection and (hereinafter referred to as ASEAN), namely Brunei management of cultural heritage. Darussalam, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Republic of Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic We have agreed to encourage development of Republic, Malaysia, the Republic of the Union cooperation in cinematography among national of Myanmar, the Republic of the Philippines, the film agencies and organizations through movie Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of Thailand, screenings and mutual participation in international and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, and the film festivals in the ASEAN Member States and the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, held Russian Federation. our first meeting on 19 May 2016 on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit to mark the 20th Anniversary of ASEAN-Russia Recognizing the richness and diversity of cultures dialogue partnership in Sochi, Russian Federation, and traditions in the ASEAN Member States and the and identified priority areas of ASEAN-Russia Russian Federation, we have agreed to facilitate cooperation in the field of culture. contacts in the field of folk culture and folk-crafts through mutually arranged exhibitions, festivals, traditional festivities and folk group performances. We have noted that ASEAN and the Russian Federation have vigorously worked to establish mutually beneficial cultural cooperation and We have taken note of the proposal to step up proceed with practical implementation of joint interaction in tourism and other forms of people- projects, in furtherance of the Agreement on to-people contacts, fostering an atmosphere of Cultural Cooperation between the Governments of friendship and mutual trust. We have expressed the Member States of ASEAN and the Government our satisfaction with the outcomes of implementing of the Russian Federation, adopted on 30 October joint cooperative programs in this area, and 2010, in Ha Noi, Viet Nam. welcomed the growth of tourist traffic between the ASEAN Member States and the Russian Federation. We have welcomed the ASEAN-Russia Year of Culture in 2016, and the ASEAN-Russia Culture Festival, to be held on 19-20 May 2016 in Sochi. We have agreed to continue ASEAN-Russia They strengthen the friendly relations between dialogue in the field of culture and the arts. our countries and peoples, broaden ties in the field of culture and the arts, and foster a better Adopted in the city of Sochi, the Russian understanding of our culture. Federation, on 19 May 2016. ***
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Comprehensive Plan of Action to I. POLITICAL AND SECURITY COOPERATION Promote Cooperation Between the Association of Southeast Political and Security Asian Nations and the Russian 1. Enhance high-level engagement to raise the Federation (2016-2020) profile of ASEAN-Russia relations, encourage further constructive dialogue and cooperation activities through the existing regional Sochi, Russia, 20 May 2016 mechanisms to promote peace, security, and stability in the region; This Comprehensive Plan of Action is aimed at 2. Promote closer ASEAN – Russia cooperation fostering and diversifying mutually beneficial to strengthen and consolidate the East Asia cooperation for the period of 2016-2020 between Summit (EAS) as a Leaders-led forum for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations strategic dialogue on a comprehensive, open, (ASEAN) and the Russian Federation as set forth equal and inclusive security architecture in in the Sochi Declaration of the ASEAN-Russian the Asia – Pacific region based on universally Federation Commemorative Summit to Mark the recognized rules and principles of international 20th Anniversary of ASEAN-Russian Federation law, mutual trust and respect for each other’s Dialogue Relations “Moving Towards a Strategic interests, principles of settlement of disputes Partnership for Mutual Benefit” adopted on 20 by peaceful means and, refraining from threat May 2016 in Sochi, the Russian Federation. This or use of force in their relations in order Comprehensive Plan of Action will work towards to encourage the development of positive mutually beneficial objectives in the next five years relationships and cooperation in the region; (2016-2020), building upon the strong cooperation between ASEAN and the Russian Federation since 1996. 3. Enhance ASEAN and Russia’s role in the regional architecture in accordance with shared values and norms enshrined in the UN This Comprehensive Plan of Action lays out Charter, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation priorities and measures to be undertaken by both in Southeast Asia (TAC), the EAS Declaration sides to further deepen and enhance their political- on the Principles for Mutually Beneficial security, economic, socio-cultural and development Relations (Bali Principles) and international cooperation as well as to realise the full potential law, including mutual respect for sovereignty of the ASEAN-Russia partnership in all areas of and territorial integrity of States, non common interest, taking into account ASEAN interference in internal affairs, and the non- 2025: Forging Ahead Together and its Blueprints, use of force or the threat to use force, as well as well as the results of the implementation of the as respect for ASEAN processes, principles Comprehensive Programme of Action to Promote and norms, including ASEAN Centrality in the Cooperation between ASEAN and Russia 2005- evolving regional architecture; 2015.
4. Deepen ASEAN-Russia consultations and This Comprehensive Plan of Action recognises cooperation through the ASEAN-led fora, the importance of the promotion and protection of including by holding regular ASEAN-Russia human rights, including through practical steps, Summits and the ASEAN Post Ministerial exchange of best practices and closer cooperation, Conference (PMC) + 1 Sessions with the particularly in international fora; Russian Federation, Senior Officials’ Meetings, strengthen ASEAN-Russia Joint Cooperation In accordance with their respective international Committee and other working mechanisms obligations and national legislation and policies, of ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Partnership, as ASEAN Member States and the Russian well as strengthen engagement and dialogue Federation shall endeavour to pursue cooperation between the Committee of the Permanent in the following areas. Representatives to ASEAN (CPR) and the Russian Ambassador to ASEAN;
5. Strengthen coordination within the United Nations (UN) on issues of mutual interest,
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among others, by convening, when through the ASEAN Regional Mine Action necessary, meetings of Foreign Ministers Centre, including possible support from the of ASEAN and the Russian Federation, Russian Armed Forces Anti-Mine Centre; including at the sidelines of the UN General Assembly Sessions, as well as the Permanent 12. Intensify the on-going efforts of States Parties Representatives to the UN; to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (Bangkok Treaty) and 6. Work closely to strengthen the EAS, with the Nuclear Weapon States to resolve ASEAN as the driving force, as a Leaders- outstanding issues pertaining to the signing led forum for dialogue and cooperation on and ratifying of the Protocol to that Treaty; broad strategic, political and economic issues of common interest and concern with the aim 13. Explore cooperation in strengthening nuclear of promoting peace, stability and economic safety and security, as well as application prosperity in the region. Сontinue within the of nuclear safeguards through capacity EAS, multilateral consultations on the regional building and sharing of experience and best security architecture; practices. Promote the application of IAEA comprehensive safeguards agreements and 7. Strengthen cooperation in the framework additional protocols in a structured, objective, of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) to transparent and coordinated manner; promote confidence building measures and preventive diplomacy in line with the Hanoi 14. Explore cooperation within the framework Plan of Action to Implement the ARF Vision of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Statement 2020, including, in the areas Development, Production and Stockpiling of disaster relief, counter-terrorism and of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxic transnational crime, maritime security, non- Weapons and on their Destruction and proliferation and disarmament, peacekeeping the Convention on the Prohibition of the operations, defence dialogue and support Development, Production, Stockpiling and ASEAN’s central and active role in the ARF Use of Chemical Weapons and on their process; Destruction on matters of mutual interest, particularly, with regard to strengthening their 8. Enhance mutually beneficial cooperation respective regimes; within the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting- Plus (ADMM-Plus) as a useful platform for 15. Expand practical cooperation of the military dialogue and practical cooperation with a view medical services of the ASEAN Member to implementing relevant mutually agreed States and the Russian Federation within the plans in the areas of maritime security, military framework of the ASEAN Centre of Military medicine, counterterrorism, humanitarian Medicine in order to establish practical, assistance and disaster relief, humanitarian effective and sustainable cooperation among mine action and peacekeeping; and also military medical services of ASEAN Member promote cooperation in the above-mentioned States and ADMM-Plus Countries; hold spheres between the ASEAN Member States joint exercises on providing military-medical and Russia; assistance in crisis situations under the Experts Working Group on Military Medicine 9. Enhance cooperation in other multilateral (EWG-MM) Framework; frameworks and fora, including the Asia- Europe Meeting (ASEM) and the Asia 16. Explore cooperation on migration-related Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), on issues of issues in the areas of common interest common interest and concern; in accordance with international law and domestic legislation; 10. Continue cooperation between ASEAN and Russia within the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime Forum (EAMF); 17. Encourage to convene a regular ASEAN- 11. Promote cooperation in addressing Russia Senior Officials Consultation Meeting humanitarian aspects of landmines and other on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) and the explosive remnants of war issues in the region ASEAN-Russia Joint Working Group on
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Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime 24. Enhance cooperation at various levels on (JWG on CTTC) as mutually agreed, and counter-terrorism initiatives to address update if necessary, the ASEAN-Russia conditions conducive to the spread of Work Plan on Countering Terrorism and terrorism, violent extremism and radicalism, Transnational Crime as well as support and including countering the spread of terrorist encourage its implementation; and extremist ideology and incitement to commit terrorist acts among others through 18. Deepen cooperation in combating international the participation of the representatives of civil terrorism, including under the framework society, religious leaders, academic circles, of the “ASEAN-Russia Joint Declaration media and business; for Cooperation to Combat International Terrorism,” signed in Jakarta, Indonesia on 2 25. Support contribution of moderation in July 2004, and under the ARF Work Plan on countering the spread of terrorism, violent Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime extremism in all aspects, radicalisation, 2015-2017 adopted at the 22nd ARF in Kuala including through the implementation of the Lumpur, Malaysia on 6 August 2015; East Asia Summit Declaration on the Global Movement of Moderates; 19. Strengthen and support the capacity building on counter-terrorism and combating 26. Exchange information on terrorist groups and transnational crimes including on legal information on potential attacks and threats matters, law enforcement, cyber terrorism including possible acts involving chemical, and terrorist financing on the basis of mutual biological, radiological or nuclear weapons; interest through engagement with training centers in ASEAN and Russia by developing 27. Continue to share information on terrorist appropriate programmes and activities such organizations, their leaders and members, as trainings, conferences and workshops; operational methods and support infrastructure; 20. Strengthen the central role of the UN in the consolidation and coordination of international 28. Promote cooperation and capacity building efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and for security personnel involved in high-profile manifestations, including the threat of foreign visits and governmental and international terrorist fighters and to address the conditions events; conducive to the spread of terrorism and supporting factors of terrorism, including 29. Exchange information on potential acts of through the implementation of relevant United terrorism against their respective Countries Nations Security Council Resolutions; and citizens, share best practices, knowledge and experience in the field of prevention, 21. Continue efforts to elaborate and conclude the suppression and investigation of such acts Comprehensive Convention on Countering of terrorism, as well as on the prosecution of International Terrorism by the UN General terrorists and their accomplices; Assembly; 30. Coordinate joint measures to prevent 22. Encourage the early signing and ratification financing of terrorism; of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism by 31. Cooperate in research on issues and trends the States that have not yet done so; in terrorism;
23. Take measures to enhance multilateral and 32. Explore the possibility of cooperation on bilateral cooperation in combating terrorism the detection of communication channels of on the basis of international law, including transnational criminal groups and terrorist the international and regional frameworks organizations; on counter-terrorism such as the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, taking into 33. Cooperate to eradicate illicit trafficking in account the “ASEAN Convention on Counter small arms; Terrorism” and the “ASEAN Comprehensive Plan of Action on Counter-Terrorism”;
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34. Exchange information and cooperate with a 43. Increase cooperation within ARF on security view to preventing and suppressing illicit drug of and in the use of ICTs aimed at promoting trafficking; a peaceful, secure and cooperative ICT environment and preventing conflict and 35. Strengthen ASEAN-Russia cooperation crises by developing trust and confidence; in combating illicit drug production, drug trafficking and drug-related crimes, taking II. ECONOMIC COOPERATION into account, among others, the aspiration of a drug-free ASEAN, through exploring Trade and Investment collaboration of Russia with ASEAN Narcotics Cooperation Centre (ASEAN-NARCO); 44. Continue regular meetings between the ASEAN Economic Ministers and Russia’s 36. Cooperate and render mutual assistance in Minister of Economic Development and their preventing and suppressing human trafficking Senior Officials with a view to deepen the trade and crimes related to it in accordance with and investment linkages thus, increasing relevant agreements; ASEAN-Russia trade and investment opportunities; 37. Enhance cooperation in combating money laundering, particularly those that involve 45. Encourage regular sharing of experience channeling of revenues obtained by criminal and best practice between relevant ASEAN and/or other means for the goal of financing and Russia Sectoral Bodies on policy terrorist activities, and share best practices, and regulatory framework on trade and promote capacity building and render investment, including the issue of free trade necessary support to halt such activities; agreements as well as customs tariffs and non-tariffs, technical rules, standards and compliance certification; 38. Develop capacity building and provide, as mutually agreed, training services and technical assistance to ASEAN Member 46. Further promote ASEAN-Russia economic States at the Moscow International Training relations by effectively implementing the and Methodology Centre for Financial ASEAN-Russia Trade and Investment Monitoring; Cooperation Roadmap endorsed by ASEAN and Russia in 2012 and regularly update, when mutually agreed, its Work Programme 39. Cooperate in rendering mutual assistance to aimed at achieving greater and beneficial prevent misuse of non-profit and charitable trade and investment between ASEAN and organizations for the purposes of terrorist Russia; financing and money laundering; 47. Ensure effective protection of intellectual 40. Exchange information and cooperate in property rights in accordance with the countering the fabrication, distribution and respective international treaties which ASEAN use of false or forged payment instruments Member States and the Russian Federation and identification documents; are parties to, as well as the relevant national legislations; 41. Explore cooperation to promote international security in the field of information and 48. Strengthen cooperation and create telecommunications, including by exchanging opportunities between business communities views and promoting relevant UN initiatives; of ASEAN and Russia, including by holding business summits, dialogues and investment 42. Explore cooperation to render mutual symposiums in order to increase business assistance in the prevention and suppression communities’ awareness of the advantages of the use of information and communication of doing business in ASEAN and Russia and technologies (ICTs) for terrorist purposes, supporting activities of the Russia-ASEAN including incitement of hatred, as well as Business Council; recruitment, facilitation, and the financing of terrorists, and also for criminal purposes, 49. Organize on a regular basis business missions in particular crimes related to the misuse of between ASEAN Member States and Russia ICTs;
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with a view to establishing direct business the continued participation of the ASEAN contacts and exchanging information on trade Chair in future G-20 Summits, and, where and investment opportunities; appropriate, its related Meetings;
50. Promote Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to 57. Support regional integration processes within mobilize private sector investments for the the ASEAN Community and the Eurasian mutual benefit, as well as develop private Economic Union (EAEU), including efforts sector engagement particularly in the area in narrowing the development gap between of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises their member states and contribute to the (MSMEs) and encourage business-to- expansion of contacts between the ASEAN business relations, including though the and EAEU; Russia-ASEAN Business Council, ASEAN Business Advisory Council as well as 58. Explore the possibility of mutually beneficial Chambers of Commerce and Industry in cooperation among ASEAN, EAEU and the order to strengthen business networks and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO); opportunities; Finance 51. Encourage participation of MSMEs of ASEAN Member States and Russia in exhibitions, 59. Support financial sector development and trade fairs, conferences, seminars, joint promote greater financial stability through business missions and other business-related mutual exchange of knowledge, experience events, and exchange information about such and expertise, cooperation in protection for events; consumers on financial services, financial literacy and financial inclusion and cooperation 52. Promote and facilitate flows of foreign direct on capacity building; investment into ASEAN Member States and Russia through cooperation among 60. Encourage cooperation to improve investment promotion agencies, linkages infrastructure development in the ASEAN between investors and local entrepreneurs, Member States and Russia by encouraging and ease of dissemination of information long term sustainable infrastructure especially on rules, regulations and policies investment, through Public-Private affecting investment; Partnerships, where appropriate;
53. Promote cooperation in trade and investment- 61. Support greater financial inclusion to achieve related areas of mutual interest, including but sustainable and inclusive economic growth not limited to green technology, intellectual through the promotion of initiatives to property, and electronic commerce; improve individuals’ and small and medium enterprises’ access to financial services and 54. Explore possible cooperation and dialogue funding support. This includes areas such as on the external sector statistics to improve enhancing capacity building and providing quality and data comparability; technical assistance as well as designing consumer friendly financial regulatory 55. Encourage cooperation within multilateral frameworks; organizations and fora, including the World Trade Organization (WTO); the International 62. Explore collaboration to contribute to Monetary Fund (IMF); the World Bank (WB); reforming the global economic and financial the World Economic Forum (WEF); the Asia- architecture to safeguard the regional Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), with and global economies from future crises the aim to strengthen open, inclusive and rules particularly through initiatives that promote – based multilateral trading system as well as regulatory financial reforms; stable and balanced financial architecture; Energy 56. Strengthen coordination and cooperation on G-20 related matters, including support for 63. Continue regular consultations between ASEAN Senior Officials on Energy and Russia to advance energy cooperation, taking
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into account, among others, the ASEAN Plan 72. Support rural household electrification of Action on Energy Cooperation (APAEC) programmes, including solar, bio mass, bio 2016-2025; gas, micro hydro and off-grid electrification;
64. Implement the ASEAN-Russia Energy Industry and Minerals Cooperation Work Programme 2016-2020 and related documents; 73. Promote mutually beneficial mining cooperation through trade and investments, 65. Explore cooperation in the area of civilian the sharing of information and experiences, nuclear energy, and its related applications; capacity building especially on human resources, and promoting a platform for 66. Strengthen cooperation to pursue energy dialogue in which the private sector can more security and sustainability through research, effectively and efficiently collaborate; development, production and use of renewable and alternative energy sources 74. Encourage participation of engineering such as from solar power, wind, tidal surges companies from ASEAN Member States and and waves, geothermal waters and biomass, the Russian Federation in each other’s major as well as promotion of clean energy and projects, including the development of joint energy efficient technologies; investment projects;
67. Encourage implementation of programmes 75. Promote capacity building in the geological aimed at energy security, smart energy and mineral sector to address the current consumption and conservation of energy needs and future demands of the minerals resources, in particular, by enhancing industry and economy in ASEAN Member energy efficiency savings, as well as through States and Russia; institutional capacity building and increasing private sector engagement; 76. Enhance sectoral cooperation in high technology industries, such as production 68. Promote the facilitation of trade and of composite materials and development of investment in energy sector, including energy energy efficient and energy saving industrial infrastructure and oil and natural gas related technologies; projects as well as identify investment opportunities in major energy infrastructure 77. Explore cooperation in geosciences research, projects; innovation and application of advanced technologies of the use of rare minerals and 69. Develop and strengthen institutional linkages rare-earth metals for development of value between ASEAN and Russia, including added products for mutual benefit; the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), to cooperate on R&D on energy efficiency, 78. Explore cooperation on mining, particularly renewable energy, energy security, policy in capacity building and the sharing of best and planning, and to establish programmes practices, including those on regulatory of cooperation, and to explore cooperation on aspects of industrial safety at mining facilities, regulating energy safety; to promote environmentally and socially sustainable development; 70. Explore ways to encourage the use of environmentally friendly technologies in Transport relation to the extraction and production of oil and gas; 79. Encourage regular consultations and strengthen cooperation in the transportation 71. Exchange information and best practices on sector to exchange best practices in the the exploration, production, transportation areas of maritime, road and rail transport and consumption of oil and gas and their infrastructure networks and civil aviation as refined products; well as road safety;
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80. Deepen economic integration through intra- 88. Exchange experts on farming new aquaculture and inter-regional transport arrangements species, share technologies of fish farming, including air, maritime and land transportation; and hold consultations on various fishery matters; 81. Explore ways to share information on innovations and best practices in the areas of 89. Promote responsible fishing practices and to transport infrastructure network; combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, particularly in order to sustain fishery 82. Explore cooperation to implement the ASEAN resources, ensure food security, alleviate Strategic Transport Plan (2016-2025) and the poverty, and to optimise benefits of the people Transport Strategy of Russian Federation up and economies in the region; to 2030; 90. Explore possible cooperation on food safety, Food, Agriculture and Forestry including by holding expert consultations on the issues of mutual interest and exchanging 83. Hold regular ASEAN-Russia Senior Officials’ information on hazardous food products Meetings on Agriculture, promote networking detected on the markets of ASEAN Member and cooperation between government States and the Russian Federation; authorities concerned, together with agriculture and food experts, laboratories, Information and Communication Technology and agriculture and food- related academic (ICT) institutions, farmers and traders of ASEAN and Russia; 91. Enhance cooperation in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) such as 84. Step up cooperation in the implementation sharing of best practices in policy formulation of the Work Programme for ASEAN -Russia regulatory framework and technology Cooperation on Agriculture and Food Security, development; update it regularly, taking into account, among others, the ASEAN Integrated Food Security 92. Explore possible cooperation on ICT through (AIFS) Framework and the Strategic Plan workshops and training in areas such as of Action on Food Security for the period of distance education, telemedicine, information 2015-2020 in the ASEAN Region (SPA-FS); security, recognition of electronic signature software development, digital content, 85. Promote investment, capacity building, e-government, e- commerce, spectrum sharing of experience and best practices management, satellite technology, as well as as well as transfer and adoption of new mitigation of the impact of climate change and technologies in agriculture, food and forestry disaster risk management; sectors, research and development including technical assistance and funding support 93. Encourage knowledge sharing between related to these activities; governments, the private sector and industry groups to facilitate investments in 86. Develop human resource in the area of ICT, including in broadband connectivity agriculture by providing opportunities for and broadband applications in ASEAN and ASEAN and Russian farmers to learn Russia; techniques, management and farm working practices through capacity building, training 94. Strengthen cooperation and capacity building and extension; in information and cyber- security, joint research and development activities in the 87. Hold expert consultations on cooperation in area of interactive digital media; plant and animal production, livestock health, melioration, and recycling of agriculture and 95. Promote knowledge sharing on the application food production waste; of information technology in education, IT curriculum development and IT teacher trainings;
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Tourism seminars and other international scientific and technology meeting, in particular, of the 96. Support continued consultations between young scientists and experts; ASEAN and Russia including on the sidelines of the ASEAN Tourism Forum to promote 103. Explore cooperation and capacity-building in tourism cooperation, including in the areas the field of space technologies application; of joint tourism marketing, emergency communications, tourism investment and III. SOCIO-CULTURAL COOPERATION tourism standards activities with a view to promote national tourism products; Culture
97. Strengthen ASEAN-Russia capacity building 104. Promote cultural cooperation through expert programmes in tourism sector and continue consultations on culture in order to develop collaboration on professional training and and implement cultural activities between advancement in the field of tourism, including ASEAN and Russia; on Russian language courses for tourism stakeholders from ASEAN Member States; 105. Promote exchange and linkages programmes, personnel training and joint seminars in the 98. Exchange information and develop best field of culture and arts, including those with practices in ensuring tourists’ safety and commercial interest where mutually agreed; access to medical and tourist services in ASEAN Member States and Russia, 106. Promote collaboration among major cultural where feasible, as well as considering the institutions, including libraries and museums, development of the relevant guidelines for cultural enterprises and creative industries; tourist administrations and other authorities;
107. Promote greater awareness and appreciation 99. Encourage the participation of private sectors of each other’s traditions, heritage and in tourism promotion activities such as travel cultures through cultural exchange activities, marts, exhibitions and tourism festivals, art exhibitions, film festivals and other cultural including ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) and events held in ASEAN Member States and the the International Tourism Forum in Russia; Russian Federation including performances of the ASEAN-Russia Youth Symphony Science, Technology and Innovation Orchestra as mutually agreed;
100. Hold regular meetings of the ASEAN-Russia 108. Encourage learning of the Russian language Working Group on Science and Technology in ASEAN Member States through, among (ARWGST), and implement and update if others, welcoming the expanding by Russia necessary the ASEAN- Russia Plan of Action of its network of Russian Culture Centers; on Science, Technology and Innovation to promote scientific and technological Disaster Management and Emergency cooperation for mutual benefit; Response 101. Promote scientific and technological research 109. Encourage regular consultations between development and exchanges between ASEAN the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Member States and the Russian Federation Management (ACDM) and the Ministry of for mutual benefit and sharing of scientific Civil Defence, Emergencies and Elimination and technological information, including but of Consequences of Natural Disasters not limited to high potential areas, such as (EMERCOM) of the Russian Federation development of advanced materials and to facilitate synergy among multilateral life science for development of value-added cooperation mechanisms on disaster products; management; 102. Foster mutual participation in scientific 110. Strengthen cooperation on disaster and technology exhibitions, conferences, management and humanitarian assistance
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through among others, sharing of experiences 117. Promote cooperation in biodiversity through and best practices and capability development appropriate organizations, including the programmes; ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) and relevant bodies of the Russian Federation, 111. Strengthen cooperation to support the as may be identified by ASEAN and Russia, implementation of the ASEAN Agreement in promoting biodiversity cooperation on Disaster Management and Emergency and management which covers policy Response (AADMER) and the work of the development, capacity building, information ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian management and sharing, as well as raising Assistance on disaster management (AHA public awareness; Centre); Health and Pandemic Preparedness and 112. Explore partnerships of mutual interest Response between AHA Centre and EMERCOM of Russia, where appropriate, to strengthen 118. Encourage technical exchanges and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief information sharing relevant to public health (HADR) efforts that includes civilian and on promoting healthy lifestyle, responding military cooperation; to all hazards and emerging threats, strengthening health systems and access to 113. Explore possible cooperation on the use of care, and enhancing food safety; advanced disaster prevention and response technology; 119. Promote cooperation to provide the peoples of ASEAN access to clean water, clean air, Environment, Climate Change and Biodiversity basic healthcare, and other social services, so that they may lead healthy and productive 114. Explore cooperation to support regional and lives and thereby contribute to ASEAN and international efforts to address issues on the global community; environmental protection, sustainable forest management practices, trans-boundary 120. Work together to enhance ASEAN’s pollution, biodiversity conservation, coastal preparedness and capacity in responding and marine protection, and climate change, to communicable and emerging infectious taking into account the Paris Agreement diseases including pandemics and other under the United Nations Framework potential public health and biological threats. Convention on Climate Change, with an Preparedness planning, prevention and aim to promote capacity building, exchange control measures and capacity building would of knowledge and experience in natural include, among others, the strengthening of resource management, and environmental areas on surveillance, laboratory networking, protection particularly on the conservation of human resource capacities and information biodiversity and sustainable use of natural sharing; resources taking into account the challenges posed by climate change; 121. Cooperate and coordinate efforts, including with relevant international organizations, to 115. Explore the ways to undertake programmes/ tackle global and regional health challenges projects to strengthen cooperation in posed by infectious diseases with pandemic research on climate change and development potential and to improve global health security of appropriate adaptation and mitigation from a public health perspective, including measures, as well as technical and financial through establishing consultations between assistance and capacity to address climate relevant public health agencies of ASEAN change; Member States and Russia;
116. Consider cooperation and assistance in the 122. Encourage cooperation in public health, use of aviation technologies to combat forest including technical assistance and capacity and peat land fires in the ASEAN Member building from Russia to ASEAN Member States States; to address infectious diseases impeding developmen and support progress towards healt related Sustainable Development Goals;
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123. Encourage cooperation in research, organizing Youth Summits, cultural development and production of new medicines showcases, film festivals, youth camps and for prevention, diagnosis and treatment to other forms of youth contacts; provide increased access to prevention and treatment of communicable diseases; Physical Training and Sports
Education, Youth and People-to-People 131. Promote cooperation in sports by facilitating Exchange direct contacts between the sports agencies and organizations of ASEAN Member States 124. Focus on greater cooperation in educational and Russia; exchanges and sharing of knowledge amongst youth and students; 132. Encourage the participation in sports events held in ASEAN Member States or Russia; 125. Promote greater awareness and appreciation of both ASEAN and Russia through the IV. COOPERATION ON NARROWING THE implementation of educational exchanges DEVELOPMENT GAP AND CONNECTIVITY and people-to-people activities, especially among the youth; Narrowing the Development Gap
126. Enhance education cooperation by promoting 133. Welcome Russia’s further support, as universities’ partnerships, joint research and appropriate, of ASEAN’s efforts in narrowing exchange of scholars, teachers/lecturers and the development gap within and between students among higher education institutions, ASEAN Member States, including the in collaboration with the ASEAN University Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI), and Network (AUN) and other regional higher the promotion of inclusive and sustainable education networks, as well as through economic growth as stipulated in the IAI Work the provision of Technical and Vocational Plan II and its successor document; Education and Training (TVET); 134. Share the best practices and experience 127. Support ASEAN capacity building through of ASEAN and Russia in narrowing the Russian scholarship programmes and development gap; consider opportunities to increase the number of fellowships for ASEAN students to pursue Connectivity higher education in Russia;
135. Explore ways to cooperate on ASEAN 128. Promote closer collaboration to maximize Connectivity in its three key dimensions, the utilization of the ASEAN Centre in the namely physical, institutional and people- Moscow State Institute of International to-people connectivity, including exploring Relations (MGIMO University) as laid down cooperation to promote joint implementation in the Memorandum of Understanding on of infrastructure projects under the Master establishing the ASEAN Centre signed Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) as well between the ASEAN Secretariat and MGIMO as projects aimed at establishing international on 23 July 2009, among others, through transport corridors and supply chains covering cooperation between the ASEAN Centre and all modes of transport, including aviation, the ASEAN University Network (AUN) as well maritime and land transport to link Southeast as between academic institutions in ASEAN Asia and Russia; and Russia;
136. Explore the possibility of establishing dialogue 129. Encourage awareness and people-to-people between ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating contacts, including through visits to ASEAN Committee (ACCC) and the relevant Russian and Russia of students, youth, academia, agencies to strengthen connectivity between scholars, and diplomats, which help to foster ASEAN and Russia; ASEAN-Russia relations at the peoples level;
130. Enhance awareness and understanding of each other’s culture including through
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137. Encourage efforts in visa facilitation between for the Fifth AEM-Russia Consultations. The ASEAN and Russia specifically promoting a Consultations were co-chaired by H.E. Mrs mutually beneficial business visa regime; Khemmani Pholsena, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Lao PDR, and H.E. Alexey V. 138. Promote Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Ulyukaev, Minister of Economic Development and the sharing of knowledge, technology of the Russian Federation. and experience in infrastructure development as well as explore cooperation on PPP and 2. Russia commended the establishment of the other modalities to mobilize private sector ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015 investment on infrastructure development; as a major milestone in regional economic integration. Russia also welcomed the new 139. Promote air and maritime transport AEC Blueprint 2025, which envisages an AEC cooperation between ASEAN and Russia, by 2025 that is highly integrated and cohesive; and consider the establishment of an ASEAN- competitive, innovative and dynamic; Russia consultative mechanism on air and with enhanced connectivity and sectoral maritime cooperation to advance connectivity; cooperation; a more resilient, inclusive, and people-oriented, people-centered community; V. IMPLEMENTATION MECHANISM and integrated with the global economy.
140. This Comprehensive Plan of Action is to be 3. The Ministers noted the performance of implemented by the relevant authorities of ASEAN-Russia bilateral trade. According to ASEAN Member States and the Russian ASEAN trade statistics, ASEAN’s total trade Federation through the appropriate funding with Russia reached USD 13.4 billion in 2015, support by the governments of ASEAN accounting for 0.6 per cent of ASEAN’s total Member States and the Russian Federation, trade, placing Russia as ASEAN’s eighth including the ASEAN-Russian Federation largest trading partner. Dialogue Partnership Financial Fund (ARDPFF); 4. The Ministers expressed satisfaction over the successful convening of the ASEAN – Russia Commemorative Summit on 19-20 141. Regularly review the progress of th implementation of the Plan of Action through May 2016 in Sochi, Russia, to mark the 20 the existing mechanisms of the ASEAN- Anniversary of the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Russia Dialogue Relations; Partnership. The Ministers noted that to move ASEAN-Russia relations towards a strategic partnership for mutual benefit, 142. Submit progress reports on the implementation the Leaders had set out possible future of the Comprehensive Plan of Action to the directions for economic cooperation between annual PMC + 1 Session with the Russian ASEAN and Russia in the areas of trade and Federation. investment, finance, e-commerce, transport, *** energy, agriculture, maritime economy, including addressing illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, science and technology, and business cooperation and promotion. The Ministers instructed senior economic officials of ASEAN and Russia to further discuss th Russia’s proposal to establish ASEAN-Russia Joint Media Statement of the 5 Economic Partnership on Connectivity. The AEM-Russia Consultions Ministers also noted Russia’s proposal to launch a joint feasibility study of a possible free trade area between ASEAN and the Vientiane, Lao PDR, 5 August 2016 Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
1. Economic Ministers from the ten ASEAN 5. The Ministers were pleased with the Member States and the Minister of Economic implementation of various activities Development of the Russian Federation met under the Post-2015 ASEAN-Russia on 5 August 2016 in Vientiane, Lao PDR, Trade and Investment Cooperation Work
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Programme, including the annual AEM- LIST OF MINISTERS Russia Consultations, the SEOM-Russia Consultations, and various projects and The Hon. Pehin Dato Lim Jock Seng, Minister at cooperation on technology, agriculture the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister products, energy, SMEs, education and of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Brunei Darussalam; tourism. The Ministers were also pleased to H.E. Pan Sorasak, Minister of Commerce, note that the ASEAN-Russia Agriculture and Cambodia; Mr. Iman Pambagyo, Director General Food Security Cooperation Work Programme of International Trade Negotiations, Ministry of (2016-2020), the ASEAN-Russia Plan of Trade, Indonesia (representing H.E. Enggartiasto Action on Science, Technology and Innovation Lukita, Minister of Trade, Indonesia); H.E. Mrs (2016-2020), and the ASEAN-Russia Khemmani Pholsena, Minister of Industry and Energy Cooperation Work Plan (2016-2020) Commerce, Lao PDR; H.E. Dato’ Sri Mustapa have been agreed by ASEAN and Russia. Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and The Ministers expressed hope that the Industry, Malaysia; H.E. Kyaw Win, Union Minister implementation of these Work Programmes/ of Planning and Finance, Myanmar; H.E. Ramon Work Plans will further enhance the economic M. Lopez, Secretary of Trade and Industry, the relations between the two regions. Philippines; H.E. Alexey V. Ulyukaev, Minister for Economic Development, the Russian Federation; 6. The Ministers welcomed the enhanced H.E. Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade and Industry cooperation between ASEAN and Russia (Trade), Singapore; H.E. Apiradi Tantraporn, in the area of e-commerce and the Post- Minister of Commerce, Thailand; H.E. Tran Tuan 2015 ASEAN-Russia Trade and Investment Anh, Minister of Industry and Trade, Viet Nam; H.E. Cooperation Work Programme, and agreed Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General of ASEAN. that the joint implementation of various activities in this sphere will contribute to *** sustainable development of ASEAN member states and Russia and strengthen the Moscow Joint Declaration of economic ties. The Ministers tasked their the ASEAN-Russia Transport senior economic officials to further discuss and explore feasible cooperation on activities Ministers Meeting of mutual interest. Moscow, Russian Federation, 7. The Ministers noted that Russia had already started exploring feasible cooperation with 9 December 2016 chambers of commerce and businesses in ASEAN Member States such as Cambodia, “Moving Towards a Mutually Beneficial Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Viet Transport Cooperation” Nam, arising from Russia’s proposed list of 57 joint venture/business projects, which WE, the Transport Ministers of the Member States th was presented at the 4 AEM-Russia of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Consultations. The Ministers also noted that (ASEAN) and the Russian Federation, met in a special workshop was organised for fifteen Moscow, Russian Federation, on 9 December Russian companies to present their proposed 2016 for the ASEAN-Russia Transport Ministers projects to the Embassies of ASEAN Member Meeting; States in Russia. CONVINCED of the important role that transport 8. The Ministers welcomed the outcomes of plays in economic, social and sustainable the ASEAN-Russia Business Forum held in development in the Asia-Pacific region; May 2016 in Sochi, Russia, and the Third Russian Business Mission to ASEAN held in GUIDED by the provisions of the Agreement April 2016 in Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, between the Governments of the Member and Viet Nam. The Ministers underscored the Countries of the ASEAN and the Government importance of regular business exchanges of the Russian Federation on Economic and in enhancing trade and economic relations Development Cooperation of 10 December between ASEAN and Russia. 2005, Sochi Declaration of the ASEAN-Russian Federation Commemorative Summit to Mark the
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20th Anniversary of ASEAN-Russian Federation Russian Federation to strengthen connectivity Dialogue Partnership of 20 May 2016, and and increase efficiency and competitiveness Comprehensive Plan of Action to Promote for better economic exchanges and growth; Cooperation between ASEAN and the Russian Federation 2016-2020; 5. To promote the use of Intelligent Transport Systems and Global Navigation Satellite WELCOMING the development of multimodal Systems in establishing reliable, safe and transport services; cost-effective transport linkages;
ACKNOWLEDGING that developed transport 6. To consider the exchange of information on infrastructure, safe, secure and cost-effective the security of transport infrastructure and international transport routes, innovative vehicles from the acts of unlawful interference technologies and regulations would facilitate to be vitally important; movement of goods and passengers which will increase the turn-over and expand people and 7. To explore the use of the accident emergency trade exchanges; response systems based on Global Navigation Satellite Systems and other applications to RECOGNISING that safety, security, and efficiency save lives and mitigate injuries of road traffic of the transport system, as well as the application accident victims or casualties and other of innovative technologies in the transport sector emergencies on the roads; depends on professional skills of transport specialists; 8. To explore possibilities for cooperation in joint training of human resources and sharing of WELCOMING the synergy of various international best practices in the area of transport; formats in making decision on transport development; 9. To promote the active involvement of the business community, relevant associations HAVING considered all aspects of the transport and other stakeholders in the preparation of cooperation development; proposals for the implementation of transport projects based on public-private partnerships; DO HEREBY agreed to undertake the following: 10. To explore the possibility of cooperation in the 1. To continue the work for establishing more realisation of the ASEAN Transport Strategic cohesive transport ties between ASEAN Plan 2016-2025 and the Transport Strategy and the Russian Federation with a view to of the Russian Federation for the period until strengthening the connectivity, enhancing the 2030; integrated transport system and implementing mutually beneficial initiatives in the field of Implementation transport, infrastructure and logistics between ASEAN and the Russian Federation; 11. To explore the possibilities of using the ASEAN-Russian Federation Dialogue 2. To improve the coordination of transport Partnership Financial Fund for the purpose cooperation between ASEAN and the of achieving the tasks set forth in the present Russian Federation; Declaration;
3. To intensify the implementation of measures 12. To consider establishing a regular ASEAN – aimed at establishing effective transport Russia dialogue in the field of transport. linkages in order to facilitate trade and mobility as well as increase the level of welfare of the Adopted in Moscow, Russian Federation on the population in the ASEAN Member States and Ninth Day of December of the Year Two Thousand the Russian Federation; and Sixteen.
4. To support the efforts to diversify transport *** and logistics supply chains in ASEAN and the
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ASEAN – United States open, and competitive economies that foster economic growth, job creation, innovation, entrepreneurship and connectivity, and that support SMEs and narrow the development Joint Statement of the ASEAN- gap; U.S. Special Leaders’ Summit: Sunnylands Declaration 4. Our commitment to ensure opportunities for all of our peoples, through strengthening democracy, enhancing good governance and California, United States, adherence to the rule of law, promoting and 15-16 February 2016 protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, encouraging the promotion of tolerance and moderation, and protecting the We the Heads of State/Government of the Member environment; States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United States of America 5. Respect and support for ASEAN Centrality gathered in Sunnylands, California, on February and ASEAN-led mechanisms in the evolving 15-16, 2016, for a Special Leaders Summit. This regional architecture of the Asia-Pacific; Special ASEAN – U.S. Leaders Summit was the first ever to be held in the United States and the 6. Firm adherence to a rules-based regional and very first Summit following the establishment of the international order that upholds and protects ASEAN Community. the rights and privileges of all states;
The Summit marked a watershed year for both 7. Shared commitment to peaceful resolution ASEAN and for the increasingly close ASEAN-U.S. of disputes, including full respect for legal strategic partnership. In 2015, ASEAN Member and diplomatic processes, without resorting States celebrated the establishment of the ASEAN to the threat or use of force in accordance Community, working together toward an ASEAN with universally recognised principles of that better serves the people of Southeast Asia. international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); At our Summit in Kuala Lumpur in November 2015, we elevated the ASEAN-U.S. relationship 8. Shared commitment to maintain peace, to a strategic partnership, recognizing the security and stability in the region, ensuring transformation of our relationship over the past maritime security and safety, including the several years. On the occasion of this Special rights of freedom of navigation and overflight Summit, we the Heads of State/Government of the and other lawful uses of the seas, and Member States of ASEAN and the United States unimpeded lawful maritime commerce as of America take this opportunity to reaffirm the key described in the 1982 UN Convention on the principles that will guide our cooperation going Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as well as non- forward: militarisation and self-restraint in the conduct of activities; 1. Mutual respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality and political independence 9. Shared commitment to promote cooperation of all nations by firmly upholding the principles to address common challenges in the and purposes of the Charter of the United maritime domain; Nations, the ASEAN Charter and international law; 10. Strong resolve to lead on global issues such as terrorism and violent extremism, trafficking 2. The importance of shared prosperity, in persons, drug trafficking, and illegal, sustainable, inclusive economic growth unreported, and unregulated fishing, as well and development, and the nurturing of our as illicit trafficking of wildlife and timber; young people to sustain continued peace, development, and stability for mutual benefit; 11. Shared commitment to addressing climate change and developing a climate-resilient, 3. Mutual recognition of the importance of environmentally sustainable ASEAN, as pursuing policies that lead to dynamic,
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well as to implement individual countries’ Ms Barbara Weisel, Assistant United States nationally determined contributions made Trade Representative (AUSTR) for Southeast under the Paris Climate Agreement; Asia and the Pacific, Office of the United States Trade Representative (representing 12. Shared commitment to promote security and H.E. Michael Froman, the United States stability in cyberspace consistent with norms Trade Representative). of responsible state behavior; 2. The United States (U.S.) commended the 13. Support for the advancement of a strong, establishment of the ASEAN Economic stable, politically cohesive, economically Community (AEC) in 2015 as a major integrated, socially responsible, people- milestone in regional economic integration. oriented, people-centered and rules-based The U.S also welcomed the new AEC ASEAN Community; Blueprint 2025, which envisages an AEC by 2025 that is highly integrated and cohesive; 14. Shared commitment to strengthen people- competitive, innovative and dynamic; to-people connectivity through programs with enhanced connectivity and sectoral that engage ASEAN and American citizens, cooperation; a more resilient, inclusive, and particularly young people, and that promote people-oriented, people-centered community; opportunities for all our peoples, particularly and integrated with the global economy. the most vulnerable, to fulfil the vision of the ASEAN Community; 3. The Ministers noted the performance of ASEAN-U.S. bilateral trade and investment. 15. Shared commitment to promote a global Merchandise trade reached USD 212.8 billion partnership for sustainable development and accounted for 9.3 per cent of ASEAN’s through the implementation of the 2030 total merchandise trade, while services Agenda for Sustainable Development and trade reached almost $40 billion, according the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, to ensure a to ASEAN statistics and the U.S. data, sustainable, equitable and inclusive society respectively. Foreign direct investment (FDI) where no one is left behind; flows from the U.S. to ASEAN amounted to USD 12.2 billion in 2015, as per ASEAN statistics, placing the U.S. as ASEAN’s third 16. Shared commitment to enhance collaboration largest source of FDI. Meanwhile, according at international and regional fora, especially to the U.S. statistics, the U.S. remains one of at existing ASEAN-led mechanisms; and the largest investors in the ASEAN region in terms of cumulative FDI, reaching over USD 17. Shared commitment to continue political 273.4 billion in 2015. dialogue at the Head of State/Government level through our Leaders’ attendance at the 4. The Ministers were pleased with the success annual ASEAN-U.S. Summit and the East of the AEM Roadshow to the U.S, which was Asia Summit. held on 17–18 February 2016, back-to-back *** with the Special U.S.-ASEAN Leaders Summit in Sunnylands, California, United States. Focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship, Joint Media Statement of the the Roadshow further strengthened ASEAN- AEM-USTR Consultations U.S. connections and generated increased awareness of the presence ASEAN as a Vientiane, Lao PDR, 4 August 2016 region and vital trading partner of the U.S. 5. The ASEAN Ministers noted the progress of 1. Consultations between the ten ASEAN implementation of U.S.-ASEAN Connect as Economic Ministers (AEM) and the United the new strategic framework for coordination States Trade Representative (“the Ministers”) of the extensive U.S. economic engagement were held on 4 August 2016 in Vientiane, Lao with the ASEAN region to deepen and PDR. The Consultations were co-chaired strengthen the economic relationship, as well by H.E. Mrs Khemmani Pholsena, Minister as the progress of the implementation of the of Industry and Commerce of Lao PDR and
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U.S.-ASEAN Trade Workshops, announced areas of ASEAN Single Window, trade by President Obama during the Special U.S.- facilitation, small and medium enterprises ASEAN Summit. (SMEs), energy as well as information and communication technology (ICT) development 6. The Ministers were pleased to note that the through the USAID’s project of ASEAN Connect Center in Jakarta, as well as the Connectivity Through Trade and Investment strategic Connect locations in Singapore (ACTI), and looked forward to its extended and Bangkok to implement the U.S.-ASEAN program to support the ASEAN 2025 agenda. Connect Initiative, will be operationalized in September 2016 to implement U.S.-ASEAN 12. The Ministers noted the report by the U.S.- Connect, which will combine the expertise ASEAN Business Council (USABC), including and resources of the U.S. government and its activities to promote trade and investment private sector to increase U.S.-ASEAN between ASEAN and the U.S. and its economic relations as well as assist ASEAN recommendations. in achieving the economic integration goals of the AEC. LIST OF MINISTERS
7. The Ministers welcomed the progress in The Hon. Pehin Dato Lim Jock Seng, Minister at implementing the ASEAN-U.S. Trade and the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA) of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Brunei Darussalam; and the Expanded Economic Engagement H.E. Pan Sorasak, Minister of Commerce, (E3) Initiatives Work Plan. Cambodia; Mr Iman Pambagyo, Director General of International Trade Negotiations, Ministry of Trade, 8. The Ministers endorsed the texts of the Indonesia (representing H.E. Enggartiasto Lukita, ASEAN-U.S. Cooperation in Fostering Minister of Trade, Indonesia); H.E. Mrs Khemmani Transparency and Good Regulatory Pholsena, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Lao Practices and the ASEAN-U.S. Cooperation PDR; H.E. Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister in Fostering International Investment, as of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia; H.E. attached. The Ministers welcomed the good Kyaw Win, Union Minister of Planning and Finance, progress made in the discussion on ASEAN- Myanmar; H.E. Ramon M. Lopez, Secretary of U.S. Cooperation in Fostering Cooperation Trade and Industry, the Philippines; H.E. Lim Hng in Telecommunications and Information Kiang, Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade), Technology Services. The Ministers urged Singapore; H.E. Apiradi Tantraporn, Minister their teams to work to conclude this text prior of Commerce, Thailand; Ms Barbara Weisel, to the ASEAN-U.S. Summit in September Assistant United States Trade Representative 2016. (AUSTR) for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, Office of the United States Trade Representative 9. The Ministers were pleased to note the (representing H.E. Michael Froman, United States outcomes of the first Workshop under Trade Representative); H.E. Tran Tuan Anh, the ASEAN-U.S. Trade and Environment Minister of Industry and Trade, Viet Nam; and H.E. Dialogue focusing on Combating Illegal, Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General of ASEAN. Unreported and Unregulated Fishing, which was held on 5–6 November 2015 in Kuala Attachment 1 Lumpur, Malaysia and looked forward to subsequent workshops. ASEAN-US Cooperation in Fostering Transparency and Good Regulatory Practices 10. The Ministers discussed ASEAN’s proposal for Transparency is one of key to success of trade the ASEAN-U.S. Internship Program, which liberalization and facilitation, and is essential to aims to enhance the capabilities of ASEAN addressing and eliminating unnecessary barriers young professionals by providing them the to trade. The businesses engaged in international opportunities to work in U.S. companies and, trade and investment, especially small – and at the same time, enable U.S. companies to medium-sized enterprises, value the predictability tap into ASEAN’s talent pool. that comes with a clear understanding of how policies and practices that will affect them are 11. ASEAN Ministers expressed their appreciation being developed and how they will be applied. to the U.S. for the continued support in the Improving transparency in international trade and
313 ASEAN DOCUMENTS SERIES 2016 investment helps leverage trade to achieve more Attachment 2 inclusive growth by improving predictability and accountability. ASEAN-U.S. Cooperation in Fostering International Investment Therefore, the governments of the ten ASEAN The Government of the United States of America Member States and the United States share a and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations common understanding that the following best recognize the importance of creating and practices on transparency and good regulatory maintaining open and stable investment climates practices help improve and deepen the international and policies in promoting sustainable economic trade and investment relationship among ASEAN development and growth, job creation, increased countries and the United States to the benefit of our productivity, technological innovation, and economies, businesses, workers and consumers: competitiveness.
Preparation We therefore reaffirm our shared support for the following non-binding principles regarding - Developing, using, or strengthening international investment, which we believe are processes, mechanisms or bodies to essential elements that provide general guidance enable a whole – of-government approach for developing and maintaining open investment in the development of measures that may policies worldwide. ASEAN and the United States affect international trade and investment, agree to undertake increased cooperation, including coordination across relevant including capacity building, and provision of government agencies. technical assistance. - Ensuring that draft regulatory measures define the problem they seek to address, set We share the view that these elements do clear policy objectives, assess all feasible not preclude governments from adopting and options that may constitute viable means maintaining legitimate, non-discriminatory for fulfilling the objectives, and analyze the measures to pursue certain public policies. impacts arising from these options. 1. Open and Non-Discriminatory Investment Consultation Climates: Governments should, subject to limited exceptions, provide broad market - Publishing plainly written, clear and concise access to foreign investors and allow them draft measures for public comment with to establish investments and conduct adequate time for the public to review, so business on terms no less favorable than that a broad range of stakeholders — public those available to domestic investors or other and private, foreign and domestic — can foreign investors. provide input that may is taken into account and can lead to improved outcomes. 2. A Level Playing Field: Governments should seek to enhance their understanding of the Publication concrete challenges posed by state influence in relation to commercial enterprises, which is - Providing that final measures are promptly playing an increasingly significant role in the published, for example via the Internet, in global economy, and work to coordinate their such a manner as to enable stakeholders approaches to address these challenges. To to become acquainted with them. When this end, we recognize work in the area of possible, providing a reasonable period of “competitive neutrality”, which focuses on the time before entry into force. importance of state-owned entities and private commercial enterprises being subject to the - Designating an official journal or journals, same external environment and competing on which are made readily available to the a level playing field in a given market. public, and publishing any proposed and final measures in such journals. 3. Strong Protection for Investors and Investments: Governments should provide Review Mechanism legal certainty and protection against - Maintaining public mechanisms for the discriminatory, arbitrary, and otherwise correction of administrative actions. unfair or harmful treatment to all investors
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and investments, including both tangible President of the United States of America. and intangible property, such as intellectual The Secretary-General of ASEAN was also in property rights, in their territories. This attendance. includes the right to prompt, adequate, and effective compensation in the event of a direct 2. We, Heads of State/Government of ASEAN or indirect expropriation or nationalization. and the United States, had a positive and wide-ranging discussion on strengthening 4. Fair and Effective Dispute Settlement: ASEAN-United States relations as well as a Governments should provide access to productive exchange of views on regional and effective dispute settlement procedures, global issues of common concern. including investor-to-State arbitration, and ensure that such procedures are open and 3. We acknowledged the significant progress transparent, with opportunities for public made in ASEAN-United States Dialogue participation, as available. Relations, particularly with the elevation of relations to a strategic partnership at the 5. Robust Transparency and Public Participation 3rd ASEAN-United States Summit in Kuala Rules: Governments should seek to ensure Lumpur in November 2015 and the successful transparency and public participation in the convening of the ASEAN-United States development of domestic laws and other Special Leaders’ Summit in Sunnylands, measures relating to investment. California in February 2016. We reaffirmed the key principles that guide our cooperation, 6. Responsible Business Conduct: Governments as outlined in the Joint Statement of the should urge that multinational enterprises U.S.-ASEAN Special Leader’s Summit: operate in a socially responsible manner and Sunnylands Declaration. promote responsible business conduct, as reflected in instruments such as the OECD 4. The ASEAN Leaders also appreciated the Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. United States’ continued support to ASEAN Community Building, unity and central role in 7. Narrowly-Tailored Reviews of National the evolving rules-based regional architecture Security Considerations: Governments that promotes regional peace, stability and should ensure that their reviews, if any, of prosperity through ASEAN-led mechanisms the national security implications of foreign such as the East Asia Summit (EAS), investments focus exclusively on genuine Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF), national security risks. ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the ASEAN-Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus. We *** also looked forward with anticipation to the 2nd Informal ASEAN-U.S. Defense Ministers’ th Meeting in Hawaii at the end of September. Chairman’s Statement of the 4 We emphasized the importance of peaceful ASEAN-United States Summit resolution of disputes, including full respect for legal and diplomatic processes, without Vi e n t i a n e , L a o P D R , resorting to the threat or use of force, in international relations. 8 September 2016 5. We noted with satisfaction the progress made in the implementation of the Plan of Action Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic to Implement the ASEAN-United States ASEAN Community Strategic Partnership (2016-2020) which was
th adopted last year and looked forward to the 1. The 4 ASEAN-United States Summit was implementation of the remaining measures in held on 8 September 2016 in Vientiane, the Plan of Action to realise the full potential of Lao PDR. The Meeting was chaired by H.E. the strategic partnership. We also reiterated Thongloun SISOULITH, Prime Minister of Lao the goals of the ASEAN Political-Security PDR. The Meeting was attended by all Heads Blueprint 2025 in promoting regional peace of State/Government of ASEAN Member and stability. States and the Honourable Barack Obama,
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6. The ASEAN Leaders appreciated the United trafficking effort to reduce demand for wildlife States’ support and contribution to ASEAN and wildlife products and strengthen regional Community building and regional integration law enforcement and coordination. efforts, particularly on the implementation of the “ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together”, 11. We stressed our shared commitment to which was reinforced with the launch of the promote security and stability in cyberspace Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) consistent with norms of responsible state 2025 and the Initiative of ASEAN Integration behaviour. (IAI Work Plan III) in Vientiane on 6 September 2016. 12. We pledged to continue working together to advance ASEAN-United States economic 7. We reaffirmed our commitment to continue cooperation through the increase of trade enhancing Political-Security cooperation and investment; generation of employment through increased collaboration and opportunities; the promotion of Small and engagement to combat traditional and non- Medium Enterprises (SMEs); fostering of traditional security challenges such as non- innovation; and facilitation of the ASEAN- proliferation, terrorism, violent extremism, United States business communities in line drug trafficking, wildlife trafficking, maritime with and in support of the ASEAN Economic security, illegal, unreported and unregulated Community Blueprint 2025. We appreciated (IUU) fishing, cybercrime, cybersecurity, the United States’ support towards the trafficking in persons, irregular migration, realisation of an innovative, entrepreneurial epidemic, natural disaster and climate and sustainable ASEAN Economic change. Community.
8. We reiterated our commitment to promote 13. We welcomed the performance of ASEAN- disarmament, non-proliferation, and the United States bilateral trade and investment. peaceful use of nuclear energy and reaffirmed In 2015, merchandise trade between ASEAN- the commitment to engage the Nuclear United States reached USD 212.8 billion and Weapon States (NWS) and intensify the accounted for 9.3% of ASEAN total trade. ongoing efforts of the States Parties to the ASEAN collectively remains the United States’ Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone fourth-largest goods trading partner, and U.S. (SEANWFZ) Treaty and the Nuclear Weapon businesses are the largest cumulative source States to resolve all outstanding issues. of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in ASEAN.
9. We welcomed the upcoming launch of 14. We welcomed the successful outcomes USAID’s five-year regional countering of the 3rd ASEAN Economic Ministers trafficking in persons effort focused on Roadshow to the United States in California preventing vulnerable people from becoming in February this year. Focusing on the critical victims of trafficking and improving access to role for governments in creating policy and support services. We pledged to work together regulatory ecosystems that spur innovation to support further implemention of ASEAN and entrepreneurship, the Roadshow also Convention against Trafficking in Persons, generated increased awareness of the Especially Women and Children, and the presence of ASEAN as a dynamic and ASEAN Plan of Action Against Trafficking in competitive region and a vital trading partner Persons, Especially Women and Children. for the United States. We also welcomed the adoption of the East Asia Summit Statement on Strengthening 15. We welcomed the implementation of the Responses to Migrants in Crisis and ASEAN-United States Connect Initiative Trafficking in Persons. as the new strategic framework for U.S. economic engagement in the ASEAN region 10. We committed to strengthening cooperation through the upcoming operationalisation of in the global fight against wildlife and timber the ASEAN – United States Connect Centre trafficking. We also noted the launch of in Jakarta, Indonesia and the strategic USAID’s new, five-year counter wildlife Connect locations in Singapore and Bangkok, Thailand. We noted that the ASEAN-United States Connect will combine the expertise
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and resources of the U.S. government and the also discussed ways to promote the digital private sector to strengthen ASEAN-United economy to create an online environment States economic relations as well as to assist conducive to business development. ASEAN in achieving the economic integration goals of the ASEAN Economic Community. 19. We noted that excess capacity in steel and We welcomed discussion of promoting the other industries is a global challenge which development of “Creative ASEAN” under requires collective responses. We noted connect to strengthen ASEAN’s cooperation the formation of the Global Forum on steel in science, technology, and innovation, excess capacity, envisioned by the G20 and Connect’s focused support to achieving as a platform for information sharing and the objectives of the ASEAN-United States cooperation to be facilitated by the OECD Energy Cooperation Work Plan 2016-2020, Secretariat with the active participation of G20 and the ASEAN – U.S. ICT Work Plan. We members and interested OECD members. also welcomed Connect’s launch of USAID’s We considered ways to actively support the new Clean Power Asia program to increase work of the Global Forum. supply of grid-connected renewable energy. 20. We highlighted the challenges posed by Illegal, 16. We noted the progress of the ASEAN-United Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing States Trade and Investment Framework and reaffirmed our commitment to strengthen Arrangement and the ASEAN-United States cooperation through ASEAN-led mechanisms Expanded Economic Engagement (E3) to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU Fishing. Initiatives, which would enhance ASEAN- We noted the progress of the implementation United States economic relations. We of the Oceans and Fisheries Partnership to welcomed the ministerial endorsement the strengthen regional cooperation to combat two E3 initiatives texts, namely the ASEAN- fishing and seafood fraud, and to promote United States Cooperation in Fostering sustainable fisheries and conserve marine Transparency and Good Regulatory Practices, biodiversity and coral habitats in Southeast and the ASEAN-United States Cooperation in Asia. We underlined the importance of Fostering International Investment. development of small-scale fisheries for rural livelihood and poverty alleviation. 17. We noted the progress of ASEAN’s proposal to expand ASEAN-U.S Internship opportunities, 21. We noted with satisfaction the progress made which aim to enhance the capabilities of in ASEAN-United States socio – cultural ASEAN young professionals by providing cooperation, particularly in the promotion them with opportunities to work in United of economic empowerment of women, the States companies and, at the same time, to promotion and protection of the rights of enable United States companies to tap into women and children, and linking social ASEAN’s talent pool. We therefore tasked service agencies in the ASEAN region. officials to expedite work towards expanding In particular, our cooperation through the these opportunities. ASEAN-U.S. PROGRESS Program had led to a better understanding of the regional laws 18. We underscored our joint support for the and policies on trafficking in persons and had ASEAN Connectivity through Trade and raised key policy issues and ways forward. Investment (ACTI) Programme. We were pleased to note the commencement of the 22. We pledged to continue working together to exchange of live data of e-Form D through the further enhance ASEAN-United States socio- ASEAN Single Window under the effective cultural cooperation in areas of humanitarian and continuous technical support of ACTI. We assistance and disaster relief, fisheries and also welcomed the launch of the ASEAN SME marine conservation, climate change and Academy, which is a self-help and self-paced green financing, education, health, cultural online learning tool for Small and Medium exchanges, youth, and people-to-people Enterprises (SMEs) comprising practical connectivity, consistent with and in support best practices. The ASEAN SME Academy of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community learning tool was a contribution by the U.S.- Blueprint 2025. ASEAN Business Council through the U.S.- ASEAN Business Alliance for Competitive SMEs, as part of the ACTI Programme. We
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23. We stressed our shared commitment to global Programme, which is expected to enhance health and advancing global health security. the technical capacity of ASEAN member In this regard, we welcomed the intention of states in formulating science – based policies. all ASEAN Member States to support a Joint We looked forward to the awarding of the External Evaluation (JEE) of their national ASEAN-United States Prize for Women in capabilities by 2017. We also encourage the Science. positive consideration of the invitation from the Global Health Security Agenda Steering 28. We reiterated our commitment to promote Group requesting ASEAN to join as an cooperation in climate change and institutional advisor of GHSA. environmental issues, particularly under the ASEAN-United States Joint Statement 24. We reaffirmed our commitment to enhance on Climate Change 2014 towards creating cooperation in disaster management and low-carbon economic growth; building more emergency response in line with the ASEAN climate resilient societies; and strengthening Agreement on Disaster Management ASEAN’s capacity to mitigate and adapt and Emergency Response and its to climate change. We welcomed the Work Programme. The ASEAN Leaders positive outcomes of the 21st Session of appreciated the United States’ continued the Conference of the Parties to the United support to the ASEAN Coordinating Centre Nations Framework Convention on Climate for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Change (COP21) as well as the adoption Management (AHA Centre), especially in the of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change coordination and mobilisation of humanitarian in 2015. We emphasised the importance of assistance, to strengthen the existing ASEAN taking the domestic steps necessary to join mechanisms through exchange of expertise the agreement as soon as possible. and knowledge. We encouraged U.S’ support for the realisation of ASEAN Declaration 29. We reaffirmed our commitment to ASEAN’s on One ASEAN, One Response: ASEAN efforts to narrow the development gap among Responding to Disaster as One in the region and between ASEAN Member States and and outside the region, which was signed enhance sub-regional integration through by the ASEAN Leaders in Vientiane on 6 various initiatives including the Lower Mekong September 2016. Initiative (LMI) and looked forward to the United States’ support for the implementation 25. We recognised the engagement between the of the IAI Work Plan III. United States and ASEAN and the U.S higher education institutions, staff and students in the 30. We reiterated the importance of maintaining promotion of mutual understanding, including peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula the Fulbright ASEAN-United States Visiting and expressed support for the denuclearization Scholars Initiative and other programmes, of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner. including the Connecting the Mekong through We shared serious concerns over the recent Education and Training (COMET). developments on the Korean peninsula, including the nuclear test on 6 January 2016 26. We agreed to further nurture leadership and subsequent launches using ballistic and capacity building in youth and women missile technology, including submarine- and promote people-to-people connectivity launch ballistic missile on 23 August 2016 by through ongoing programmes such as the the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea ASEAN Youth Volunteer Programme; the (DPRK), which are in violation of the relevant more than 90,000-strong Young Southeast United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Asian Leaders’ Initiative (YSEALI); and the resolutions. We called for the creation of an annual ASEAN-U.S. Women’s Leadership environment conducive to the resumption of Academy for YSEALI, launching this year. We the Six-Party Talks to make further progress also welcomed the launching of the inaugural in denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula YSEALI World of Food Innovation Challenge. in a peaceful manner. We urged the DPRK to comply with all relevant UNSC resolutions, 27. We noted with appreciation the third year including the UNSC Resolution 2270 and of implementation of the ASEAN – United called on all parties to exert common efforts States Science and Technology Fellows to maintain peace and security in the said region.
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31. We underlined the importance of maintaining Republic of Korea. The Meeting was preceded peace, stability, safety, security, unimpeded by the Twenty-Eighth Meeting of ASEAN Plus lawful maritime commerce, freedom of Three (APT) NTOs held on 20 January 2016. navigation in and over-flight above the South China Sea. We underscored the importance 2. The Ministers were pleased with the growth of exercising self – restraint in the conduct of of the APT region’s tourism industry in 2015. the activities, and for the states concerned to The APT region welcomed 250.9 million resolve disputes through peaceful means in internationals visitors, an increase of 7.1% accordance with international law, including the from 2014. The Ministers noted that the APT 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law region remained the main source of tourism of the Sea (UNCLOS). We also emphasized growth in the region, accounting for 67% of the importance of non-militarization. We the total international visitor arrivals in 2014. stressed the need for ASEAN Member States and China to ensure the full and effective 3. The Ministers agreed that further activities implementation of the Declaration on the need to be carried out to implement the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea outcomes of the 18th APT Summit and the (DOC) in its entirety, and work expeditiously respective ASEAN Plus One Summits held towards the early conclusion of an effective on 21-22 November 2015 in Kuala Lumpur, Code of Conduct in the South China Sea Malaysia, which underscored the importance (COC). of strengthening and broadening tourism cooperation in promoting people-to-people 32. We emphasised the importance of linkages in the East Asian region. In this strengthening our dialogue relations at the regard, the Ministers signed the Memorandum th strategic level and looked forward to the 5 of Cooperation (MOC) on ASEAN Plus Three ASEAN-United States Summit to be held Tourism Cooperation, which serves as the in the Republic of the Philippines and the key instrument for more action-oriented th commemoration of the 50 anniversary of cooperation, encouraging APT countries th ASEAN and the 40 anniversary of ASEAN- to enhance facilitation of travel and tourist United States Dialogue Relations next year. visits, development of quality tourism and strengthening linkages and cooperation *** among education and training institutions. The Ministers agreed that the MOC will be ASEAN Plus Three implemented through conduct of joint projects, programmes and activities. Joint Media Statement of the 15th 4. The Ministers acknowledged the good Meeting of ASEAN Plus Three progress made in the implementation of the (China, Japan and Republic of APT Tourism Cooperation Work Plan 2013- 2017, including the organisation of the APT Korea) Tourism Ministers Tourism Youth Summit on 28 September-3 October 2015 in both Bohol and Cebu, Manila, Philippines, collaboration on tourism security and safety 22 January 2016 practices through the ASEAN Tourism Security & Safety Guidelines and Online Resource Centre Website (www.aseantssrc. 1. The Fifteenth Meeting of the ASEAN Plus org), development of the ASEAN Plus Three Three (China, Japan, and the Republic of Tourism Training and Education Network, Korea) Tourism Ministers was held on 22 and the APT Media Familiarisation Tour January 2016 in Manila, the Philippines, in Programme. conjunction with the Nineteenth Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers (M-ATM) and the 5. The Ministers expressed appreciation to the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2016. The ASEAN-China Centre, ASEAN-Japan Centre Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Ramon R. and ASEAN-Korea Centre for their active roles Jimenez, Jr., Secretary of Tourism of the in promoting tourism and cultural exchanges Philippines and H.E. Mr. Kim Chong, Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the
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between ASEAN and the Plus Three countries Development, Ministry of Tourism, Indonesia, through convening of events, trainings and representing H.E. Dr. Arief Yahya, Minister of media promotion during the year 2015. Tourism, Indonesia; Ms. Yuri Furusawa, Vice Commissioner, Japan Tourism Agency, Ministry of 6. The ASEAN Tourism Ministers thanked Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism; H.E. China for their support in convening the Mr. Kim Chong, Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and China-ASEAN Expo Tourism Exhibition, Tourism, the Republic of Korea; H.E. Mr. Chaleune China-ASEAN Tourism Sector Workshop for Warinthrasak, Vice Minister of Information, Culture ASEAN Member States organised by CNTA and Tourism, Lao PDR; H.E. Datuk Mas Ermieyati and the Ministry of Commerce, provision of Samsudin, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Culture, complimentary booths at China International Malaysia; H.E. U Ye Myint Aung, Ambassador Travel Mart 2015, and tourism education Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic and training workshops for ASEAN Member of the Union of Myanmar to the Republic of States. the Philippines, Myanmar; H.E. Mr. Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr., Secretary of Tourism, Philippines; 7. The ASEAN Tourism Ministers expressed Mr. Leong Yue Kheong, Assistant Chief Executive their appreciation to Japan for their support (International Group), Singapore Tourism Board, including those extended through the representing H.E. Mr. S. Iswaran, Minister for implementation of the ASEAN-Japan Centre’s Trade and Industry (Industry), Singapore; H.E. Ms. Annual Work Program for FY2015, which Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister for Tourism consisted of capacity building programs and Sports, Thailand; H.E. Ms. Dang Thi Bich Lien, on community-based tourism, sub-regional Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of tourism promotion such as the Mekong Viet Nam; and H.E. Mr. Le Luong Minh, Secretary- Tourism Award, promotion of ASEAN tourism General of ASEAN. at various tourism events throughout Japan *** and exchange program for tourism students, with sustainable development as the center of Joint Statement of the 19th these activities. ASEAN+3 Finance Ministers’ and 8. The ASEAN Tourism Ministers expressed Central Bank Governors’ Meeting appreciation to the Republic of Korea (ROK) for their support in developing ASEAN Tourism through consulting programmes, trainings, Frankfurt, Germany, 3 May 2016 tourism sharing projects, and tourism student programmes. I. Introduction 9. The Ministers expressed their sincere 1. We, the Finance Ministers and Central appreciation to the Government and People Bank Governors of ASEAN, China, Japan of The Philippines for the warm hospitality and Korea (ASEAN+3), convened our 19th accorded to all delegations attending the meeting in Frankfurt, Germany, under the ATF 2016 and for the excellent arrangements co-chairmanship of H.E. Somdy Douangdy, made for the Meetings. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Lao PDR, and H.E. Lou Jiwei, Minister of LIST OF MINISTERS Finance of China. The President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Director of The Meeting was attended by: ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO), the Deputy Secretary General of Mr. Wardi Haji Mohammad Ali, Deputy Permanent ASEAN, and the Deputy Managing Director of Secretary, Ministry of Primary Resources and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) were Tourism, Brunei Darussalam, representing H.E. also present at our meeting. Dato Paduka Hj Ali Hj Apong, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Brunei Darussalam; H.E. 2. We exchanged views on recent global and Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism, Cambodia; regional economic developments and policy H.E. Mr. Wu Wenxue, Vice Chairman of China responses. We reviewed the progress of National Tourism Administration; Mr. I Gde Pitana, regional financial cooperation achieved since Deputy Minister for International Tourism Marketing our last Meeting, including the Chiang Mai
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Initiative Multilateralization (CMIM), AMRO, financial sector and mitigate systemic risks and the Asian Bond Markets Initiatives (ABMI). associated with a sudden pull-back of capital We also discussed measures to further flows. strengthen regional financial cooperation including the conduct of a test run jointly 6. We affirmed our commitment to structural organized by the CMIM task force with the reforms to enhance total factor productivity support of AMRO and in collaboration with and potential growth of the region. Structural the IMF. We appreciated the establishment reforms should be appropriately prioritized of AMRO as an international organization and sequenced in each country. We and welcomed the successful conclusion of encouraged the sharing of information and the senior management selection. We were experiences in infrastructure development, happy to see the finalization of the Medium- investment environment, innovation, and Term Road Map for ABMI. labor market, fiscal, financial and industrial reforms in order for ASEAN+3 economies 3. The ASEAN+3 region is expected to maintain to better meet their respective development a relatively high growth rate and continue to priorities and challenges. serve as a major engine of global growth, in view of the continued structural reforms and Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization (CMIM) effective implementation of macroeconomic policies in the region. However, global growth 7. We affirmed our commitment to further remains modest and uneven, and downside strengthen the CMIM as an essential part risks and uncertainties to the global outlook of the regional financial safety net. In this persist against the backdrop of continued regard, we welcomed the progress made on financial volatility, challenges faced by enhancing the CMIM Operational Guidelines commodity exporters and low inflation. (OG), conducting regular CMIM Test Runs under various scenarios, and undertaking 4. Under these circumstances, we stressed the the CMIM peace-time preparation activities importance of utilizing all necessary policy to ensure the operational readiness of the tools – monetary, fiscal and structural – to CMIM, including the activation process of IMF promote sustainable and inclusive economic delinked portion, with AMRO’s support. We growth and foster confidence, taking into look forward to the recommendation of the account the different circumstances of taskforce in November 2016 on the potential regional members. We welcomed the fiscal increase in the IMF delinked portion. strategies aiming to support the economy and will flexibly deploy fiscal policies to strengthen 8. Against the backdrop of the reform of the growth, create jobs and foster innovation, international financial architecture now being while enhancing resilience and ensuring debt pushed forward by the G20, including further sustainability. Monetary policy will continue strengthening the global financial safety net to support economic activity, while ensuring with the IMF at its center, we tasked the price stability. Nevertheless, members should Deputies to carefully study how the CMIM can adopt the appropriate policy mix to achieve be better integrated into the global financial balanced growth and financial stability. We will safety net. To this end, we welcomed a Test carefully calibrate and clearly communicate Run to be conducted this year on the crisis our macroeconomic and structural policy resolution facility linked to the IMF program. actions to reduce policy uncertainty, minimize negative spillovers and promote transparency. 9. We welcomed the continued work of our Deputies and AMRO to further develop 5. We will closely monitor capital flows and the qualification indicators for the CMIM risks stemming from capital flow volatility Precautionary Line (CMIM-PL), based on the and respond appropriately to the changing Economic Review and Policy Dialogue (ERPD) economic environment and financial market Matrix, which consists of key economic and volatility in support of the regional economic financial indicators of all ASEAN+3 members. and financial stability. In this regard, macro- We tasked the Deputies, in cooperation with prudential policy and capital flow management AMRO, to continue to develop the ERPD measures can increase the resilience of the Matrix and to explore ways to further utilize this tool in a more forward-looking manner.
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10. We supported the timely conclusion of the for member economies we encouraged periodic review of the CMIM Agreement. In AMRO to further enhance and expand its TA view of this, we recognized that some aspects activities. in the CMIM fundamental issues should be further clarified in the CMIM Agreement 16. We commended Dr. Yoichi Nemoto, the based on the lessons learnt from the previous incumbent AMRO Director, for his tireless peace-time preparation and Test Runs. We efforts and leadership in enhancing AMRO’s welcomed the Deputies’ endorsement of the operational functions and institutional capacity priority order and work schedule for the CMIM during his tenure since May of 2012, which fundamental issues, and tasked the Deputies will expire at the end of this month. to work out solutions on the relevant issues following the agreed timetable. 17. We welcomed the successful conclusion of the recruitment process of AMRO’s senior 11. We noted the completion of the CMIM Studies management. We expect Dr. Chang Junhong, on “Troika’s Financial Assistance Programs in as the incoming AMRO Director, to lead the the Euro Area for CMIM’s Future Reference” new management team to carry forward and “Comparative Analysis of CMIM the efforts towards making AMRO a highly Arrangement and Market Practices”. professional international organization.
ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office Asian Bond Markets Initiative (ABMI) (AMRO) 18. We recognized that ABMI has contributed 12. We are pleased with the significant effort of to the development of local currency bond AMRO in enhancing its surveillance capacity. markets and has mobilized savings to finance We acknowledged the work of AMRO to long-term investment across the region. vigilantly monitor and assess the regional Against the backdrop of heightened volatility macroeconomic and financial developments. in the global financial market, we endorsed We expressed our sustained support for a new Medium-Term Road Map, outlining AMRO to strengthen its conduct of regional activities to be supported under ABMI over economic surveillance and support of the the next three years, to continue fostering the implementation of CMIM as a credible and development of local currency bond markets effective regional financing facility. We to promote financial stability and meet the instructed AMRO to collaborate with relevant long-term investment needs of the region. international organizations through, among Under the new Road Map, we will promote others, staff exchanges, information sharing green bonds, covered bonds, prime collateral and joint activities. for repo markets, and municipal finance in selected member economies to help meet 13. We welcomed the establishment of AMRO the demand for infrastructure development as an international organization, effective 9 with the local currency-denominated bonds. February 2016. With this milestone, AMRO Activities under the Road Map to be built on can function more effectively as the region’s achievements made to date are expected to independent surveillance unit and contribute also advance the regional market integration. towards ensuring the macroeconomic and financial stability of the ASEAN+3 region. 19. We are pleased to see the increased guarantee operations of the Credit Guarantee 14. We encouraged AMRO to finalize its medium- and Investment Facility (CGIF). We took note term strategic vision in a timely manner. of the discussion on exploring various options We share the vision to build AMRO into an to expand its guarantee capacity and broaden independent, strong, credible, reliable and its operations. CGIF is expected to utilize its professional international organization. resources efficiently, to meet the essential financial needs in the region in accordance 15. We welcomed the Deputies’ approval of the with its priorities to avoid currency and AMRO Technical Assistance (TA) programme maturity mismatches in corporates’ funding. and the pledges from some member countries We also expect to see additional cross- for the financial contributions. In order to border bond issuance under the ASEAN+3 enhance the capacity on surveillance activities Multi-currency Bond Issuance Framework
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(AMBIF) and the progress made under the Goals. In line with the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Cross-Border Settlement Infrastructure Community Blueprint 2025, we discussed Forum (CSIF) as the central banks and areas of mutual interest and encouraged central securities depositories in ASEAN+3 closer collaboration on ASEAN’s new priorities continue to work toward implementing CSD- and projects on labour for the next five years. RTGS linkages over the medium-term. Lastly, we noted the progress made current technical Exchange of Views on Transition from assistance programs for recipient countries Informal Employment to Formal Employment under the Technical Assistance Coordination towards Decent Work Promotion in ASEAN Team (TACT). 3. We expressed concerns about the rising 20. We expressed our appreciation to the informalisation of employment in the region governments of Lao PDR and China for their and the challenges it poses on the protection excellent arrangements as the co-chairs of of the rights of workers, access to social the ASEAN+3 Finance Ministers and Central protection and social dialogue. Unless Bank Governors’ Process in 2016. We also addressed, the continued increase in informal thanked the Federal Republic of Germany for employment in the region will impede the its warm hospitality. ASEAN Community’s prospects of achieving the goal of decent work and inclusive and 21. We agreed to meet in Yokohama, Japan in sustainable growth. 2017. Philippines and Japan will be the co- chairs of the ASEAN+3 Finance Ministers and 4. We shared information and highlighted the Central Bank Governors’ Process in 2017. diversity in factors, characteristics, and circumstances of informality in our respective *** countries. Given this diversity, we recognise th the importance of differentiated strategies Joint Statement of the 9 ASEAN and approaches that would enable a well- Plus Three Labour Ministers managed transition process from informal th to formal employment of workers in ASEAN Meeting (9 ALMM+3) Member States.
Vientiane, Lao PDR, 16 May 2016 5. We exchanged views on necessary policy responses at the regional and national levels and encouraged collaboration among the Introduction ASEAN Plus Three Countries through sharing of best practices, research and information 1. We, the Ministers/Heads of Delegations sharing, strengthening of human resource responsible for labour in ASEAN, China, development policies and programmes Japan, and Republic of Korea, gathered on among others. 16 May 2016 in Vientiane, Lao PDR, under the chairmanship of H.E. Dr. Khampheng Status of ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation in Saysompheng, Minister of Labour and Labour Social Welfare Lao PDR, and reviewed the progress of cooperation on labour under the 6. We expressed appreciation and welcomed ASEAN Plus Three framework. The Deputy the initiatives of China: (a) South-South Secretary-General for the ASEAN Socio- Cooperation Project to expand employment Cultural Community (ASCC) was also present services and enhance labour market at our meeting. information system with Lao PDR and Cambodia; (b) ASEAN-China High Level 2. We recognised the importance of heightening Seminar on Social Security in September cooperation among the ASEAN Plus Three 2016; (c) Study Visit on Employment Services Countries in light of recent developments at in 2016; (d) Follow-up Study Visit to China in the regional and global levels, most notably 2017; and (e) Fellowship Programmes on the formal establishment of the ASEAN employment promotion and informality and Community with its new Vision for 2025 and social insurance development in 2017. the adoption of the Sustainable Development
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7. We noted with satisfaction the progress of the List of Ministers/Heads of Delegations following projects: (a) ASEAN-Japan HRD Attending the 9th ASEAN Plus Three Labour Collaboration Programme for Strengthening Ministers Meeting (9th ALMM+3) 16 May 2016, the Basis of Human Resources Development Vientiane, Lao PDR in CLMV Countries-Phase III towards Phase IV, development and dissemination H.E. Pehin Abu Bakar Apong Minister of of the Guide for ASEAN Instructors (GAIN), Home Affairs Brunei Darussalam; H.E. Mam and Skills Evaluation System Promotion Vannak Secretary of State, Ministry of Labour Programme; (b) ASEAN-ILO/Japan Project and Vocationa Training Cambodia; H.E. Kong on Promoting and Building Income Security Changsheng Vice Minister, Ministry of Human and Employment Services in ASEAN-Phase Resources and Social Security China; H.E. th II; and (c) The 13 ASEAN-Japan High Level Irmawan Emir Wisnandar Ambassador, Embassy Meeting on Caring Societies on 20-22 October of Indonesia to Lao PDR Indonesia; H.E. Junichi 2015 in Kobe, Japan, with the theme “People Okazaki Vice Minister for Policy Coordination, Centered Disaster Risk Reduction and Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Japan; H.E. Restoration”. We welcomed the convening of Dr. Khampheng Saysompheng Minister of Labour th the 14 ASEAN-Japan High Level Meeting on and Social Welfare Lao PDR; H.E. YB Dato’ Sri Caring Societies on 9-11 November 2016 in Richard Riot Jaem Minister of Human Resources Tokyo, Japan, with the theme “Encouraging Malaysia; H.E. Thein Swe Union Minister of participation and improving accessibility to Labour, Immigration and Population Republic of the society – for persons with disabilities and the Union of Myanmar; H.E. Rosalinda Dimapilis- the elderly”. Baldoz Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment The Philippines; H.E. Lee, Ki-Kweon 8. We noted with appreciation the completion Minister of Employment and Labor Republic of of numerous joint programmes supported by Korea; Mr. Alvin Lim Director, Workplace Policy Republic of Korea such as the 14th Human and Strategy Division, Ministry of Manpower Resources Development Programme for Singapore; H.E. General Sirichai Distakul Minister Officials of ASEAN Countries on 21 March of Labour Thailand; H.E. Dao Ngoc Dung Minister – 1 April 2016 in Gwacheon, ROK, and of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Viet Nam; and the ASEAN-ILO/Korea Project towards H.E Vongthep Arthakaivalvatee Deputy Secretary- the Realisation of the Asian Decent Work General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Decade. We were also pleased to note the Community The ASEAN Secretariat. lined up projects on the 2nd ASEAN+3 Forum on Financing of Skills and TVET Programs on *** 23-25 May 2016 in Seoul, ROK, as well as the ASEAN-Korea Migration Network, including rd st Joint Statement of the 3 the 1 ASEAN-Korea Experts Meeting held on 26-27 April 2016 in Manila, the Philippines. ASEAN Plus Three Education We welcomed the new initiative of the ROK Ministers Meeting to launch training programmes for vocational teachers from ASEAN Member States and supported its plan to establish an international Selangor, Malaysia, 26 May 2016 center for technical vocational education and training (TVET). 1. The Third ASEAN Plus Three Education Ministers Meeting (3rd APT EMM) was held Conclusion on 26 May 2016 in Selangor, Malaysia, in conjunction with the Ninth ASEAN Education 9. We expressed our sincere appreciation to Ministers Meeting (9th ASED) and the Third the Government of Lao PDR, particularly the East Asia Summit Education Ministers Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, for the Meeting (3rd EAS EMM). The Meeting was warm hospitality extended to the ALMM+3 co-chaired by H.E. Dato’ Seri Mahdzir Khalid, delegates and excellent arrangement of the Minister of Education of Malaysia and H.E. Meeting. Hao Ping, Vice Minister of Education of China.
10. We agreed to meet again in Malaysia in 2018 2. The Ministers noted with appreciation the under the ALMM Chairmanship of Malaysia. status of the implementation of the ASEAN
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Plus Three Plan of Action on Education 2010- Cooperation on Education and ensuring its 2017 and encouraged greater cooperation complementation with the ASEAN Work Plan towards the successful completion of all on Education 2016-2020. the programmes and activities through involvement of relevant universities and 7. The Ministers approved the APT Guidelines educational institutions in the APT participating on Student Exchange and Mobility with countries to assist in the implementation of the the aim of promoting the development of remaining programmes in the Plan of Action. higher education in the ASEAN Plus Three countries through greater promotion of 3. The Ministers noted updates of the People’s student exchanges and mobility supported by Republic of China on the 2016 China-ASEAN quality assurance mechanisms. The Ministers Year of Educational Exchanges and welcomed expressed appreciation for the efforts of the closer coordination with ASEAN and the APT Working Group on Mobility of Higher ASEAN Secretariat in ensuring suitable Education and Ensuring Quality Assurance of ASEAN representation and role particularly Higher Education in drafting the Guidelines. in the conduct of the Ninth China – ASEAN Cooperation Week and the Second China- 8. The Ministers noted the preparations for ASEAN Education Ministers Roundtable the 4th Working Group on Mobility of Higher Conference which are scheduled in August Education and Ensuring Quality Assurance 2016. of Higher Education spearheaded by the Philippines to be held on 29 September 2016 4. In the area of collaboration among universities in Cebu, the Philippines. from the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) countries, the Ministers noted the report of Japan on its 9. The Ministers welcomed the hosting of the 4th initiative to support educational collaborations APT EMM by Myanmar in conjunction with between universities from Japan and the 10th ASED and the 4th EAS EMM in 2018. universities from the APT countries. In the same manner, the Ministers noted the report 10. Finally, the Ministers expressed their of the Republic of Korea on expanding the appreciation to Malaysia for the warm ASEAN Cyber University Open Educational hospitality extended to the delegates and the Resource (OER) platform to more participant excellent arrangements made in hosting the universities. 3rd APT EMM. The Ministers also expressed their appreciation to the ASEAN Secretariat 5. The Ministers noted and expressed for its valuable contribution to the Meeting. appreciation for the continuous progress made by the ASEAN Plus Three Countries, *** the ASEAN University Network (AUN), the ASEAN Cyber University Network (ACU) Project and the ASEAN University Network/ Chairman’s Statement of the th Southeast Asia Engineering Education 17 ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Development Network (AUN/SEED-NET) Ministers’ Meeting in the 77 activities under the ASEAN Plus Three Plan of Action on Education 2010-2017 comprising areas such as higher education Vientiane, Lao PDR, 26 July 2016 cooperation, capacity building in higher education, increase of linkages between universities, and promotion of credit transfers “Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic between universities in the region. ASEAN Community”
th 6. In pursuit of harmonised efforts on education 1. The 17 Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of cooperation within the framework of ASEAN, ASEAN and the Peoples’ Republic of China, the Ministers stressed the importance of Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) was fostering long-term and mutually beneficial held in Vientiane, Lao PDR on 26 July 2016. educational cooperation and promoting The Meeting was chaired by His Excellency people-to-people exchanges through Saleumxay KOMMASITH, Minister for alignment of the ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR.
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2. The Ministers welcomed the substantive submitted to the Leaders for notation at the progress and achievements in ASEAN Plus 19th ASEAN Plus Three Summit in September Three cooperation and reaffirmed their 2016 in Vientiane, Laos. commitment to further strengthen and deepen the cooperation under the ASEAN Plus Three 6. The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of framework to serve as a main vehicle toward ASEAN Plus Three cooperation in maintaining the shared vision of long term goal of building and promoting peace, security, stability and an East Asian Economic community, with prosperity, which are necessary conditions for ASEAN as the driving force. the continued development of the East Asian region. They also agreed to further strengthen 3. The Ministers reiterated the importance of political-security cooperation. The Ministers ASEAN’s central role in the evolving regional also emphasised the need to enhance efforts architecture and shared the views that ASEAN to address emerging challenges in both Plus Three cooperation would continue to traditional and non – traditional security issues support the implementation of the ASEAN such as terrorism and violent extremism, Vision 2025 to pave the way towards deeper transnational crime, cyber security, regional integration in East Asia. maritime security, climate change, disaster management, water resource management, 4. The Ministers expressed satisfaction with food security, energy security, and pandemic the positive progress in the implementation diseases. of the ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation Work Plan (2013-2017), and looked forward to the 7. In light of this, the Ministers encouraged the implementation of the remaining measures effective implementation of existing regional under the Work Plan in timely and effective mechanisms in addressing transnational manner, especially on strengthening crime such as ASEAN Convention against cooperation in addressing the impact of Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women climate change, narrowing development gap, and Children, Kuala Lumpur Declaration in regional connectivity, including enhancing Combating Transnational Crime, and Kuala people-to-people connectivity, deepening Lumpur Declaration on Irregular Movement of financial cooperation and food security. The Persons in Southeast Asia. Ministers underscored the importance of the effective utilisation of the ASEAN Plus Three 8. The Ministers underscored the importance Cooperation Fund to implement activities of the Regional Comprehensive Economic under the Work Plan. Noting that the existing Partnership (RCEP) in strengthening ASEAN Work Plan will expire by next year, the Centrality in the emerging regional economic Ministers tasked the Committee of Permanent architecture. The Ministers welcomed the Representatives and Ambassadors of the progress made to date and encouraged all Plus Three countries to ASEAN in Jakarta to Parties to intensify efforts to conclude the commence a draft successor work plan with RCEP negotiations in 2016 and achieve the view to the adoption by the APT Leaders a modern, comprehensive, high-quality in 2017. balanced and mutually beneficial outcome.
5. The Ministers noted with appreciation the 9. The Ministers welcomed the continued growth adoption of the Final Report on the Follow- in trade and investment cooperation between up to the East Asia Vision Group (EAVG II) ASEAN and the Plus Three countries and recommendations and the significant progress expressed confidence that the regions’ made in the development, endorsement and economies will remain resilient and maintain implementation of action plans for the 21 their positive trajectory despite the volatile selected recommendations, which would pave global economic environment. the way towards greater ASEAN Plus Three integration, and complement the ASEAN Plus 10. The Ministers reaffirmed the importance Three Cooperation Work Plan (2013-2017). of strengthening the Chiang Mai Initiative The Ministers looked forward to the progress Multilateralisation (CMIM) as part of the report on the follow up to the action plans for regional financial safety net to maintain the selected recommendations, which will be financial stability in ASEAN and East Asia and the cooperation between global financial
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safety net and the regional safety net, and implementation of UN 2030 Agenda for looked forward to the study on how the CMIM Sustainable Development and the ASEAN can be better integrated into the global financial Community Vision 2025 to uplift the living safety net. To further complement CMIM, the standards of people in ASEAN and the Plus Ministers welcomed the establishment of the Three countries over the next decades. ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) as an International Organisation, 15. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers appreciated operating as an independent regional the Plus Three countries in supporting ASEAN surveillance unit to monitor and analyse in the implementation of the Master Plan regional economies and support CMIM on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) and also implementation. The Ministers also welcomed encouraged China, Japan and the Republic the finalisation of the Medium-Term Roadmap of Korea to work closely with the ASEAN for Asian Bond Markets Initiatives (ABMI). Coordinating Committee (ACCC) to further realize the MPAC and foster the implementation 11. The Ministers underscored the important of Leaders’ Statement on ASEAN Plus role of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Three Partnership on Connectivity. Noting Rice Reserve (APTERR) Agreement as that both financing mobilisation and quality a mechanism to strengthen regional food infrastructure are important factors in moving security and reducing poverty. In this regard, the ASEAN Connectivity agenda forward, the the Ministers welcomed the adoption of the Ministers welcomed the progress of the Asian ASEAN Plus Three Bioenergy and Food Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) as well Security Framework 2015-2025 with the as the proposed Expanded Partnership for objective of supporting ASEAN Member Quality Infrastructure to address infrastructure States’ efforts to ensure sustainable, food – financing needs in the region. – secure and climate friendly bioenergy for economic and social development. 16. The Ministers took note of the convening of the 11th Annual Meeting of Deans and 12. The Ministers acknowledged the important Directors of Diplomatic Training Institutions of contributions by Micro, Small and Medium ASEAN Plus Three countries, which was held Enterprises (MSMEs) as the backbone of in Seoul, Korea on 27-29 April 2016. They ASEAN’s economic integration and agreed to underscored the importance of strengthening promote sustainable development of MSMEs cooperation among the APT countries in the to support the implementation of the ASEAN field of education and training for diplomats, Strategic Action Plan for SMEs Development who can play an active role in facilitating the (2016-2025). process of East Asian community building.
13. The Ministers underscored the importance 17. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment of strengthening and broadening tourism to enhance cooperation in education at cooperation in promoting people-to- the regional level. The Ministers noted the people linkages in the East Asia Region. progress in the implementation of the ASEAN The Ministers noted the progress of the Plus Three Plan of Action on Education (2010- implementation of the ASEAN Plus Three 2017) and in the development of the ASEAN Tourism Cooperation Work Plan 2013-2017. Plus Three Guidelines on Student Exchange The Ministers welcomed the signing of the and Mobility. Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on ASEAN Plus Three Tourism Cooperation in 18. The Ministers noted with satisfaction the January 2016 in Manila and looked forward to implementation of the ASEAN Conference on its full and effective implementation. Civil Service Matters Plus Three (ACCSM+3) Work Plan (2012-2015) and looked forward 14. The Ministers acknowledged the importance to the adoption of the ACCSM+3 Work of forging closer cooperation in poverty Plan 2016-2020 at the Third Heads of Civil alleviation. Noting that rural development Service Meeting for ACCSM+3 to be held in and poverty eradication are crucial to November 2016 in Manila to further promote building a strong ASEAN Community, the good governance. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to advance the complementarity between the
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19. The Ministers noted the progress of ASEAN education, climate change, water resources Plus Three cooperation in health and management, natural resources conservation underscored the importance of promoting and disaster risk reduction and management. cooperation in combating communicable and emerging infectious diseases and 24. The Ministers discussed the developments public health emergencies in the region. on the Korean Peninsula and underlined the They encouraged stronger cooperation to importance of maintaining peace, stability ensuretimely responses and prevention of and security in the region. The Ministers such diseases. The Ministers looked forward expressed concerns over the recent to the continuous support and assistance developments on the Korean Peninsula, from the Plus Three countries to achieving including the nuclear test and launches using the ASEAN Post-2015 Health Development ballistic missile technology by the Democratic Agenda and the ASEAN Plus Three Universal People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), which Health Coverage Network (UHC). are in violation of the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. The 20. The Ministers highlighted the importance Ministers also highlighted the importance of the contribution of the ASEAN-China of trust-building activities on the Peninsula, Centre, ASEAN-Japan Centre and ASEAN- and the need to fully comply with all relevant ROK Centre in promoting trade, investment, UNSC resolutions, including UNSC resolution tourism and people-to-people contacts and 2270 and for all parties to comply with cultural exchanges. The Ministers noted commitments under the 19 September 2005 the successful convening of the Seventh Joint Statement of the Six – Party Talks. The Meeting among the Secretaries-General Meeting underlined the importance of creating of the ASEAN-China, ASEAN-Japan and necessary conditions for the early resumption ASEAN-ROK Centres in April 2016 in Tokyo of the Six-Party Talks, which would help pave and encouraged more coordination among the way toward peaceful denuclearisation of the three Centres in order to further contribute the Korean Peninsula. to the enhancement of greater cooperation between ASEAN and the East Asian Region 25. The Ministers shared concerns on the illegal, under the ASEAN Plus Three framework. unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices and stressed the need to prevent, 21. The Ministers acknowledged the important deter and eliminate IUU fishing and to develop contribution of the East Asia Forum (EAF) a well-measured and holistic approach to as a Track 1.5 level platform for government, address this challenge. business, academia and think tanks to further deepen East Asia cooperation. The Ministers 26. The Ministers discussed preparations for the th welcomed the outcome of the 14 EAF in Siem upcoming 19th ASEAN Plus Three Summit, to Reap, Cambodia on 9-10 June 2016 with be held in September 2016 in Vientiane, Lao the theme “Deepening East Asia Integration PDR. towards East Asia Economic Community”, to th be submitted to the 19 ASEAN Plus Three 27. The Ministers noted next year is 20th Summit for notation. The Ministers welcomed th anniversary of APT and looked forward to China’s proposal to host the 15 EAF in 2017. the convening of the 18th ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, to be held in the 22. Considering the important contribution of the Philippines in 2017. Network of East Asia Think-tanks (NEAT) towards the APT cooperation process, the *** Ministers welcomed the convening of the 24th Country Coordinator Meeting (CCM) of NEAT in Thailand in March 2016 and looked forward to the convening of the 25th NEAT CCM/14th Annual Conference in Thailand.
23. The Ministers underscored the importance of forging closer cooperation in the areas of agriculture, forestry, food and energy security,
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Joint Media Statement of the 19th 4. The Ministers commended the East Asia Business Council (EABC) for its efforts AEM Plus Three Consultations to promote economic integration in the region. The Ministers noted the report by Vientiane, Lao PDR, 4 August 2016 the EABC on the progress of its activities and its recommendations, which included continuing private sector’s engagement in the 1. Economic Ministers from the ten ASEAN East Asia economic integration and RCEP; Member States and Economic Ministers of building capacity and enhancing integration People’s Republic of China (“China”), Japan, among East Asian MSMEs; and facilitating and Republic of Korea (“Korea”) met on 4 e-commerce development in East Asia. August 2016 in Vientiane, Lao PDR for the Nineteenth AEM Plus Three Consultations. 5. The Ministers were pleased to note the The Consultations were co-chaired by H.E. collaboration among the EABC, ASEAN- Mrs Khemmani Pholsena, Minister of Industry China Centre, ASEAN-Japan Centre, and and Commerce of Lao PDR, H.E. Gao ASEAN-Korea Centre in promoting trade and Hucheng, Minister of Commerce of China, investment in the larger context of the ASEAN Mr Tetsuya Watanabe, Director General Plus Three cooperation. of Multilateral Trade System Department, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of LIST OF MINISTERS Japan, and H.E. Joo Hyunghwan, Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy of Korea. The Hon. Pehin Dato Lim Jock Seng, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second 2. The Plus Three Countries commended the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Brunei establishment of the ASEAN Economic Darussalam; H.E. Pan Sorasak, Secretary of Community (AEC) in 2015 as a major State, Ministry of Commerce, Cambodia; H.E. milestone in regional economic integration. Gao Hucheng, Minister of Commerce, China; Mr The Plus Three Countries also welcomed the Iman Pambagyo, Director General of International new AEC Blueprint 2025, which envisages Trade Negotiations, Ministry of Trade, Indonesia an AEC by 2025 that is highly integrated (representing H.E. Enggartiasto Lukita, Minister of and cohesive; competitive, innovative and Trade, Indonesia); Mr Tetsuya Watanabe, Director dynamic; with enhanced connectivity and General, Multilateral Trade System Department, sectoral cooperation; a more resilient, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan inclusive, and people – oriented, people- (representing H.E. Hiroshige Seko, Minister of centred community; and integrated with the Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan; H.E. global economy. Joo Hyunghwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, Republic of Korea; H.E. Mrs Khemmani 3. The Ministers noted the strong trade and Pholsena, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Lao investment relations between ASEAN and the PDR; H.E. Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister Plus Three Countries, amidst the uncertainty of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia; H.E. in global economic recovery. In 2015, ASEAN Kyaw Win, Union Minister of Planning and Finance, total trade with the Plus Three Countries Myanmar; H.E. Ramon M. Lopez, Secretary of amounting to USD 708.6 billion, accounting Trade and Industry, the Philippines; H.E. Lim Hng for 31.1 per cent of ASEAN’s total trade. Total Kiang, Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows from Singapore; H.E. Apiradi Tantraporn, Minister the Plus Three Countries into ASEAN valued of Commerce, Thailand; H.E. Tran Tuan Anh, at USD 31 billion in 2015, accounting for 26.0 Minister of Industry and Trade, Viet Nam; and H.E. per cent of the total FDI inflow to ASEAN. Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General of ASEAN.
***
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Chairman’s Statement of the and relevant stakeholders in following up th to the recommendations of the East Asia 19 ASEAN Plus Three Summit Vision Group (EAVG) II, which suggested the realization of an East Asia Economic Vie nt ia ne , La o P D R , Community by 2020. We noted with appreciation the Progress Report on the Status 7 September 2016 of Action Plans for Recommendations of the EAVG II, which outlined substantive progress Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic in the development and implementation of the ASEAN Community 21 selected EAVG II recommendations.
th 5. We stressed the importance of APT cooperation 1. The 19 ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Summit in maintaining and promoting peace, stability was held on 7 September 2016 in Vientiane. and development in East Asian region. In this The Summit was chaired by H.E. Thongloun context, we decided to further strengthen SISOULITH, Prime Minister of the Lao DPR. cooperation in both traditional and non- The Summit was attended by all Heads of traditional security issues such as terrorism State/Government of the Member States of and violent extremism, transnational crime, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations cyber security, maritime security, climate (ASEAN), the People’s Republic of China, change, disaster management, sustainable Japan and the Republic of Korea. The water resource management, food security, Secretary – General of ASEAN was also in energy security, and pandemic diseases and attendance. trade – related capacity building.
2. We noted with satisfaction the progress in 6. We noted that the trade and investment ASEAN Plus Three cooperation over the past relations between ASEAN and the Plus Three 19 years and reiterated our commitment to Countries remain strong. In 2015, ASEAN further strengthening and deepening the APT total trade with the Plus Three Countries process as a driving force for enhanced peace, amounted to USD 708.6 billion, accounting security and prosperity in the East Asian for 31.1 per cent of ASEAN’s total trade. Total region, with the long term goal of building an Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows from East Asian community. We also shared the the Plus Three Countries to ASEAN stood at views that APT would continue to support the USD 31 billion in 2015, accounting for 26.0 implementation of the ASEAN Community per cent of the total FDI inflow to ASEAN. Vision 2025 to pave the way towards deeper regional integration in East Asia. We 7. We noted the continuous endeavour in recognized ASEAN Centrality in the evolving advancing the progress of the RCEP regional architecture through ASEAN-led negotiations. Considering the immense process in the ASEAN Plus Three, the East potential of the RCEP to stimulate global trade Asia Summit, the ASEAN Regional Forum, and growth, we urged RCEP participating and the Regional Comprehensive Economic countries to intensify efforts toward achieving Partnership (RCEP). a modern, comprehensive, high-quality, and mutually beneficial economic partnership 3. We noted with appreciation the substantive agreement. progress of the implementation of the ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation Work 8. We acknowledged the efforts made by Plan (2013-2017) and the decision of the the East Asia Business Council (EABC) in APT Ministers’ Meeting in July 2016 to task promoting economic integration in the region Committee of Permanent Representatives through private sector engagement, including and Ambassadors of the Plus Three countries the survey report on optimal regional free trade to ASEAN in Jakarta (CPR Plus Three) to agreement (FTA) formation in East Asia by formulate a successor Work Plan. We looked Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) forward to the adoption of the successor Work and The Japan Chamber of Commerce and Plan in 2017. Industry (JCCI), MSME capacity building and facilitating e-commerce development in East 4. We commended the efforts and work carried Asia. We noted the importance of continuous out by the CPR Plus Three, sectoral bodies
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business engagements including conducting Rice Reserve APTERR Secretariat legal appropriate studies. We also welcomed the personality and privileges to support its role in collaboration among the EABC, ASEAN-China enhancing food security. We also welcomed Centre, ASEAN – Japan Centre, and ASEAN- the progress made under the (APTERR) and Korea Centre to broaden the cooperation in the ASEAN Food Security Information System the context of ASEAN Plus Three in order to (AFSIS). We appreciated the assistances increase trade and investment. for establishing Real Time ASEAN+3 Food Security Information Network and Developing 9. We acknowledged the outcomes of the 19th Human Resources provided by the ROK. ASEAN+3 Finance Ministers’ and Central We reiterated the importance to implement Bank Governors’ Meeting to further strengthen activities under the ASEAN Plus Three the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation Bioenergy and Food Security Framework (CMIM) as an essential part of the regional 2015-2025. financial safety net and to study how the CMIM can be better integrated with the global 14. We acknowledged the progress of the APT financial safety net. on energy cooperation and appreciated the continued support offered by the Plus Three 10. We welcomed the establishment of ASEAN+3 countries towards the development of an Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) effective energy security policies, specifically as an international organisation on 9 in the areas of energy efficiency and February 2016 to enhance its function as the conservation, renewable energy technologies, independent regional surveillance unit and emergency response mechanisms, and further contribute towards the macroeconomic capacity building initiatives for civilian and financial stability of the ASEAN+3 region nuclear energy programme, and welcomed by operating as an independent regional the program proposed by China to enhance surveillance unit and supporting CMIM capacity building on clean energy with ASEAN implementation. Member States. We also welcomed the plans to cooperate in developing customized energy 11. We were pleased to note the finalization of the safety management systems for ASEAN New Medium-Term Road Map of the Asian Member States to ensure energy safety policy Bond Markets Initiatives (ABMI) for the next and effective accident related management in three years, which is expected to continue the region and in this regard, we welcomed fostering the development of local currency the new initiative extended by the ROK bond markets in order to promote financial on Improving Energy Safety Management stability and meet the long term-investment System for ASEAN Member. needs of the region. 15. We were pleased to note that the 12. We welcomed the signing of the Memorandum implementation of various initiatives of the of Cooperation (MOC) on ASEAN Plus Three ASEAN Plus Three Centre for the Gifted in Science (ACGS) continues to be sustained Tourism Cooperation, which serves as the th key instrument for more action-oriented with successful conduct of the 7 ASEAN Plus Three Teacher Workshop and Student cooperation, encouraging APT countries th to enhance facilitation of travel and tourist Camp, and the 5 ASEAN Plus Three Junior visits, development of quality tourism and Science Odyssey. strengthening linkages and cooperation among education and training institutions. We 16. The ASEAN Leaders appreciated the Plus noted that the MOC would be implemented Three countries’ support for enhancing through conducting joint projects, programmes connectivity within ASEAN and the region, and activities. and looked forward to their continued support for the implementation of the Master Plan 13. We appreciated the progress made under on ASEAN Connectivity 2025. Noting the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry importance of both financing mobilisation and (AMAF) Plus Three cooperation in the quality infrastructure in moving the ASEAN area of agriculture, fisheries, livestock and Connectivity agenda forward, we welcomed forestry sectors. We noted that Thailand has the progress of the Asian Infrastructure granted the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Investment Bank (AIIB) as well as Expanded Partnership for Quality Infrastructure to
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address infrastructure-financing needs and to to the implementation of the Action Plan on promote quality infrastructure investment in Strategic Programmes to Produce Qualified, the region. Competent and Well-Equipped Labour Force to implement the East Asia Vision Group 17. We reaffirmed our commitment to (EAVG) II recommendations. advancing the complementarity between the implementation of UN 2030 Agenda for 22. We expressed the importance of the ASEAN Sustainable Development and the ASEAN Conference on Civil Service Matters Plus Community Vision 2025 to uplift the living Three (ACCSM Plus Three) cooperation standards of people in ASEAN and the Plus in strengthening capacity of civil service. Three countries over the next decades. In We noted the successful completion of the this regard, we adopted the APT Leaders’ Study Visit to the Plus Three Countries Statement on Promoting Sustainable on Productivity and Innovation Focusing Development Cooperation. on Performance Management. We looked forward to the commencement of the Study 18. We recognised the growing trend of ageing Visit to the Plus Three Countries on Public populations in the region and the need to Administration and Human Resource address the challenges promoting the quality Management in October 2016 in China. We of life and well-being of older people in a underscored the commitment to continuing holistic manner and through partnership with our cooperation on civil service and we looked relevant stakeholders, we therefore adopted forward to the official adoption of the ACCSM the APT Statement on Active Ageing to Plus Three Work Plan 2016-2020 at the rd promote enhanced cooperation to achieve upcoming 3 Heads of Civil Service Meeting this goal. for ACCSM Plus Three in November 2016 in Manila, the Philippines. 19. We reaffirmed the need to promote quality assurance in higher education amongst the 23. We noted with satisfaction the progress ASEAN Plus Three countries and welcomed made in cooperation on social welfare and the approval of the ASEAN Plus Three development, particularly in promoting the Guidelines on Student Exchange and Mobility welfare of older persons through exchanges with the aim of promoting the development and learning of good practices from one of higher education in the ASEAN Plus another on community-based services for Three countries through greater promotion of older persons and enhancing age-friendly student exchanges and mobility supported by policy and programme environment. We quality assurance mechanisms. looked forward to continuing our partnership on enhancing the welfare of older persons, 20. We acknowledged that the ASEAN Post 2015 and broadening the areas of cooperation Health Development Agenda for 2016 to 2020 to include the promotion of the welfare of included the priority areas of collaboration persons with disabilities and other areas with the Plus Three Countries on the areas of of mutual interest, as guided by the goals universal health coverage, non-communicable embodied in the Strategic Framework on diseases, traditional medicine, active ageing, Social Welfare and Development 2016-2020. human resource development in health, and responding to communicable and emerging 24. We noted the progress in our cooperation health threats. on promoting rural development through platforms that provided opportunities 21. We noted the successful convening of the 9th between leaders in our rural communities. ASEAN Plus Three Labour Ministers Meeting We welcomed the progress made by (ALMM+3) on 16 May 2016 in Vientiane, China, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar Lao PDR and supported the conclusion in implementing the East Asia Poverty of the joint statements. We reaffirmed our Reduction Initiative, which has positively commitment to continuing cooperation contributed to narrowing the development and encouraged closer collaboration on gap among regional countries. We looked ASEAN’s new priorities and projects laid forward to continuing the efforts to enhance out in the ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Work such exchanges, as well as to expand our Programme 2016-2020. We looked forward partnership in areas of mutual interest such as achieving food security and agriculture
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development, promoting the resilience of relevant UNSC resolutions, including UNSC rural communities from the adverse impacts resolution 2270 and for all parties to comply of climate change, and exploring suitable with commitments under the 19 September adaptive measures, as guided by the goals 2005 Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks. reflected in the Framework Action Plan on We underlined the importance of creating Rural Development and Poverty Eradication necessary conditions for the early resumption 2016-2020. of the Six-Party Talks, which would help pave the way toward peaceful denuclearisation of 25. We acknowledged the important contribution the Korean Peninsula. of the East Asia Forum (EAF) as a Track 1.5 level platform for government, business, 29. We noted that next year is the 20th anniversary academia and think tanks to contribute of APT and looked forward to having to deepening East Asia cooperation. We commemorative activities to celebrate the noted the outcome of the 14th EAF in Siem anniversary. Reap, Cambodia on 9-10 June 2016 with the theme “Deepening East Asia Integration *** towards East Asia Economic Community” and welcomed China’s proposal to host the 15th ASEAN Plus Three Statement EAF in 2017. on Active Ageing
26. We recognised the contribution of the Network of East Asia Think-Tanks (NEAT) in Vie nt ia ne , La o P D R , realising the shared vision of building an East 7 September 2016 Asian Economic Community and welcomed the successful convening of the 24th Country Coordinator Meeting (CCM) of NEAT in WE, the Heads of State and Government of the March 2016 and the 25th NEAT CCM/14th Member States of the Association of Southeast Annual Conference under the theme of “Crisis Asian Nations (ASEAN), the People’s Republic of Management” in Thailand. We also noted China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, gathering at NEAT Memorandum No. 13 submitted for the 19th ASEAN Plus Three Summit on 7 September further consideration by relevant agencies. 2016 in Vientiane, Lao PDR;
27. The ASEAN Leaders noted the explanation RECOGNIZING the growing trend of ageing th by the Plus three countries side that the 8 population in the region and the need to address Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, was the challenges in providing adequate care and successfully held in Tokyo, Japan on 24 August support and promoting the quality of life and well- 2016 and expressed the view that the positive momentum in the trilateral cooperation would being of older persons; contribute to the promotion and maintenance of peace, stability and prosperity in the region, COGNISANT of the significance of consolidating and lead to the next Trilateral Summit which is the ASEAN Community by realising a rules- to be held in Japan. based, people-oriented, people-centered ASEAN Community, where people enjoy higher quality 28. We discussed the developments on the Korean of life, as envisioned in the ASEAN Community Peninsula and underlined the importance of Vision 2025; maintaining peace, stability and security in the region. We expressed serious concerns over the recent developments on the Korean REAFFIRMING the commitment by all states to Peninsula, including the nuclear test and global and regional frameworks related to active launches using ballistic missile technology by ageing, especially to implementing the Millennium the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Development Goals (MDGs), advanced further by (DPRK), which are in violation of the relevant the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, United Nations Security Council (UNSC) with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals resolutions. We highlighted the importance (SDGs) of which Goal 3 is to “Ensure healthy lives of trust – building activities on the Peninsula, and promote well-being for all at all ages”; the UN and the need to fully comply with all Principles for Older Persons (1991); the Madrid
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International Plan of Action on Ageing (2002); and management processes on programs on ageing the Shanghai Regional Implementation Strategy and examining replication and adaptability of the on Ageing (2002); best practices of each member state;
RECALLING World Health Assembly (WHA) WE DO HEREBY DECLARE TO: resolution 69.3 (2016) on the global strategy and action plan on ageing and health 2016–2020: 1. Promote greater inclusion for active aging towards a world in which everyone can live a long in national policy making and action plans, and healthy life; including active employment policies, social protection, welfare and healthcare services, RECALLING ASEAN’s collective commitments as well as mainstreaming those policies and in the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Ageing: action plans across government sectors, adapted to national priorities; Empowering Older Persons in ASEAN (2015); and the Brunei Darussalam Declaration on Elderly Care and Health Strengthening Family Institution: Caring for the Elderly (2010); 2. Promote an inclusive approach and a community-based model in elderly care with NOTING that older persons can contribute to, and the involvement of all relevant stakeholders; remain active members of their communities, and can offer opportunities for both individuals and 3. Facilitate exchanges and sharing of lessons societies, and that good health including functional learned, experiences, and practices in social ability is of great importance; protection for older persons and the design and delivery of targeted assistance for the RECOGNIZING the wisdom of older persons, needy elderly; including their authority in the family, and their inspiration to children and youth to stay away from 4. Promote capacity building and expertise in elderly care for the family, community, drugs and criminal activities, value the importance and social as well as medical personnel in of education, and become upright members of the gerontological services and increase the community; availability of care takers through home visit services by health professional or community SUPPORTING ASEAN’s effort in the development health workers; of an ASEAN regional action plan on ageing as assigned in the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on 5. Encourage the establishment of official Ageing to promote capacity building of ASEAN standardization and certification for Member States in effectively dealing with an social workers and caregivers servicing ageing society; older persons in order to enhance their competencies;
PROMOTING a holistic approach, which is required 6. Promote awareness on the role of family in in raising the quality of life and well-being of older caring for the older persons and to enhance persons and in addressing the multi-dimensional capacity building of care givers in providing nature of ageing, which includes security, health, quality care; self-reliance and community participation; 7. Enhance regional efforts to promote the life ANTICIPATING the finalization of the ASEAN course approach and access to healthcare Active Ageing study which endeavors to come up services aligned with the needs of older with an ASEAN definition and framework on active populations and address barriers to healthcare ageing, and further develop regional initiatives in services; promoting active ageing through development of regional guidelines, fostering collaborative 8. Promote access to affordable and appropriate health services for older persons and develop efforts among member states, proposing change a sustainable health financing system, protecting older persons against illness-
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induced poverty and undue out-of-pocket Three-Research and Policy Challenges in payment, which work to deliver universal and Long Term Care” which was held in Singapore equitable healthcare; in March 2016;
9. Promote collaboration in research and 16. Encourage scientific and research institutions development on elderly health issues in ASEAN Plus Three countries to build identified as priorities by ASEAN Plus Three networks and strengthen their research countries; capacity on ageing to develop innovative solutions that address specific needs and Economic Empowerment promote better quality of life and well-being of older persons; and 10. Encourage older persons to be economically active after retirement, including through 17. Promote intergenerational solidarity towards promotion of part-time employment, a society for all ages by raising public promotion of self-employment, promotion awareness on the issues and challenges of of tax incentives for entrepreneurs, all ages and ageing through traditional and improvement of working environments and new media. working conditions conducive to job retention, and encouragement of private saving during ASSIGN the ASEAN Plus Three Ministerial work years; Meeting for Social Welfare and Development (AMMSWD+3), with the support of ASEAN Plus 11. Enhance regional effort in mobilizing financial Three Senior Official Meeting for Social Welfare resources for active ageing, bearing in mind and Development (SOMSWD+3) to coordinate and the differences of demographic trends and collaborate with related ASEAN sectoral bodies income support schemes for older persons; for the effective implementation of this statement, including mobilizing appropriate resources. 12. Promote lifelong learning opportunities and access to vocational training; Adopted in Vientiane, Lao PDR, this Seventh Day of September in the Year Two Thousand and Supportive Environment for inclusive society Sixteen. *** 13. Encourage social interest groups as an active platform for older persons to enhance their engagement and connection to the ASEAN Plus Three Leaders’ community; Statement on Promoting
14. Promote age-friendly communities including Sustainable Development in rural areas through sustainable and Cooperation accessible hard and soft infrastructures, as well as the development of healthcare industries that facilitate older persons to Vi e n t i a n e , L a o P D R , be self-reliant in their daily life, and provide 7 September 2016 convenient access to public services;
We, the Heads of State/Government of the Member 15. Encourage the exchange and sharing of States of the Association of Southeast Asia experiences among member countries in Nations (ASEAN) and the People’s Republic of embracing universal design and innovations China, Japan and the Republic of Korea, gathered to promote supportive environments for during the 19th ASEAN Plus Three Summit held in older persons, including those that require Vientiane, Lao PDR, on 7 September 2016; intensive care/with mobility constraint. For example, the ASEAN+3 Regional Conference Age-Friendly Environment which was held in NOTING with satisfaction the progress made in Thailand in February 2016 and the Track 1.5 ASEAN Plus Three cooperation in all sectors over Workshop “Caring for Elderly in ASEAN Plus the past 18 years and reiterating our commitments to further enhancing and expanding cooperation in the future;
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REAFFIRMING our commitment to implementing - To promote exchange and cooperation the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, among relevant authorities and adopted on 25 September 2015 in United Nations stakeholders in implementing poverty Sustainable Development Summit 2015 in New alleviation programmes in ASEAN and the York, the Paris Agreement, adopted at the 2015 Plus Three Countries; United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, France within the United Nations Framework - To facilitate poverty reduction cooperation Convention on Climate Change, and rendering through policy dialogues, mutual visits of our concerted efforts to fulfill the 17 Sustainable personnel, capacity building programmes, Development Goals (SDGs) over the next decades information exchanges and joint studies; in ASEAN Plus Three cooperation framework; - To support rural and community development by encouraging relevant RECOGNISING the significance of sustainable agencies to conduct information and development in securing a rules – based, people- expertise exchanges, capacity building oriented, people-centred ASEAN Community activities and pilot projects in land use, as envisioned in the ASEAN Community Vision planning, development and management; 2025, guided by the purposes and principles of the ASEAN Charter, which will serve as a solid - To promote greater protection of the foundation for enduring peace, stability and environment, addressing the challenge prosperity in the region; of climate change, and sustainable management of natural resources; UNDERLINING the complementarity between the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable - To promote equal opportunities to quality Development and the ASEAN Community Vision education and employment and encourage 2025 to uplift the living standards of our people, regional cooperation on human resources while leaving no one behind; development in all areas; - To promote greater access to basic social CALLING ON all the countries to take services for all such as health services and comprehensive, expeditious and concrete actions enhanced cooperation in the areas of social to advance the implementation of SDGs in the protection and universal health coverage; spirit of equality, cooperation and inclusiveness, as well as to strengthen regional and international - To promote trade openness in ASEAN Plus partnership in the implementation process; Three countries, supported by appropriate regulatory reforms, capacity building, DO HEREBY DECLARE to embark on a course technical assistance, social protection and of equitable, inclusive, open, all – round and infrastructure development to contribute innovation-driven development in the interest of to poverty reduction and narrowing the advancing sustainable development of all ASEAN development gap; and the Plus Three Countries, and to take concrete actions as follows: - To support the most vulnerable in ASEAN with economic assistance from Plus Three countries to harmonize regional A. To reduce poverty and narrow the development; development gap within and between countries: - To strengthen the ASEAN Secretariat as a regional surveillance capacity to monitor ASEAN Plus Three development - To provide necessary support for ASEAN achievement and to act as an advocate at to narrow the development gap and the regional level to influence the allocation accelerate economic integration among its of development cooperation. member states through the implementation of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) B. To promote sustainable development Work Plan II and its successor documents, of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises focusing on the development of human (MSMEs) capital, the sharing of lessons learned, and the formulation of appropriate policy - To support the implementation of the responses; ASEAN Strategic Action Plan for SME
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Development (2016-2025), including - Enhance cooperation in tourism education, sharing of best practices, experiences, capacity building and personnel training to on the development of MSMEs as well as better support quality, sustainable, inclusive convening of capacity building programmes, and balanced tourism; seminars, workshops, and symposiums; - Acknowledge the importance of media and - To strengthen policy consultations and joint expo in promoting tourism cooperation exchange of expertise between the and carry out more exchange projects concerned authorities, including relevant among media agencies and journalists stakeholders on MSMEs and MSMEs among ASEAN Plus Three Countries; cooperation; - Improve and expand connectivity and - To strengthen cooperation in traditional upgrade tourism-related infrastructure and areas, including trade, agriculture and services, taking into account accessibility tourism, and explore relevant new areas for persons with disabilities; of cooperation conducive to economic growth such as environment, energy, digital - Take effective measures to attract new and economy, human resource development, additional resources for tourism investment. education, science and technology; D. To enhance cultural exchange and - To empower MSMEs through better access cooperation to financing and markets as well as other relevant means of support. - To encourage and support cooperation among the departments of the ASEAN C. To promote sustainable tourism Plus Three Countries in charge of historical cooperation relics, archaeology and cultural heritage preservation, museums, archives, libraries - Reaffirm our commitment to strengthen and cultural institutions; and broaden the efforts in paving the way towards sustainability of tourism growth - To promote the exchange of experts and cooperation in accordance with the and expertise in culture, traditional and implementation of the Memorandum of contemporary art and heritage preservation Cooperation between the Governments activities of ASEAN Plus Three countries; of the Member States of ASEAN and the - To strengthen cooperation among the Government of the Plus Three Countries ASEAN Plus Three countries on human on Strengthening Tourism Cooperation resource development and training in which was signed on 22 January 2016 in the cultural field, including through the Manila, the Philippines with an innovative exchange of experiences on the hosting of and holistic approach; large-scale cultural activities. - Enhance cooperation in the purpose of developing quality, responsible, Adopted by the Heads of State/Government of the sustainable, accessible, inclusive and ASEAN Plus Three Countries at the 19th ASEAN balanced tourism, including preservation Plus Three Summit held in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on of attraction sites, cultural heritage and 7 September 2016. its surrounding environment, as well as *** development, promotion, diversification and marketing of tourism products in order to contribute to sustainable development in the region;
- Establish and improve information sharing mechanisms on tourism statistics and strategic planning, investment opportunities, economic data and tourism- related risk management, as well as the involvement of private sector in tourism in the region;
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Joint Ministerial Statement of connectivity and market integration would th contribute towards achieving energy security, the 13 ASEAN+3 (China, Japan accessibility, affordability and sustainability and Korea) Ministers on Energy for the region. In this regard, the Ministers reiterated their commitment to support Meeting ASEAN in the implementation of the APAEC through various activities, such as capacity N a y P y i Ta w, M y a n m a r, building, knowledge sharing and information 22 September 2016 exchange amongst member countries.
Energy Security Introduction 4. The Ministers welcomed the steady progress 1. The 13th ASEAN+3 (China, Japan and Korea) of cooperation and collaboration in sharing Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM+3) was best practices and policy development held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmaron22 September relating to energy security for the region on 2016. The Meeting was chaired by H.E. Dr. oil, coal, natural gas and civilian nuclear Tun Naing, Deputy Minister of Electricity energy, amongst others. In this regard, the and Energy of Myanmar and co-chaired by Ministers expressed their appreciation to H.E. Mr.Li Fanrong, Deputy Administrator Japan for leading the Energy Security Forum of National Energy Administration (NEA) in ASEAN+3 energy cooperation, and to China of China, H.E. Mr. Toshinao Nakagawa, and Korea for supporting the cooperation. Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, The Ministers noted the achievements and Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan; and H.E. priorities of the 13th ASEAN+3 Energy Security Jang Young Jin, Director General, Ministry Forum held on 21 June 2016 in Vientiane, Lao for Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) of PDR and emphasised the importance of the the Republic of Korea. The Meeting was also Energy Security Forum in ASEAN+3 energy attended by the Ministers of Energy of Brunei cooperation as a platform to consolidate Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao initiatives in energy security and sustainable PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, development within the region. Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for 5. On oil stockpiling, the Ministers noted the ASEAN Economic Community was also in progress and priorities of the4thASEAN+3 attendance. OSRM Workshop held on 20 June 2016 in Vientiane, Lao PDR hosted by the Ministry of 2. Considering global and regional challenges Energy and Mines (MEM) and jointly organised such as volatile oil prices, the geopolitical by JOGMEC and ACE. The Ministers also uncertainties in the Middle East and its noted the Energy Security on Oil Capacity implications on energy security and adverse Building Programme held on 1-4 August 2016 impacts of climate change, the Ministers in Tokyo, Japan. The participants exchanged affirmed the need to achieve energy security information and discussed current issues and with economic efficiency and environmental the directions of future cooperation, amongst sustainability on the premise of safety. The others, on Japan’s petroleum policies and Ministers recognised the importance of emergency response measures. The Ministers developing high-quality energy infrastructure, further noted the JOGMEC’s initiative to bearing in mind the lifecycle costs, develop guidelines for the development of oil environmental impacts and safety aspects stockpiling in Cambodia. of projects. The Ministers affirmed the importance of ASEAN+3 cooperation towards 6. The Ministers noted the efforts to continue energy sustainability in the region amidst the activities on Oil Stockpiling Roadmap developments. (OSRM) for 2016-2017 such as explore further research as may be required by AMS and 3. The Ministers noted the progress and priorities capacity building programme by JOGMEC. of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2016-2025at the 34th 7. Recognising that coal continues to be a AMEM and re-affirmed that enhancing energy major fuel source in the region, the Ministers
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reiterated their collective call to step up efforts development of energy safety technologies. to develop partnership programmes, continue The Ministers noted the effort of Korea to public financial support for new coal-fired organise the 1st Energy Safety Policy Forum power plants, promote policies for clean coal held on 7 April 2016 in Incheon, Korea. The technologies (CCT) including high-efficiency Ministers also noted Korea’s effort to organise coal-fired power generation, which will the 2ndEnergy Safety Policy Forum in 2017 contribute to energy security and the reduction and looked forward to the report on its key of GHG emissions, the upgrading of low rank out comes at the next Meeting. The Ministers coal technologies, and coal gasification/ took note of the establishment of a local office liquefaction, and develop the industry in in Jakarta to implement the project. the region. The Ministers encouraged the plus three (+3) countries to participate in 11. The Ministers noted the ASEAN-China the activities of the ASEAN Forum on Coal Capacity Building on Civilian Nuclear (AFOC) in order to support and promote Energy by China General Nuclear Power positive collaboration on CCT. In this regard, Group (CGN) on 21-28 November 2016. the Ministers reiterated their collective call to The Ministers also noted China’s initiative the plus three(+3)countries to have tangible to promote China-ASEAN Clean Energy engagement with AFOC through knowledge Capacity Building Programme. Under this transfer in clean coal and carbon mitigation framework, taking into consideration various technologies which can significantly address demand from different countries to foster both the increase in electricity demand and the clean energy in ASEAN, China will the need to reduce GHG emissions. continue capacity building programmes such as nuclear training programme in 2017 and 8. The Ministers supported the safe and efficient cooperate with ASEAN government agencies development of civilian nuclear power in and energy research institutions in the fields ASEAN Member States (AMS). As a clean of inter – connectivity and joint planning.The energy resource which functions as a base Ministers looked forward to the progress load power source, the Ministers recognised of the programme at the next Meeting Oil the importance of civilian nuclear power in Market and Natural Gas Forum and Business advancing energy security and sustainable Dialogue. economic growth as well as in developing diversified energy strategies, addressing the 12. Noting the developments in the current global increase in electricity demand and reducing and the ASEAN+3 oil and natural gas markets, GHG emissions. The Ministers of the plus the Ministers encouraged the ASEAN+3 three countries expressed willingness to countries to continue sharing and exchanging share their experiences and best practices information on policy updates, best practices, to develop civilian nuclear power under experiences, technologies on oil and natural the precondition of commitment to safety, gas exploration and production, human security, and non-proliferation and to pursue resource development, and challenges and practical cooperation. opportunities. The Ministers emphasised the necessity for continued investment in oil 9. The Ministers acknowledged the continuous and natural gas development and production support in capacity building activities on for stable and competitively priced supply in nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear security future. Given the increasing and changing tapping on the expertise of Japan Atomic demand trends of natural gas in the region, Energy Agency’s (JAEA) Integrated Support the Ministers underscored the importance of Center for Nuclear Non-proliferation and enhancing regional connectivity through the Nuclear Security (ISCN). The Ministers noted promotion of transparent and competitive gas that the Workshop/Forum on Nuclear Security markets. Framework will be planned by ACE, JAEA and NEC-SSN in March 2017. 13. Acknowledging that promoting the utilisation of natural gas is beneficial for tackling climate 10. The Ministers welcomed the initiative of Korea change and securing energy security and on Energy Safety Management System which it also stimulates related investment and aims to provide comprehensive solutions creates growth opportunity in the region, the to establish an efficient energy safety Ministers shared the need to enhance the management system and implement the environment where natural gas, inter alia
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LNG, is produced and supplied affordably and Energy Efficiency Market Transformation stably. To this end, the Ministers noted the with Information Provision Scheme (EMTIPS) importance of: more flexible and transparent coordinated by Energy Conservation Center, gas market in Asia and the enhancement Japan (ECCJ) and ACE. The Ministers of its tradability; facilitating investment in welcomed the Japan’s new approach on related infrastructure and equipment such as customising further cooperation of ASEAN’s upstream, regasification and pipelines; and energy efficiency and conservation. promoting new natural gas demand such as LNG bunkering and gas co – generation. 18. The Ministers acknowledged the importance of fostering innovative solutions and encouraged 14. The Ministers expressed appreciation to the ASEAN+3 countries to continue th Vietnam for organising the 5 Oil Market and information sharing, capacity building and th Natural Gas Forum and the 5 ASEAN+3 Oil site visits on smart grid/community projects, Market and Natural Gas Business Dialogue policy/economic analysis and modelling on 29-31 March 2016 in Ho Chi Minh City. on renewable energy, business models for The Ministers welcomed the recommendation energy service companies (ESCO), and of the Forum and Business Dialogue to further waste-to-energy systems. study the benefits of relaxed destination clauses in LNG transaction and gas market Next Meeting reform and competitiveness. 19. The Ministers agreed to meet again in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency and September 2017 in the Philippines for the Conservation 14thASEAN+3 Ministers on Energy Meeting.
15. The Ministers acknowledged the progress and 20. The delegation of ASEAN+3 Countries, the priorities of the 12thASEAN+3 NRE and EE&C ASEAN Secretariat and the ACE expressed Forum held on 29thJanuary 2016 in Osaka, their appreciation to the Government and Japan. The Ministers noted the discussions People of Myanmar for the warm hospitality on policies and programmes to enhance the and the excellent arrangements made for the further deployment of renewable energy and 13th ASEAN+3 Ministers on Energy Meeting. sustained promotion of energy efficiency and conservation in the ASEAN+3 region. LIST OF MINISTERS The Ministers welcomed the ASEAN+3 Work Programme 2016-2017 and looked forward to a progress update at the next Forum. H.E. Dato Hamdan Abu Bakar, Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam; H.E. Mr. Suy Sem, Minister of Mines and Energy 16. The Ministers welcomed the continued of Cambodia; H.E. Mr. Li Fanrong, Deputy support of Korea towards building capacity Administrator, National Energy Administration of in ASEAN, through theASEAN+3 Mitigation China; Mr. Jarman, Ir., MSc., Director General of Cooperation Programme, including the Electricity of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral establishment of the Action Plan for Energy Resources, representing the Minister of Energy Efficiency Standards and Labelling (EE S&L) and Mineral Resources of Indonesia; H.E. and Minimum Energy Performance Standards Mr. Toshinao Nakagawa, Parliamentary Vice- (MEPS) for refrigerators in Cambodia, GHG Minister, The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Mitigation Capacity Building focusing on Industry of Japan; Mr. Jang Young Jin, Director sharing the policies and programmes, and the General, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy current status and future plan for obtaining representing H.E. Mr. Hee-Bong Chae, Minister technology development and best practices. of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea; H.E. Mr. Viraphonh Viravong, Vice Minister 17. The Ministers acknowledged the progress of of Energy and Mines of Lao PDR; Hon. Datuk Seri Japan’s cooperation programme on energy Panglima Dr. Maximus Johnity Ongkili, Minister of efficiency and conservation which are the Energy, Green Technology and Water of Malaysia; ASEAN-Japan Energy Efficiency Partnership H.E. Dr. Tun Naing, Deputy Minister of Electricity Programme (AJEEP), including ECAP (Energy and Energy of Myanmar; H.E. Mr. Alfonso G. Conservation Workshop under AJEEP) and Cusi, Secretary of Department of Energy of the Philippines; H.E. Ms. Sim Ann, Senior Minister of
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State, Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore; 3. We reaffirmed our commitment to work H.E. General Anantaporn Kanjanarat, Minister together to promote and enhance the of Energy of Thailand; H.E. Dr. Cao Quoc Hung, accessibility of social protection measures Vice Minister of Industry and Trade of the Socialist that cater to the needs of the most Republic of Viet Nam; and H.E. Dr. Lim Hong Hin, marginalised and vulnerable groups, which Deputy Secretary General of ASEAN for ASEAN include persons with disabilities and Economic Community. multiple disabilities, and older persons and children living in areas that are most at-risk *** from natural and human-induced disasters, among others. Joint Statement of the 5th ASEAN 4. We recognised the gains from our regional Plus Three Ministerial Meeting on cooperation and, building on them, looked Social Welfare and Development forward to enhancing our work together th on exchanging expertise and knowledge, (5 AMMSWD+3) expanding our network to ensure the active involvement of stakeholders such as J a k a r t a , I n d o n e s i a , civil society organisations, the private sectors, 30 September 2016 members of the academe, and enabling ourselves to undertake legal and policy reforms to broaden the reach of social “Strengthening Social Welfare Development in protection. Pursuing ASEAN Community Vision 2025” ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation on Social 1. We, the Ministers/Heads of Delegations Welfare and Development responsible for social welfare and development of ASEAN Member States, 5. We noted the deliberations of the 11th People’s Republic of China, Japan, and ASEAN Plus Three Senior Officials Meeting Republic of Korea convened the Fifth ASEAN on Social Welfare and Development (11th Plus Three Ministerial Meeting on Social SOMSWD+3) held on 28 September th Welfare and Development (5 AMMSWD+3), 2016 in Jakarta, Indonesia, including the guided by the theme “Strengthening Social planned projects and activities initiated by Welfare Development in Pursuing ASEAN ASEAN Member States with the involvement Community Vision 2025”, on 30 September and support of the Plus Three Countries. 2016 in Jakarta, Indonesia. 6. We were encouraged by significant global Strengthening Social Welfare Development in and regional developments, such as the ASEAN Community adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community 2. We deliberated and shared views on Blueprint 2025, the Strategic Framework key regional instruments, namely: i) Bali on Social Welfare and Development 2016- Declaration on the Enhancement of the 2020, and the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Role and Participation of Persons with Development, that provide clear policy and Disabilities in ASEAN Community;; ii) strategic guidance on ensuring that no one Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Ageing: is left behind in the development process. Empowering Older Persons in ASEAN;; iii) The Declaration on the Elimination of 7. We commended the initiative of the Violence Against Women and Elimination People’s Republic of China in hosting the of Violence Against Children in ASEAN;; Symposium on 2030 Agenda for Sustainable and iv) Regional Framework and Action Development “Leave No One Behind” on Plan to Implement the ASEAN Declaration 19 September 2016 in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Strengthening Social Protection, the in cooperation with the ASEAN Secretariat ASEAN Plus Three Statement on Active and the UNDP. We noted that the Ageing, among others. symposium gathered various stakeholders to share experiences and discuss policy responses to persisting and emerging
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poverty and inequality challenges in the Brunei Darussalam; H.E. Khuon Ranine, context of the ASEAN Vision 2025 and the Secretary of State, Ministry of Social Affairs, 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation Cambodia; H.E. Khofifah Indar Parawansa, Minister of 8. We appreciated the continuing commitment Social Affairs Indonesia; H.E. Dr. Khampheng of Japan to convene the annual ASEAN Saysompheng, Minister of Labour and Social and Japan High Level Officials Meeting Welfare Lao PDR; H.E. Dato’ Sri Rohani Abdul on Caring Societies, which has proven Karim ,Minister of Women, Family and Community to be an effective platform for sharing Development Malaysia; H.E. Dr. Win Myat Aye, knowledge and enhancing capacities and Union Minister of Ministry of Social Welfare, understanding of cutting-edge policy issues Relief and Resettlement Myanmar; H.E. Florita related to social welfare, health, and labour. Rubiano Villar, Undersecretary, Department of Social Welfare and Development Philippines; H.E. 9. We acknowledged the initiative of the Muhammad Faishal Bin Ibrahim Khan Surattee A/ Republic of Korea in supporting the Prof, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Social development of an enabling policy and Family Development Singapore; H.E. Police environment through research on active General Suwat Chanitthikul, Vice Minister for ageing and comparative study on social Social Development and Human Security, Ministry welfare laws. We likewise recognised the of Social Development and Human Security continuing commitment of the Republic Thailand; H.E. Doan Mau Diep, Vice Minister of Korea in promoting community-based of Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs services for older persons to facilitate the Viet Nam; H.E. Gao Xiaobing, Vice Minister of exchange of good practices on responding Ministry of Civil Affairs People’s Republic of China; to the needs of ageing societies. H.E. Gaku Hashimoto, States Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Japan; H.E. Park Youngsik, Director General for International Cooperation, 10. We recognised the valuable and continuing Ministry of Health and Welfare Republic of Korea; support of the Plus Three Countries and H.E. Vongthep Arthakaivalvatee, Deputy and looked forward to deepening our Secretary General of ASEAN. partnership on promoting the welfare of older persons/elderly, children, and persons *** with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups, as guided by the goals and objectives of th the Strategic Framework on Social Welfare Joint Press Statement of the 16 and Development 2016-2020. Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry and Sixth ASEAN Plus Three Ministerial Meeting on Social Welfare and Development the Ministers of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China, 11. We expressed appreciation to Lao PDR for indicating their readiness to host the Sixth Japan and the Republic of Korea th ASEAN Plus Three Ministerial Meeting on (16 AMAF Plus Three) Social Welfare and Development in 2019. Singapore, 7 October 2016 12. We were most thankful to Indonesia for the warm and generous hospitality accorded to us and our respective delegations, and the 1. We, the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and excellent arrangements for the Meeting. We Forestry and the Ministers of Agriculture of also expressed our sincere appreciation to the People’s Republic of China, Japan and the ASEAN Secretariat for its support to the the Republic of Korea held our Sixteenth Meeting. Meeting on 7 October 2016 in Singapore, under the Chairmanship of H.E Lawrence LIST OF MINISTERS/HEADS OF DELEGATION Wong, Minister for National Development & ATTENDING THE 5th AMMSWD+3 MEETING Second Minister for Finance of Singapore.
H.E. Brigadien General (Rtd) Dato’ Seri 2. We were pleased with the good progress Pahlawan Haji Yussof bin Haji Abdul Rahman, made in the implementation of the ASEAN Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to Indonesia
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Plus Three Cooperation Strategy (APTCS) 6. We will meet again at the 17th Meeting of on Food, Agriculture and Forestry 2011-2015. AMAF Plus Three in Thailand in 2017. Several number of cooperation activities and projects in the forms of workshops, 7. We expressed our sincere appreciation to seminars, trainings and exchange of experts the Government and the people of Singapore and researchers were carried out under the for their warm hospitality and excellent nine Strategic Thrusts of: strengthening arrangements made for the 16th AMAF Plus food security; biomass energy development; Three Meeting. sustainable forest management; climate change mitigation and adaptation; animal & The Meeting was attended by: plant health and disease control; enhancement of capacity-building and human resource H.E. Dato Ali bin Apong, Minister of Primary development;; strengthening of information Resources and Tourism, Brunei Darussalam; H.E. system and knowledge networking and Veng Sakhon, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry exchange; enhancement of productivity, and Fisheries, the Kingdom of Cambodia; quality and marketability of agricultural H.E Amran Sulaiman, Minister of Agriculture, products; and research and development. Republic of Indonesia; H.E. Dr. Phouang Parisak Pravongviengkham, Deputy Minister of Agriculture 3. We appreciated the progress in the and Forestry, Lao People’s Democratic Republic; implementation of the ASEAN Plus Three H.E. Dato’ Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Minister of Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry, Malaysia; Agreement, in particular the approval of H.E Dr. Aung Thu, Union Minister of Agriculture, legal personality of APTERR Secretariat by Livestock and Irrigation, Republic of the Union of the Government of Thailand. We noted the Myanmar; H.E. Ariel Cayanan, Undersecretary implementation of the Tier 3 programme with for Operations of the Department of Agriculture, the distribution of rice donated from Japan Republic of the Philippines; H.E. Lawrence Wong, to the victims of typhoon and drought in the Minister for National Development & Second region. Minister for Finance, Republic of Singapore; H.E. General Chatchai Sarikulya, Minister of Agriculture 4. We noted the progress in the development and Cooperatives, Kingdom of Thailand; H.E Ha of the ASEAN Plus Three Food Security Cong Tuan, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Information System (AFSIS) to provide a Development, Socialist Republic of Viet Nam; comprehensive platform of information on H. E. Qu Dongyu, Vice Minister of Agriculture, food security in the region and to improve People’s Republic of China; Mr. Masahiko Tanoi, statistics on food processing and distribution Deputy Director-General for International Affairs, related to the agricultural crops in ASEAN, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, which is being conducted by the AFSIS Japan; H.E. Oh Kyung Tae, Deputy Minister of Secretariat. Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Republic of Korea; and H.E. Lim Hong Hin, Deputy Secretary 5. As the ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation General of ASEAN. Strategy (APTCS) on Food, Agriculture and Forestry 2011-2015 has ended in 2015, *** we welcomed the initiative to conduct an assessment on the implementation of the APTCS and to formulate a post-2015 Strategy. The new Strategy should be in line with the Vision and Strategic Plan for ASEAN Cooperation in Food, Agriculture and Forestry 2016-2025 and the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025. We looked forward to the development of the new Strategy beyond 2015. The ASEAN Ministers extended their appreciation to the Plus Three Countries for their commitments to enhancing ASEAN Plus Three cooperation in Food, Agriculture and Forestry.
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Australian FDI flows to ASEAN amounted to ASEAN – CER (Australia and USD 5.2 billion in 2015. In the same year, New Zealand) total merchandise trade between ASEAN and New Zealand reached USD 8.5 billion, and New Zealand FDI flows to ASEAN amounted st Joint Media Statement of the 21 to USD 2.2 billion. Ministers acknowledged AEM-CER Consultations there is still considerable untapped potential in the trade and investment relationship.
Vi e n t i a n e , L a o P D R , 5. In light of this, Ministers discussed the next 4 August 2016 phase of AANZFTA and agreed that the General Review of the AANZFTA would take place during 2017. The Ministers 1. Economic Ministers from the ten ASEAN endorsed the Terms of Reference of the Member States, Australia and New Zealand General Review and encouraged officials (Closer Economic Relations – CER) met on to deliver recommendations by 2018, which 4 August 2016 in Vientiane, Lao PDR for the would take into account developments in the Twenty-first AEM-CER Consultations. The broader regional economic agenda, including Consultations were co-chaired by H.E. Mrs the AEC Blueprint 2025 and the Regional Khemmani Pholsena, Minister of Industry Comprehensive Economic Partnership and Commerce of Lao PDR; the Honourable (RCEP) negotiations. Steven Ciobo, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment of Australia; and the Honourable 6. The Ministers welcomed the entry into force Todd McClay, Minister of Trade of New of the First Protocol to Amend the Agreement Zealand. Establishing the AANZFTA, and its smooth implementation to date, and the close 2. Following the establishment of the ASEAN coordination between the Parties to further Economic Community (AEC) in 2015, a facilitate trade pending full implementation major milestone in progressing the region’s of the First Protocol by all the Parties. integration and bringing this to greater heights, The Ministers underscored the underlying the Ministers of ASEAN, Australia and New objectives of AANZFTA which are to promote Zealand discussed the new AEC Blueprint and facilitate trade and investment and 2025, which envisages an AEC by 2025 that deepen cooperation amongst Parties. is highly integrated and cohesive; competitive, innovative and dynamic; with enhanced 7. The Ministers were pleased to note the connectivity and sectoral cooperation; a outcomes of the Regional Policy Dialogue more resilient, inclusive, and people-oriented, on Transposition of the AANZFTA Tariff people-centered community; and integrated Reduction Schedules (TRS) and Rules of with the global economy. Australia and New Origin Product Specific Rules (PSRs) from Zealand are supporting the AEC in practical Harmonised System Codes (HS) 2012 into ways, including through the implementation HS 2017, which was held on 20–24 May 2016 of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA in Cebu, Philippines. The Ministers underlined (AANZFTA) and its economic cooperation the importance of the timely transposition of support program. TRS and PSRs from HS 2012 to HS 2017, and urged the Senior Officials to ensure effective 3. Total merchandise trade between ASEAN, implementation of the recommendations of Australia, and New Zealand grew to USD the Regional Policy Dialogue. 60.3 billion in 2015, accounting for 2.6 per cent of ASEAN’s total trade. Foreign Direct 8. Ministers noted as tariff levels are reduced Investment (FDI) flows from Australia and in the region, other issues impacting on New Zealand to ASEAN amounted to USD market access such as non-tariff measures 7.4 billion in 2015, accounting for 6.2 per cent become increasingly important to address. of total FDI inflows in ASEAN. Also the development of regional and global value chains has lifted the need for services 4. Australia was ASEAN’s seventh largest and investment to facilitate trade. Ministers trading partner in 2015 with total two-way encouraged officials to expedite work on merchandise trade of USD 51.8 billion.
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AANZFTA’s built-in agenda, including the Trade and Industry, the Philippines; H.E. Lim Hng review of non-tariff measures, product specific Kiang, Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade), rules, services and investment. Singapore; H.E. Apiradi Tantraporn, Minister of Commerce, Thailand; H.E. Tran Tuan Anh, 9. The Ministers noted the ongoing Pilot Minister of Industry and Trade, Viet Nam; and H.E. Study surveying business in the region to Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General of ASEAN. identify key non-tariff measures and develop recommendations for addressing them. The *** Pilot Study is part of the AANZFTA Review of Non-Tariff Measures, which takes an innovative approach to the issue of NTMs East Asia Summit by looking at ‘supply chains’. The initial focus has been on the seafood and furniture Joint Statement of the 3rd sectors. The Ministers looked forward to the completion of the report of the Pilot Survey on East Asia Summit Education Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) that will include Ministers Meeting recommendations to address NTM issues faced by relevant players across a value/ Selangor, Malaysia, 26 May 2016 supply chain in the AANZFTA region.
10. Ministers noted economic cooperation under 1. The Third East Asia Summit Education the AANZFTA Economic Cooperation Support Ministers Meeting (3rd EAS EMM) was held Program (AECSP) has been an important on 26 May 2016 in Selangor, Malaysia in element in operationalising and implementing conjunction with the Ninth ASEAN Education the Agreement. It has helped to support the Ministers Meeting (9th ASED) and the Third implementation of the AANZFTA particularly ASEAN Plus Three Education Ministers in the areas of, rules of origin (ROO), sanitary Meeting (3rd APT EMM). and phytosanitary measures (SPS), Services, investment, intellectual property (IP), and 2. In view of the conclusion of the EAS Education competition. The Ministers also encouraged Plan of Action 2011-2015, the Ministers officials to continue reprioritising economic recalled the objective of the first EAS EMM cooperation activities towards areas of the in 2012 which allowed for stocktaking of FTA yet to be implemented, such as the progress made in education cooperation built-in agenda and noted that the process of based on the adopted EAS Education Plan of designing a successor program to the AECSP Action 2011-2015 at that time. The Ministers should be considered in conjunction with the recapped that the purpose of the Plan of General Review of AANZFTA. Action 2011-2015 was to explore possibilities of cooperation in education among the EAS LIST OF MINISTERS participating countries with the aim of further strengthening human resource development The Hon. Steven Ciobo, Minister for Trade, in the region. Tourism and Investment, Australia; The Hon. Pehin Dato Lim Jock Seng, Minister at the Prime 3. Notwithstanding the expiration of the EAS Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Foreign Education Plan of Action 2011-2015, the Affairs and Trade, Brunei Darussalam; H.E. Pan Ministers noted the continued implementation Sorasak, Minister of Commerce, Cambodia; Mr of the 15 projects under the Plan of Action, Iman Pambagyo, Director General of International and acknowledged the commitment and Trade Negotiations, Ministry of Trade, Indonesia efforts of the EAS participating countries in (representing H.E. Enggartiasto Lukita, Minister of the implementation of the initiatives. The Trade, Indonesia); H.E. Mrs Khemmani Pholsena, Ministers further agreed that the remaining Minister of Industry and Commerce, Lao PDR; EAS projects under the Plan of Action 2011- H.E. Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of 2015 be continued under the leadership of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia; H.E. respective EAS participating countries without Kyaw Win, Union Minister for Planning and Finance, necessarily involving the collective EAS. Myanmar; Hon. Todd McClay, Minister of Trade, New Zealand; H.E. Ramon M. Lopez, Secretary of
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4. The Ministers expressed appreciation to Review and Future Direction of the East Asia Australia for the review of the EAS Education Summit Plan of Action 2011-2015 which identified some fundamental questions that are 2. The Ministers reaffirmed the important role intended to assist EAS participating countries of EAS as a Leaders’-led forum to discuss to build on the successes and enhance future broad strategic, political and economic issues EAS cooperation on education. of common interest and concern with the aim of promoting peace, stability and economic 5. In pursuit of harmonised efforts on education prosperity in East Asia. cooperation within the framework of ASEAN, the Ministers stressed the importance of 3. The Ministers reiterated the importance of fostering long-term and mutually beneficial ASEAN’s central role in the evolving regional educational cooperation and promoting architecture. They reaffirmed that EAS people-to-people exchanges through would continue to be an open, inclusive, alignment of the future EAS Cooperation on transparent and outward-looking forum that Education and ensuring its complementation will strengthen global norms and universally with the ASEAN Work Plan on Education recognised principles with ASEAN as the 2016-2020. driving force, and working in partnership with other participants of the East Asia Summit. 6. The Ministers agreed to stimulate greater cooperation under the EAS EMM framework 4. The Ministers were pleased with the progress particularly on agreed-upon priority areas made in the implementation of the decisions lifted from the ASEAN Work Plan on Education and proposals made at the 10th East Asia 2016-2020. The Ministers looked forward to Summit held in Kuala Lumpur in November more effective coordination and contribution 2015, especially initiatives to strengthen the from all participating EAS countries and EAS and its work processes. In this regard, requested them to identify priority work areas the Ministers welcomed the establishment of in the ASEAN Work Plan on Education 2016- the EAS Unit in the ASEAN Secretariat and 2020 to collaborate on. noted with appreciation that the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN and 7. The Ministers expressed their appreciation to Ambassadors of non-ASEAN EAS members Malaysia for the warm hospitality extended to in Jakarta have convened two meetings since the delegates and the excellent arrangements April 2016. made in hosting the 3rd EAS EMM. The Ministers also acknowledged and thanked 5. The Ministers welcomed the convening of the ASEAN Secretariat for its valuable the 5th EAS Workshop on Regional Security contribution to the Meeting. Architecture co-chaired by Lao PDR and China in Beijing, China on 27-28 June 2016 *** and looked forward to continue the deliberation of the regional security architecture in future Chairman’s Statement of the EAS workshops and other mechanisms, th 6th East Asia Summit Foreign including through the 6 EAS Workshop in 2017 in Thailand. Ministers’ Meeting Priority Areas of Cooperation Vientiane, Lao PDR, 26 July 2016 6. The Ministers welcomed the extension of the Plan of Action (POA) to implement the Phnom “Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic Penh Declaration on the East Asia Summit ASEAN Community” Development Initiative until the end of 2017, which focuses on EAS cooperation in the th 1. The 6 East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign six priority areas, namely energy, education, Ministers’ Meeting was convened in finance, global health including pandemics, Vientiane, Laos on 26 July 2016. The meeting environment and disaster management, and was chaired by His Excellency Saleumxay ASEAN connectivity as well as other areas KOMMASITH, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR.
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of cooperation. In this regard, the Ministers expressed satisfaction at the growth of the took note of the progress report of the University as a non-state, non-profit, secular implementation of the POA. and self-governing international institution of excellence with a continental focus. Energy Finance 7. The Ministers noted the progress in the implementation of the programme for EAS 12. The Ministers reiterated the importance of energy cooperation, particularly in the financial stability in supporting economic work streams of Energy Efficiency and growth by consistently monitoring risks and Conservation; Biofuels for Transport and vulnerabilities. The Ministers expressed Other Purposes; and Renewable and support for the further strengthening of the Alternative Power Generation under the EAS region’s resilience to external shocks through Energy Cooperation Task Force (ECTF) as continued regional financial cooperation and adopted by its 21st Meeting on 15 July 2016 in closer collaboration with international financial Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar and 2nd Clean Energy institutions. Forum on 18-19 November 2016 in Haikou, China. Global Health Including Pandemics
8. The Ministers underlined the importance of 13. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to clean energy promotion, such as renewable the goal of an Asia-Pacific free of malaria by energy, energy efficiency and clean 2030. In this regard, the Ministers welcomed technology applications including enhancing the endorsement of the Asia Pacific Leaders’ the use of natural gas as of an abundant and Malaria Elimination Roadmap and ongoing environmentally-friendly fuel. efforts to implement the proposed actions in the Roadmap. Education 14. The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of 9. The Ministers welcomed the convening of promoting sustainable and resilient health the Special EAS Senior Officials’ Meeting on systems and global achievement of the Education on 2 December 2015 in Bangkok, 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Thailand, and noted with appreciation the Goals, including universal health coverage, completion and evaluation of the EAS and recognised the public health challenges Education Plan of Action 2011 – 2015 and caused by infectious diseases and emerging looked forward to the development of a post- threats including antimicrobial resistance 2015 vision and action plan on education. The (AMR) which underscore the human and Ministers also welcomed and encouraged economic losses. further alignment between EAS and ASEAN education cooperation activities, including Environment and Disaster Management through quality assurance and qualifications referencing. 15. The Ministers welcomed the convening of the Senior Officials’ Meeting for the Fifth EAS 10. The Ministers welcomed the Third EAS Environment Ministers’ Meeting (EMM) on 11 Education Ministers Meeting (3rd EAS EMM) September 2015 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia that was held on 26 May 2016 in Selangor, and looked forward to the convening of the 5th Malaysia and took note of the continued EAS Environment Ministers’ Meeting back-to- implementation of the 15 projects under the back with the 14th ASEAN Ministers’ Meeting Plan of Action, acknowledging the commitment on Environment (AMME) in 2017. and efforts of the EAS participating countries in the implementation of the initiatives and 16. The Ministers welcomed the outcomes of achieving meaningful results. the twenty-first session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework 11. The Ministers welcomed the opening of Convention on Climate Change (COP 21) a third school for Buddhist Studies and held in Paris, France from 30 November to 12 Comparative Religion from the academic December 2015 and looked forward to timely year 2016-17 at the Nalanda University and entry into force of the Paris Agreement.
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17. The Ministers looked forward to cooperating 21. The Ministers welcomed the cooperation closely in implementing the Sendai between ASEAN and OECD in the Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction both implementation of the ASEAN Economic at the national and regional level. Community (AEC) agenda through the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Program, including 18. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment the Southeast Asia Regional Forum and the to further enhance cooperation in disaster Regional Program Steering Group Meeting risk reduction and management (DRRM) held in Vietnam from 14 to 15 June 2016. and mitigation through regional mechanisms, including through the ASEAN Committee 22. The Ministers welcomed the continuous on Disaster Management (ACDM), and the support of EAS participating countries to ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian ASEAN Connectivity. The Ministers also Assistance on disaster management (AHA welcomed China’s Road and Belt Initiative, Centre). The Ministers also welcomed the India’s offer of a line of credit to ASEAN convening of the 5th ASEAN Committee on countries for projects that support physical Disaster Management (ACDM) Session on and digital connectivity, Japan’s Initiative EAS Cooperation in Disaster Management of Expanded Partnership for Quality on 28 April 2016 in Semarang, Indonesia, the Infrastructure, the Asian Development convening of the Fifth EAS Earthquake Relief Bank (ADB), the Asian Infrastructure Executive held by China and the U.S on 25 Investment Bank (AIIB), the ASEAN-Australia July 2016 in Cebu, Indonesia. They also Development Cooperation Program Phase II welcomed convening of the Asian Ministerial (AADCP II) with a view to promoting quality Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in infrastructure investment in the region. New Delhi in November 2016. Other Areas of Cooperation Countering 19. The Ministers welcomed Indonesia’s initiative Terrorism and Violent Extremism to convene an International Table-Top Exercise (TTX) on 15-17 November 2016 23. The Ministers strongly condemned terrorist in Ambon, Indonesia, to test the EAS Rapid attacks in recent months that had caused Disaster Response Toolkit (EAS Toolkit) which significant loss of life. They discussed the was launched at the Indonesia-Australia EAS need for countries to support efforts to Rapid Disaster Response Workshop in June counter terrorism and violent extremism, and 2015 in Bali, Indonesia. The Exercise aims to they affirmed their continuing commitment to strengthen the coordination mechanisms in the principles announced by EAS Leaders in managing offers and requests for international their 2015 Statement on Countering Violent disaster assistance by referring to the EAS Extremism and their 2014 Statement on the Toolkit, within the One ASEAN One Response Rise of Violence and Brutality Committed by context. Terrorist/Extremist Organisations in Iraq and Syria. ASEAN Connectivity Maritime Cooperation 20. The Ministers noted the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 24. The Ministers underscored the importance of and looked forward to the Master Plan on enhancing regional cooperation in promoting ASEAN Connectivity 2025. In this regard, the maritime safety and security, including Ministers looked forward to the convening through the proposed EAS Maritime Security th of the 7 ASEAN Connectivity Symposium Cooperation Seminar in Australia in November entitled “Intensifying Partnerships to Realise 2016, co-chaired by Indonesia and Australia. the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025” to be held on 20 October 2016 in 25. The Ministers looked forward to the convening Vientiane, Laos. The Ministers recognised the of the 5th Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum role of ERIA in promoting regional economic (EAMF) back to back with the 7th ASEAN integration, and urged ERIA to continue with Maritime Forum, to be held in Brunei. this role in coming years.
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ICTs the said region and create an environment conducive to the early resumption of the 26. We recognised the importance of security Six-Party Talks to make further progress in of and in the use of information and denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a Communications Technologies (ICTs), peaceful manner. and also affirmed the need to enhance cooperation to promote a peaceful, secure, 29. The Ministers discussed the preparations for open and cooperative ICT environment and the upcoming 11th East Asia Summit to be prevent conflict and crisis by developing held on 8 September 2016 in Vientiane, Laos. trust and confidence between states and by capacity building. 30. The Ministers looked forward to the convening of the 7th EAS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting to Regional and International Issues be held in the Philippines in 2017.
27. The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of *** maintaining peace, stability, security and freedom of navigation in and over-flight in Joint Media Statement the South China Sea. Several Ministers of the 4th EAS Economic remain seriously concerned over recent developments in the South China Sea. The Ministers’ Meeting Ministers welcomed the joint statement issued by foreign ministers of ASEAN Vientiane, Lao PDR, 5 August 2016 Member States and China on the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea 1. Economic Ministers from all ASEAN Member (DOC), and emphasised the need for ASEAN States, Australia, China, India, Japan, Member States and China to ensure the full and Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the Russian effective implementation of the Declaration Federation and the United States met on 5 on the Conduct of Parties in the South China August 2016, in Vientiane, Lao PDR, for the Sea (DOC) in its entirety. The Ministers stress Fourth East Asia Summit (EAS) Economic the importance for the parties concerned to Ministers Meeting. The Meeting was chaired resolve their disputes by peaceful means, by H.E. Mrs Khemmani Pholsena, Minister of in accordance with universally recognized Industry and Commerce of Lao PDR. principles of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Seas 2. The Ministers commended the establishment (UNCLOS), and welcomed ASEAN Member of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) States and China’s efforts to work towards the in 2015 as a major milestone in regional early conclusion of a Code of Conduct in the economic integration. The Ministers also South China Sea (COC). welcomed the new AEC Blueprint 2025, which envisages an AEC by 2025 that is 28. The Ministers shared concern over current highly integrated and cohesive; competitive, developments in the Korean Peninsula, innovative and dynamic; with enhanced including the nuclear tests on 6 January connectivity and sectoral cooperation; a 2016, rocket launch on 7 February 2016 more resilient, inclusive, and people-oriented, and ballistic missile launch on 9 July 2016, people-centred community, and integrated by the Democratic People’s Republic of with the global economy. Korea (DPRK) which are in violation of the UNSC resolutions. The Ministers reaffirmed 3. The Ministers exchanged views on regional the importance of peace and security in this economic developments. The Ministers noted region and reiterated ASEAN’s support for the that the combined GDP of EAS participating denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in countries stood at USD 41.67 trillion in 2015, a peaceful manner. The Ministers also urged a slight decline from USD 42.02 trillion in the DPRK to comply with all relevant UNSC 2014. ASEAN’s total trade with the other eight resolutions, including the UNSC Resolution EAS countries amounted to USD 1.05 trillion 2270 and called on all parties to exert common in 2015 compared to USD 1.11 trillion in 2014. efforts to maintain peace and security in ASEAN’s trade with the other EAS countries accounted for 46.3 per cent of ASEAN’s total
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trade. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows Ministers committed to work towards another from the other EAS countries was recorded successful outcome at the 11th Ministerial at USD 52.1 billion in 2015, representing 43.4 Conference in 2017. per cent of ASEAN’s total FDI inflows. 7. The Ministers welcomed the successful 4. On trade and investment relations as well as convening of the Shanghai G20 Trade global economic developments, the Ministers Ministers’ Meeting, and agreed that the noted that downside risks remained. Global meeting had demonstrated the importance economic growth is projected to moderate of adopting robust measures to boost world at 3.1 per cent in 2016 before picking up to trade and investment, which is of great 3.4 per cent in 2017. Growth in advanced significance for restoring world economic economies is expected to expand to 1.8 growth and shoring up confidence. The per cent in 2016 while in the emerging and relevant parties are willing to strengthen developing countries, growth prospects is cooperation to contribute to a successful G20 forecast to reach 4.1 per cent in 2016 from Hangzhou Summit. 4.0 per cent in 2015 on grounds of continued moderation in China, robust growth in India Updates on ERIA’s Activities and the rest of emerging Asia. The Ministers also noted that slower-than-expected recovery 8. The Ministers noted the importance of of the advanced economies, combined with interaction between ERIA (Economic tighter global financial conditions, might pose Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia) adverse challenges to regional growth. The and the policy makers of EAS countries Ministers further noted that the outcome of the and, to this end, the Ministers welcomed UK’s EU Referendum adds to the uncertainty the convening of the Roundtable Discussion in the global economy, and underscored the between EAS Senior Economic Officials and role of open trade policies and a strong and ERIA Researchers, which was held on 1 secure global trading system in promoting July 2016. The Ministers were also pleased inclusive global economic growth. to note the updates on ERIA’s on-going and future research activities, including studies 5. The Ministers reaffirmed their efforts to enhance on Non-Tariff Measures (NTM) and Good regional economic integration in the East Asia Regulatory Practices (GRP). The Ministers region. The Ministers noted the signing of the welcomed the report of 9th ERIA Governing Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement and Board Meeting held on 16 June 2016, and continued progress in negotiations towards noted that the Governing Board had endorsed the Regional Comprehensive Economic the renewed commitments of ERIA to the East Partnership (RCEP) Agreement. Asia Region as described in its Medium-Term Work Plan, which includes establishing the 6. The Ministers welcomed the outcomes of the Policy Design Department, setting up formal Tenth WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi, bridging mechanisms to enhance interaction Kenya, in December 2015 and the adoption with policy makers in the region, and various of the “Nairobi Ministerial Declaration”, measures to further enhance ERIA’s research including Ministerial Decisions on agriculture, and capacity building. The Ministers also cotton, and issues related to least-developed encouraged ERIA to develop possible next countries. The Ministers highlighted that the steps drawing upon the outcomes of their “Nairobi Package” is one of the most significant research activities, and thanked ERIA for outcomes on agriculture reached by WTO its continuous support and looked forward Members, which will bring great benefits to to its continued contribution to the region’s all WTO Members. The Ministers expressed integration efforts. To this end, the Ministers their support for the implementation of the encouraged EAS participating countries to Decisions reached in Nairobi, as well as those continue extending their support to ERIA. adopted at the 2013 Bali WTO Ministerial Conference. The Ministers also committed LIST OF MINISTERS to advancing negotiations on remaining DDA issues. The Ministers also noted that a range The Hon. Steven Ciobo MP, Minister for Trade, of issues of common interest and importance Tourism and Investment, Australia; The Hon. to today’s global economy may be legitimate Pehin Dato Lim Jock Seng, Minister at the Prime issues for discussions in the WTO. The
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Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Brunei Darussalam; H.E. Pan Sorasak, Minister of Commerce, Cambodia; H.E. and the United States of America. The Gao Hucheng, Minister of Commerce, People’s Secretary-General of ASEAN was also in Republic of China; H.E. Nirmala Sitharaman, attendance. Minister of State for Commerce and Industry (IC), India; Mr Iman Pambagyo, Director General of 2. We reaffirmed our commitment to the International Trade Negotiations, Ministry of Trade, 2005 Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the Indonesia (representing H.E. Enggartiasto Lukita, Establishment of the East Asia Summit, Minister of Trade, Indonesia); H.E. Hirofumi Katase, the 2010 Ha Noi Declaration on the Vice Minister for International Affairs, Ministry of Commemoration of the 5th Anniversary of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan (representing the East Asia Summit, the 2011 Declaration H.E. Hiroshige Seko, Minister of Economy, Trade of the East Asia Summit on the Principles for and Industry, Japan); H.E. Joo Hyunghwan, Mutually Beneficial Relations, and the Kuala Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, Republic of Lumpur Declaration on the 10th Anniversary Korea; H.E. Mrs Khemmani Pholsena, Minister of of the EAS, which emphasized the important Industry and Commerce, Lao PDR; H.E. Dato’ Sri role of the East Asia Summit as a Leaders- Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade led forum to discuss broad strategic, political, and Industry, Malaysia; H.E. Kyaw Win, Union security, and economic issues of common Minister of Planning and Finance, Myanmar; Hon. interest and concern with the aim of promoting Todd McClay, Minister of Trade, New Zealand; peace, stability, and economic prosperity in H.E. Ramon M. Lopez, Secretary of Trade and East Asia. Industry, the Philippines; H.E. Alexey V. Ulyukaev, Minister of Economic Development, the Russian 3. We further reaffirmed our support for the Federation; H.E. Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade ASEAN Community building process and and Industry (Trade), Singapore; H.E. Apiradi reiterated the importance of ASEAN’s central Tantraporn, Minister of Commerce, Thailand; H.E. role in the East Asia Summit and the evolving Tran Tuan Anh, Minister of Industry and Trade, Viet rules-based regional architecture, through Nam; Ms Barbara Weisel, Assistant United States ASEAN-led processes. We reaffirmed that Trade Representative (representing H.E. Michael the East Asia Summit would continue to be Froman, United States Trade Representative); and an open, inclusive, transparent, and outward- H.E. Le Luong Minh, Secretary‐General of ASEAN. looking forum that will strengthen global norms and universally recognized principles with *** ASEAN as the driving force, and working in th partnership with other participants of the East Chairman’s Statement of the 11 Asia Summit. We emphasized the importance East Asia Summit of the rule of law in international relations.
V i e n t i a n e , L a o P D R , 4. We are pleased with the progress made in the implementation of the decisions and proposals 8 September 2016 made at the 10th East Asia Summit held in Kuala Lumpur in November 2015, especially initiatives to strengthen the East Asia Summit Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic and its work processes. We noted with ASEAN Community appreciation that the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN and Ambassadors th 1. The 11 East Asia Summit (EAS) was held in of non-ASEAN EAS participating countries in Vientiane, Lao PDR on 8 September 2016. Jakarta have convened two meetings since The Summit was chaired by H.E. Thongloun April 2016 and welcomed the establishment SISOULITH, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR. of the EAS Unit within the ASEAN Secretariat. The Summit was attended by the Heads of State/Government of ASEAN Member States, 5. We took note of the convening of the 5th EAS Australia, the People’s Republic of China, the Workshop on Regional Security Architecture Republic of India, Japan, New Zealand, the co-chaired by the Lao PDR and China in Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, Beijing, China on 27-28 June 2016 and the 6th EAS Workshop in 2017 in Thailand.
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Priority Areas of Cooperation Finance
6. We welcomed the progress made in 11. We reiterated the importance of financial implementing the Plan of Action (POA) to stability in supporting economic growth implement the Phnom Penh Declaration by consistently monitoring risks and on the East Asia Summit Development vulnerabilities. We expressed support for the Initiative (2015-2017) which focuses on further strengthening of the region’s resilience EAS cooperation in the six priority areas, to external shocks through continued regional namely energy, education, finance, global financial cooperation and closer collaboration health including pandemics, environment with international financial institutions. We and disaster management, and ASEAN further noted the importance of the efforts connectivity. We took note of the Progress towards an enhanced SME finance system. Report of the Implementation of the POA. Global Health Including Pandemics Energy 12. We reaffirmed our commitment to the goal 7. We noted the progress made under the EAS of an Asia-Pacific free of malaria by 2030, Energy Cooperation Task Force (ECTF) Work and welcomed ongoing efforts to implement Plan 2015-2016 in the work streams of Energy proposed actions in the endorsed Asia Pacific Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C); Biofuels Leaders’ Malaria Elimination Roadmap, for Transport and Other Purposes; and including the Flagship ASEAN – India Renewable and Alternative Power Generation Programme for Combating Malaria. (RAPG). We underlined the importance of continued investments in the energy sector as 13. We reaffirmed the importance of promoting well as the promotion of clean energy, such sustainable and resilient health systems and as renewable energy, energy efficiency and global achievement of the 2030 Agenda for clean energy technology including enhancing Sustainable Development Goals, including the use of natural gas as less polluting energy. universal health coverage, and recognized We welcomed the previous two EAS Clean the public health challenges caused by Energy Forums hosted by China and ASEAN infectious diseases and emerging threats Center for Energy, and looked forward to the including antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rd 3 EAS Clean Energy Forum. which underscore the human and economic losses. In this regard, we took note of Education Russia’s initiative to organize in 2017, in the implementation of the 10th EAS Statement on 8. We acknowledged the conclusion of the Enhancing Regional Health Security relating EAS Education Plan of Action 2011 – 2015 to Infectious Diseases with Epidemic and and noted the commitment as well as efforts Pandemic Potential, an EAS meeting on of the EAS participating countries in the managing epidemics risks in the region with implementation of the remaining EAS projects the aim to discuss the establishment of a and new ones in support of the ASEAN Work working group on communicable diseases Plan on Education 2016-2020. prevention and response.
9. We welcomed the Third EAS Education Environment and Disaster Management Ministers Meeting (3rd EAS EMM) held on 26 May 2016 in Selangor, Malaysia and took 14. We welcomed the convening of the Senior note of the continued implementation of the Officials’ Meeting for the 5th EAS Environment 15 projects under the Plan of Action. Ministers’ Meeting (EMM) on 11 September 2015 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and looked th 10. We noted the opening of a third school for forward to the convening of the 5 EAS EMM th Buddhist Studies and Comparative Religion back-to-back with the 14 ASEAN Ministers for academic year 2016-2017 at the Nalanda Meeting on Environment (AMME) in 2017. We th University. also noted the convening of the 7 High Level Seminar on Environmentally Sustainable
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Cities (HLS – ESC) with a specific theme on ASEAN Connectivity Redesigning towards 2030 Agenda held on 3-4 March 2016 in Ha Noi, Viet Nam. 18. We noted the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) and 15. We expressed concern over the adverse the adoption of the Master Plan on ASEAN impact climate change presents to the Connectivity 2025. In this regard, we looked economic, social and environmental forward to the 7th ASEAN Connectivity dimensions of all countries. We welcomed Symposium entitled “Intensifying Partnerships the Paris Agreement on climate change to Realise the Master Plan on ASEAN and reaffirmed the importance of taking Connectivity 2025” to be held in October 2016 the domestic steps necessary to join the in Vientiane, Lao PDR. We recognized the Agreement as soon as possible and affirmed role of ERIA in promoting regional economic our intentions to implement countries’ integration, took note of the Statement of nationally determined contributions. We looked the 9th Governing Board Meeting of ERIA, forward to a successful COP-22 to promote and encouraged ERIA to continue its role in the post-Paris negotiation in developing the supporting ASEAN Connectivity in the coming modalities, procedures and guideline for the years. We encouraged ERIA to continue its full implementation of the Paris Agreement. support to the Chair of ASEAN Summit and We also noted that many countries support the East Asia Summit. for a hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) phasedown amendment to the Montreal Protocol in 2016. 19. We underscored the importance of promoting infrastructure development in 16. We reaffirmed our commitment to further East Asia to facilitate trade, investment enhance cooperation in disaster risk and service competitiveness in the region reduction and management (DRRM) and and acknowledged that the mobilization of mitigation through regional mechanisms, means of implementation of infrastructure including through the ASEAN Committee projects is critical. In this regard, we adopted on Disaster Management (ACDM), and the the Vientiane Declaration on Promoting ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Infrastructure Development Cooperation in Assistance on disaster management (AHA East Asia. Centre). We welcomed the adoption of the ASEAN Declaration on One ASEAN, One Other Areas of Cooperation Response: ASEAN Responding to Disaster as One in the region and outside the region. Maritime Cooperation We also welcomed the convening of the 5th ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management 20. We underscored the importance of enhancing (ACDM) Session on EAS Cooperation in regional cooperation in promoting maritime Disaster Management on 28 April 2016 in safety and security, and encouraged activities Semarang, Indonesia; the convening of the to implement the 2015 EAS Statement on 5th EAS Earthquake Relief Executive Course Enhancing Regional Maritime Cooperation, held by China and the U.S. on 25 July 2016 including the proposed EAS Maritime in Indonesia; and the convening of the Asian Security Cooperation Seminar in Australia Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk in November 2016 co-chaired by Indonesia Reduction in New Delhi in November 2016, and Australia, the second EAS Conference with an EAS Conference on Disaster Risk on Maritime Security and Cooperation in Reduction in its sidelines. India in November 2016, and the Workshop on Maritime Search and Rescue hosted by 17. We welcomed Indonesia’s initiative to China in 2017. convene an international Table-Top Exercise th (TTX) in partnership with Australia, on 15- 21. We looked forward to the convening of the 5 17 November 2016 in Ambon, Indonesia Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF) th to test the EAS Rapid Disaster Response back-to-back with the 7 ASEAN Maritime Toolkit (EAS Toolkit) which was launched at Forum to be held in Brunei Darussalam. the Indonesia-Australia EAS Rapid Disaster Response Workshop in June 2015 in Bali, Indonesia.
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Disarmament and Non-Proliferation to work towards the early conclusion of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea 22. We welcomed ASEAN’s commitment to (COC). preserving Southeast Asia as a Nuclear Weapon Free Zone and the contribution of Korean Peninsula the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (SEANFWZ) Treaty to regional security 25. We shared serious concern over the recent and the global non-proliferation regime. We developments in the Korean Peninsula, noted the Parties to the SEANFWZ Treaty including the nuclear tests on 6 January will continue engaging the Nuclear Weapon 2016, rocket launch on 7 February 2016 States to resolve all outstanding issues in and the submarine-launch ballistic missile accordance with the objectives and principles on 23 August 2016 by the Democratic of the SEANFWZ Treaty. We reaffirm our People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), which commitment to our shared goals of nuclear are in violation of the UNSC resolutions. disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation and We reaffirmed the importance of peace and peaceful use of nuclear energy and adopted security in this region and reiterated support the East Asia Summit Statement on Non- for the denuclearization of the Korean Proliferation. Peninsula in a peaceful manner. We urged the DPRK to comply with all relevant UNSC Food Security and Food Safety resolutions, including the UNSC Resolution 2270 and called on all parties to exert common 23. We commended the work of the EAS Track efforts to maintain peace and security in II Study Group on Enhancing Food Security the said region and create an environment through Sustainable Fisheries Management conducive to the early resumption of the and Marine Environment Conservation. We Six – Party Talks to make further progress noted the five principal recommendations in denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula made by the Study Group, and we tasked in a peaceful manner. We also emphasized our officials to provide recommendations the importance of addressing humanitarian on the implementation of the five principal concerns of the international community, recommendations. including the abductions issue.
Regional and International Issues Terrorism and Moderation South China Sea 26. We strongly condemned terrorist attacks in recent months that had caused significant loss 24. We reaffirmed the importance of maintaining of life. We discussed the need for countries peace, stability, security and freedom of to support efforts to counter terrorism navigation in and over-flight in the South and violent extremism including those by China Sea. Several Leaders remained working towards the early adoption of the concerned over recent developments in the Comprehensive Convention on International South China Sea. We stressed the importance Terrorism, and we affirmed continuing for the parties concerned to resolve their commitment to the principles announced in disputes by peaceful means, in accordance the 2015 East Asia Summit Statement on with universally recognized principles of Countering Violent Extremism and the 2014 international law, including the 1982 UN East Asia Summit Statement on the Rise of Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Violence and Brutality Committed by Terrorist/ We also emphasized the importance of Extremist Organisations in Iraq and Syria. non-militarization. We welcomed the Joint In this regard, we welcomed Indonesia and Statement issued by Foreign Ministers of the ROK’s plan to co – organize a Regional ASEAN Member States and China on the Seminar on Capacity Building to Counter full and effective implementation of the Violent Extremism. Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and emphasized the Refugees/Migrants need for ASEAN Member States and China to ensure the full and effective implementation of the DOC in its entirety. We welcomed the 27. We called on the Governments of all countries efforts by ASEAN Member States and China involved source, transit and destination to provide responses in the spirit of cooperation
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and collective efforts acting with humanity, East Asia Summit Statement compassion and in accordance with international law, and to the extent permitted on Non Proliferation by domestic law, to refugees and migrants. In this regard, we welcomed the adoption Vi e n t i a n e , L a o D P R , of the East Asia Summit Declaration on Strengthening Responses to Migrants in 8 September 2016 Crisis and Trafficking in Persons. WE, the Heads of State and Government of the Regional Economic Integration Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Australia, People’s 28. We welcomed the outcomes of the fourth Republic of China, Republic of India, Japan, New EAS Economic Ministers’ Meeting, held on Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation 5 August 2016 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. We and the United States of America on the occasion of reaffirmed our efforts to enhance regional the 11th East Asia Summit (EAS) in Vientiane, Lao economic integration in East Asia and the Asia People’s Democratic Republic, on 8 September Pacific region and note the regional integration 2016, initiatives such as ASEAN Economic Community and Regional Comprehensive UNDERLINING EAS participating countries’ Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement. adherence to a rules-based regional and We also welcomed the outcomes of the international order that upholds rights and th 10 WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi, privileges of all states; Kenya, in December 2015 and noted that the “Nairobi Package”, in particular decisions EMPHASIZING the importance of advancing on agriculture, cotton, and issues related to the nuclear disarmament, non – proliferation least-developed countries (LDCs) will bring and peaceful uses of nuclear energy as mutually great benefits to all WTO Members. We also reinforcing pillars; committed to advancing negotiations on remaining Doha Development Agenda (DDA) issues. We also noted that a range of issues RECALLING the rights of all states to develop of common interest and importance to today’s research, production of, and use of nuclear energy global economy may be legitimate issues for for peaceful purposes consistent with international discussions in the WTO. law, including obligations under the Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty (NPT); IUU Fishing NOTING that much of the projected world growth in civil nuclear energy will occur in the Indo-Pacific 29. We noted that challenges of Illegal, region; Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing remain and have become even more complex in the region. We committed to expanding REAFFIRMING EAS participating countries’ regional cooperation to address this issue, commitment to disarmament and the global non- including through supporting the effective proliferation objectives that promote international implementation of the relevant international peace and security, and acknowledgment of the law and instruments. critical role played by the NPT in this regard, while acknowledging the important role of political and diplomatic means in effectively addressing the Counter-Wildlife and Timber Trafficking proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery; 30. We committed to demonstrating leadership in the global fight against wildlife and timber WELCOMING ASEAN’s commitment to preserving trafficking and furthering efforts to reduce Southeast Asia as a Nuclear Weapon Free Zone these illegal activities. and the contribution of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty to regional 31. We looked forward to the convening of the security and the global non-proliferation regime; 12th East Asia Summit in the Philippines in 2017. RECALLING and fully supporting the unanimous *** adoption of Resolution 2270 by the United Nations Security Council on 2 March 2016, which
355 ASEAN DOCUMENTS SERIES 2016 unequivocally condemned the January nuclear test date to make substantial progress in the and February long-range ballistic missile launch denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a and registering deep concern over the Democratic peaceful manner; People’s Republic of Korea’s subsequent and repeated ballistic missile launches in violation 6. REAFFIRM EAS participating countries’ and flagrant disregard of the Council’s relevant commitment to full implementation of UNSC resolutions; Resolution 1540 to prevent non-state actors from developing, acquiring, manufacturing, EMPHASISING the importance of the entry into possessing, transporting, transferring or force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban using weapons of mass destruction and their Treaty (CTBT), 20 years since it was opened for means of delivery; signature, which should, inter alia, contribute to the process of nuclear disarmament; 7. ENCOURAGE EAS participating countries to accelerate work on nuclear security objectives RECOGNISING the challenge posed by nuclear through their membership and support of terrorism; the leading international organisations and initiatives, including the IAEA, UN, Interpol DO HEREBY: and the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism; 1. REAFFIRM our support for efforts at the national, regional and international level to 8. SUPPORT the strengthening of the IAEA promote nuclear disarmament, nuclear non safeguards system, including through – proliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear universalisation and implementation of energy, and the importance of nuclear security applicable additional protocols to strengthen to combating nuclear terrorism; the effectiveness and improve the efficiency of the safeguards system as a contribution to 2. SUPPORT the commitment of States Party to global non-proliferation objectives; the NPT to comply fully with their obligations; 9. REAFFIRM the importance of transparency 3. STRESS the significance of signature and and confidence-building measures (TCBMs) ratification of the CTBT by EAS participating as the bases for advancing disarmament and countries, particularly the remaining Annex 2 non – proliferation as well as in improving States whose ratifications are necessary for the regional and international security entry into force, and urge all states to maintain environment; all existing moratoriums on nuclear weapon test explosions and other nuclear explosions; 10. ENCOURAGE all States yet to do so to become parties to the Convention on the 4. CALL for the early commencement of Physical Protection of Nuclear Material negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-off (CPPNM) as amended, and encourage all Treaty in the Conference on Disarmament States Party to the CPPNM yet to do so to on the basis of CD/1299 and the mandate ratify the Amendment to the CPPNM and act contained therein and within the context of in accordance with its object and purpose, an agreed, comprehensive and balanced including by protecting nuclear facilities and Program of Work; material in peaceful domestic use, storage and transport; 5. URGE the DPRK to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs in a complete, 11. ENCOURAGE further cooperation among verifiable and irreversible manner, and uphold EAS participating countries on non- its international legal obligations; express proliferation related issues, including through grave concern over the DPRK’s nuclear tests capacity building and exchanging information, and ballistic missile launches and call for best-practice and lessons learned, through the full implementation of all relevant UNSC relevant regional institutions; resolutions, including the UNSC sanctions regime and the 2005 Joint Statement; call for the continuation of joint efforts to resume meaningful Six Party Talks at an early
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12. Adopted at Vientiane, Lao People’s cycle cost, safety, resilience and sustainability, job Democratic Republic, this 8th of September creation, capacity building, transfer of expertise in the Year Two Thousand and Sixteen at the and know-how, and alignment with economic and 11th East Asia Summit. development strategies while addressing social and environmental impacts, as a means to uplift *** living standards of our peoples, resolve urban transport problems, meet the increasing energy demand, enhance connectivity and increase trade Vientiane Declaration on and investment within the region, which ultimately Promoting Infrastructure contributes to the region’s sustainable economic Development Cooperation in development; East Asia REITERATING the importance of the development in the long-term of enhanced connectivity within Vie nt ia ne , La o P D R , East Asia to support ASEAN connectivity; 8 September 2016 RECALLING the Declaration of the Sixth East Asia Summit on ASEAN Connectivity and its support WE, the Heads of State/Government of the Member for the effective and timely implementation of the States of the Association of Southeast Asian Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) in Nations (ASEAN), Australia, People’s Republic of all three pillars, namely physical, institutional and China, Republic of India, Japan, Republic of Korea, people-to-people connectivity; New Zealand, Russian Federation and the United States of America on the occasion of the 11th East WELCOMING the significant progress achieved Asia Summit (EAS) held in Vientiane, Lao PDR on in the implementation of the Master Plan on 8 September 2016; ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) adopted in 2010 and the adoption of the Master Plan on ASEAN REAFFIRMING our strong commitment to Connectivity 2025 (MPAC 2025) by the ASEAN th strengthen the EAS as a Leaders-led forum for Leaders at the 28 ASEAN Summit; dialogue on broad strategic, political and economic issues of common interest and concern with the RECOGNIZING the financial resources and aim of promoting peace, stability and economic technical assistance for infrastructure development prosperity in East Asia; available in the region, including the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB); Japan’s ACKNOWLEDGING that efficient and sustainable Expanded Partnership for Quality Infrastructure infrastructure development in ASEAN is essential of US$ 200 billion; India’s Credit Line of US$ 1 for trade, investment and service competitiveness billion; the Asian Development Bank-led (ADB) in the Asia – Pacific region; Asia Pacific Project Preparation Facility (AP3F); the World Bank’s Global Infrastructure Facility (GIF); the World Bank-Singapore Infrastructure RECOGNIZING that infrastructure decisions and and Urban Development Hub; and U.S. ASEAN investments made in coming years will be vital to Connect Initiatives such as the Lower Mekong efforts to meet our shared objective to strengthen Initiative’s Sustainable Infrastructure Partnership; the global response to the threat of climate as well as through project preparation and change, in the context of sustainable development financing, including from the U.S. Trade and and efforts to eradicate poverty, including making Development Agency, Export-Import Bank, and finance flows consistent with a pathway towards Overseas Private Investment Corporation; low greenhouse gas emissions and climate- resilient development, as enshrined in the Paris Agreement adopted at the 2015 United Nations WELCOMING the Global Infrastructure Hub, Climate Change Conference in Paris, France launched by the G20 in Brisbane, Australia in 2014 within the United Nations Framework Convention which would facilitate information-sharing and on Climate Change; collaboration between Governments, the private sector, large institutional investors and international organisations related to infrastructure investment; EMPHASIZING the importance of promoting quality infrastructure development, which ensures factors such as economic efficiency in view of life RECALLING the inaugural Global Infrastructure
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Forum of April 2015, which aimed to enhance Mekong Initiative; Mekong-Republic of coordination among multilateral development Korea cooperation; Mekong-Lancang banks and their development partners to better Cooperation; the Brunei Darussalam develop sustainable, accessible, resilient, and – Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East quality infrastructure for developing countries; ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA); Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth NOTING the imbalance between the availability Triangle (IMT-GT) and others; of infrastructure funds and the actual needs of infrastructure development in most countries in - Encourage all EAS participating countries ASEAN; to further facilitate and assist in identifying cooperation projects that meet the criteria and requirements necessary to RECOGNISING that while public and private access financial resources and technical financing is potentially available for infrastructure assistance available in the region, including development, there is a need for many countries in from the Asian Development Bank (ADB); ASEAN to advance their public sector’s capacity, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank develop domestic debt finance markets and (AIIB); Japan’s Expanded Partnership for improve investment climate; Quality Infrastructure of US$ 200 billion announced in 2016; and India’s Credit Line ACKNOWLEDGING that access to financial of US$ 1 billion; resources, project development, technology development and capacity building, as well as the - Encourage enhanced investment, financial role of public-private partnerships, are critical; and technical support, especially from the private sector, to ASEAN Member States REALIZING that as inclusive and sustainable to carry out infrastructure projects and development is vital for East Asia’s collective other projects related to connectivity, as growth, ASEAN will strive to align infrastructure well as encourage greater investment development projects with the 2030 United Nations’ in infrastructure development projects Agenda for Sustainable Development; in ASEAN Member States, with due application, as appropriate, of social and EMPHASIZING that both economic and social environmental safeguards; infrastructure are preconditions for development - Cooperate with ASEAN Member States and are equally critical for sustaining growth; in infrastructure planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance COGNISANT that a fully integrated and connected as well as support ASEAN Member States ASEAN will not only benefit and improve the to develop sectors such as railways, prosperity of the people of ASEAN, but also the roads, inland-waterways, regional aviation, people of ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners; ports, oil and gas pipelines, energy and telecommunications networks to enhance DO HEREBY DECIDE TO: ASEAN capacity for sustainable economic development and to enhance trade and - Support and facilitate cooperation investment opportunities across the region; among EAS participating countries in sustainable infrastructure development - Encourage investment in the energy sector, initiatives, including resource mobilization, including high quality and sustainable sharing of expertise, best practices and energy infrastructure, as well as to develop information, promoting cooperation in transparent and competitive energy management and sustainable use of markets such as for the global natural gas natural resources, green and clean trade; technology to protect the environment and eco-system through bilateral, regional and - Support ASEAN’s effort towards realising sub-regional frameworks of cooperation the ASEAN Power Grid; such as the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS); Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya- - Enhance cooperation to support ASEAN Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy Connectivity, including through capacity (ACMECS); Mekong-Ganga Cooperation; building and resource mobilization for the Mekong-Japan cooperation; the Lower
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implementation of the MPAC 2025, as - Encourage sustainable infrastructure well as promotion of regional trade and investment and encourage stakeholder economic cooperation linkages; input in investment decisions that promote the development and application of national - Increase cooperation in maritime and regional social and environmental connectivity through the development of safeguards; sustainable and resilient infrastructure, logistics and port management, to promote - Continue efforts to make regional economic growth that will not only connectivity vibrant and effective through contribute to narrowing development gaps the early completion of projects listed in the but also promote regional integration and MPAC 2025 and the Comprehensive Asia the community building process; Development Plan 2.0 to improve East- West Economic Corridor and Southern - Promote cooperation in air transport Economic Corridor; connectivity to enhance regional air services to support economic linkages as well as to - Support the objective of the ASEAN facilitate people to people connectivity; Infrastructure Fund (AIF) to foster infrastructure development within ASEAN; - Encourage all EAS participating countries and other external partners, including - Improve the use of Kunming-Bangkok Economic Research Institute for ASEAN Highway, complete ASEAN Highway and East Asia (ERIA), United Nations Network project and consider the Economic and Social Commission for construction of the Singapore-Kunming Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the Rail Link main lines and detailed designs Asian Development Bank (ADB), the AIIB, for the spur lines. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the World Bank Adopted by the Heads of State/Government of the to promote quality infrastructure investment Participating Countries of the East Asia Summit in in the region through considering increasing Vientiane, Lao PDR, on 8 September 2016. technical assistance, utilizing the existing funds and providing training programmes *** for professionals in infrastructure and connectivity related sectors, including on smart green infrastructure, and sharing East Asia Summit Declaration experiences and policies and practices to on Strengthening Responses ASEAN Member States; to Migrants in Crisis and - Support cooperation, co-financing, and Trafficking in Persons collaboration among multilateral and regional development banks, inter alia, the World Bank, the ADB, and the AIIB, V i e n t i a n e , L a o P D R , to facilitate the identification, preparation 8 September 2016 and financing of bankable infrastructure development projects and initiatives in ASEAN with a view to promoting regional WE, the Heads of State/Government of the connectivity and contributing to inclusive Member States of the Association of Southeast and sustainable economic growth; Asian Nations (ASEAN), together with Australia, the People’s Republic of China, Republic of India, - Encourage sustainable and efficient Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, infrastructure investment to support the Russian Federation, and the United States ASEAN in implementing infrastructure of America on the occasion of the 11th East Asia projects by promoting greater private Summit (EAS) held in Vientiane, Lao People’s sector involvement through the effective Democratic Republic; use of modalities such as public – private partnerships, enhancing fiscal capacity NOTING with serious concern the large global of developing countries in the region and displacements of people caused by conflict and other measures; crises, including the high numbers of displaced women and children, as well as the tragic loss of
359 ASEAN DOCUMENTS SERIES 2016 life at sea and the abuse and exploitation of people, Putrajaya and the Special Meetings and Special especially those who are in vulnerable situations, Retreat on Irregular Migration in the Indian Ocean at the hands of people smugglers and perpetrators hosted by Thailand since May 2015, and the Sixth and accomplices of trafficking in persons; Bali Process Ministerial Conference in March 2016;
BEARING IN MIND the need to address the root APPRECIATING regional and sub-regional causes of irregular movement of persons; efforts to combat trafficking in persons, including the Coordinated Mekong Ministerial Initiative RECOGNISING the large number of people against Trafficking in Persons (COMMIT) by the displaced by natural disasters whose vulnerability Governments of the Greater Mekong Sub-Region; to trafficking in persons, abuse and other forms of exploitation increases, and taking note of recent APPLAUDING the adoption of the ASEAN efforts to integrate human mobility within disaster Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, risk reduction and management strategies and Especially Women and Children (ACTIP), and other relevant development processes; the ASEAN Plan of Action Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children and RECOGNISING ALSO the urgency of countering the efforts of those ASEAN members who have trafficking in persons in all its forms, including already ratified the Convention; migrants who may be exploited during the migration process, and the need to support WELCOMING the initiative of the UN Summit for effective international action to address both the Refugees and Migrants and taking note of the immediate and long-term aspects of trafficking in Leaders’ Summit on Refugees, to be held during st persons; the 71 Session of the General Assembly in September 2016; BEARING IN MIND our commitment to our respective international and national legal EMPHASISING the important role that the EAS can obligations to undertake efforts to prevent and play, alongside other international mechanisms, in combat people smuggling and trafficking in furthering multidimensional region-specific long persons, and to investigate, prosecute, and punish term approaches to addressing mixed migratory perpetrators, recognizing that the safety and flows, which may include irregular migration, appropriate protection and treatment of victims of refugees, and victims of trafficking in persons, trafficking and migrants in crisis are paramount; pursued in a spirit of cooperation and collective effort, in accordance with relevant international MINDFUL OF the increase in the irregular instruments and national law; movement of persons, AND UNDERLINING our concern for the unique barriers they may ACKNOWLEDGING the adoption of the 2030 face in accessing help during a crisis, such as Agenda for Sustainable Development, which language barriers, isolation from social support, includes Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), restrictions on mobility as well as lack of access to particularly goals 5, 8, 10 and 16 that aim to reduce documentation and consular services; inequality within and among countries, address the issue of trafficking in persons and promote orderly, TAKING NOTE of the adoption of the Protocol of safe, responsible migration policies; 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) by the International Labour Conference, which WELCOMING the Emergency ASEAN Ministerial recognizes that the context and forms of forced or Meeting on Transnational Crime Concerning compulsory labour have changed and trafficking in Irregular Movement of Persons in Southeast Asia persons for the purposes of forced or compulsory Region in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 2 July 2015; labour, which may involve sexual exploitation, is and the subject of growing international concern and requires urgent action for its effective elimination; NOTING with appreciation the establishment of the ASEAN Trust Fund to Support Emergency COMMENDING regional efforts to date by affected Humanitarian and Relief Efforts in the Event of the countries to respond to the irregular movement Irregular Movement of Persons in Southeast Asia; of persons in the Indian Ocean, including the Ministerial Meeting on Irregular Movement of People in Southeast Asia hosted by Malaysia in
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DO HEREBY DECIDE TO: including by increasing efforts to combat trafficking in persons in supply chains of 1. Promote and protect effectively human goods and services of governments and rights and fundamental freedoms of all businesses, sharing information about migrants, in order to advance peace, acts of migrant smuggling and trafficking in security, development, and social justice, in persons, enhancing regional law enforcement accordance with applicable international and cooperation, protecting witnesses and victims national laws; in cases of trafficking in persons, and rendering assistance to migrants, caught up in natural 2. Reaffirm our commitment to democratic disaster and conflict, in accordance with laws values, good governance, rule of law, human and regulations as well as international law; rights and fundamental freedoms, inclusive economic growth, decent work, access to 7. Seek to enhance the ability of EAS participating basic services, tolerance and mutual respect, countries and, where appropriate, the private adherence to social justice, as well as safe sector, international organisations and other and legal migration pathways, throughout relevant stakeholders, guided by gender the migration cycle from the country of origin equality, as well as the principles of humanity, to destination, which are vital to managing neutrality, impartiality and independence, migration and optimizing its benefits; to prepare for and respond to the needs of migrants caught in countries experiencing 3. Reaffirm our commitment to our respective conflicts or natural disasters, where international legal obligations and encourage appropriate, including by providing necessary the EAS participating countries to identify and support and by respecting their rights and provide appropriate safety and protection to dignity; migrants in crisis, people displaced by natural disasters, and victims of human trafficking, 8. Acknowledge continued regional and sub- in accordance with international and national regional efforts to combat trafficking in law; persons, including the Coordinated Mekong Ministerial Initiative against Trafficking in 4. Affirm the support of Non-ASEAN EAS Persons (COMMIT) by the Governments participating countries to ASEAN for full of the Greater Mekong Sub-Region and the implementation of the ASEAN Convention Australia-Asia Program to Combat Trafficking Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially in Persons (AAPTIP) which aim to address Women and Children and the ASEAN Plan the criminal justice response to trafficking in of Action Against Trafficking in Persons, persons, as well as take note of the Migrants Especially Women and Children, in in Countries in Crisis (MICIC) Initiative, co- consultation with the ASEAN Senior Officials chaired by the Republic of the Philippines Meeting on Transnational Crime and the and the United States of America, and the ASEAN Secretariat; development of its voluntary guidelines for relevant stakeholders, to improve coordination and response in their efforts to 5. Urge States parties to fully implement assist migrants caught in situations of natural the United Nations Convention against disaster and conflict; Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and call upon States that have not done so to ratify or accede to the UNTOC as well as 9. Reaffirm our determination to learn from its Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish past crises and strengthen the inclusion of Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women migrants and pay attention to their particular and Children, and its Protocol against the needs in the diverse approaches to disaster Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea, and Air; preparedness, disaster risk reduction and management, regional response and recovery in EAS participating countries, whilst taking 6. Encourage cooperation among EAS into account prevailing national laws and participating countries and international circumstances; and regional organisations to strengthen effective multidimensional responses to these common challenges, in the spirit of 10. Consider further efforts by EAS participating international solidarity and collective effort, countries to consult widely among states, civil society, the private sector and migrant
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organizations, through inclusive approaches the People’s Republic of China, India, Japan, to provide practical responses to irregular the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the migration; Russian Federation, and the United States. The Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for 11. Reaffirm the value of the Bali Process on ASEAN Economic Community was also in People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons attendance. and Related Transnational Crime, as a voluntary, inclusive, non-binding forum for 2. The Ministers noted the progress of the EAS policy dialogue, information-sharing and Energy Cooperation Task Force (ECTF) in capacity building, and as a mechanism to advancing regional energy security, and noted facilitate timely coordination of responses to the importance of promoting free and open emergency situations and recognize the need energy trade and investment markets towards for enhanced cooperation and coordination this goal. The Ministers affirmed the strong among members, and with other ongoing imperative for continued EAS cooperation in regional and global initiatives and note the Bali clean energy, including renewable energy, Declaration on People Smuggling, Trafficking energy efficiency and lower emission in Persons and Related Transnational Crime, fossil fuel technologies to meet the rising agreed at the Sixth Bali Process Ministerial energy demand in the region and to reduce Conference in March 2016; greenhouse gas emissions in line with the COP21 Paris Agreement. The Ministers 12. Acknowledge the role that international noted that certain EAS participating countries organizations, the private sector and civil consider commercial clean coal technologies society play to help address the challenges as a low emission technology. The Ministers posed by trafficking in persons, people encouraged new initiatives and deeper smuggling and irregular migration; cooperation among EAS countries, including in such areas as the diversification of low – 13. Further reaffirm our commitment to take and no-carbon power generation for energy measures to identify victims of all forms of security and reduced carbon emissions, as trafficking in persons, including among migrant well as in policy formulation that is supported flows and provide them with appropriate by responsive and action-oriented energy protection and assistance, in accordance with research and analysis. our respective international obligations and national law and policy. 3. Noting the growth in global demand for energy which will continue to be driven largely by *** EAS countries, the major shifts in the global supply and demand for gas, and the pressing need to address climate change, the Ministers Joint Ministerial Statement affirmed that promoting low carbon, energy th of the 10 East Asia Summit efficiency, and renewable energy solutions Energy Ministers Meeting is beneficial for enhancing energy security, th stimulating investments, creating growth (10 EAS EMM) opportunities in the region, and sustaining the environment. The Ministers agreed on N a y P y i Ta w, M y a n m a r, the necessity of collaboratively enhancing the environment for the stable and affordable 22 September 2016 production and supply of natural gas and renewable energy in the EAS. 1. The Tenth East Asia Summit Energy Ministers Meeting (EAS EMM) was held on the 22nd of 4. To advance the EAS collaboration on natural September 2016 in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. The gas, the Ministers welcomed Japan’s proposal Meeting was chaired by H.E. Dr. Tun Naing, to facilitate collaboration and discussion Deputy Minister for Electricity and Energy of among EAS countries with the support of the Myanmar. The Meeting was attended by the ASEAN Council on Petroleum (ASCOPE), Ministers and Senior Officials responsible for the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) and energy from the EAS participating countries, the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN namely the ASEAN Member States, Australia, and East Asia (ERIA), on ways in which governments can spur the development of
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natural gas markets that are open, transparent, 9. The Ministers were also pleased with the competitive and resilient, and promote new progress of work under the Work Stream technologies for the storage and efficient use on Renewable and Alternative Power of this clean energy resource. The Ministers Generation, specifically under various noted that Japan will endeavor to formulate initiatives to strengthen policies for scaling-up pro – market policy options to ensure that investments in renewables, RE technology gas markets operate efficiently for possible demonstration and testing, RE resource consideration of the next EAS ECTF meeting. mapping, sustainable hydropower generation technology and mitigation of climate change 5. The Ministers noted with satisfaction the impacts, and geothermal resource utilisation. good progress made by the Work Stream The Ministers expressed appreciation for the on Energy Efficiency and Conservation to initiatives led by the United States and Brunei promote energy efficiency and conservation Darussalam for trainings and workshops (EE&C) in the EAS region, specifically in on hydropower climate change risk and the information sharing, formulating EE goals roundtables on PV integration technologies and action plans, in helping visualise the as well as the development of tools and medium and long-term savings potential from applications for analysing sub-regional hydro, implementing EE measures, and formulating wind and solar development. roadmaps for promoting EE technologies in the region. 10. The Ministers noted the progress of energy initiatives proposed by China, including the rd 6. The Ministers emphasised the importance of preparations for the 3 EAS Clean Energy EAS countries sharing information on their Forum, the exercise on emergency response respective EE&C situation, existing policies, in case of power failure, and the study on the goals, measures, and action plans accessible clean utilisation of coal in ASEAN Member through a common platform. Likewise States. recognising the benefits of information exchange delivered through a common, 11. The Ministers noted the progress in the one-stop portal developed by the EE&C development of the EAS Roadmap for Mid Work Stream, the Ministers encouraged – and Long-term Energy Policy Research EAS participating countries to step-up efforts which aims to build a strong energy research in cultivating and utilising such platform to capability in East Asia to support discussions develop relevant policy recommendations on energy cooperation the EAS. The Ministers and to formulate roadmaps for promoting EE also appreciated the contributions of ERIA technologies. in developing such roadmap as well as in providing technical assistance to the EAS 7. The Ministers appreciated Japan’s consistent energy cooperation through its various energy efforts to support and implement the initiatives policy research studies. The Ministers looked of the EAS ECTF Work Stream on EE&C. The forward to the completion of the studies led Ministers also encouraged further progress to by the Energy Research Institute Network accelerate deployment of EE technologies, (ERIN) in collaboration with ERIA. such as smart energy management technologies and distributed energy systems, 12. The Ministers decided to meet again in and looked forward to achieving stable and September 2017 in the Philippines. efficient energy supply in the region while reducing carbon emissions. The delegations from EAS participating countries, the ASEAN Secretariat and ACE expressed 8. The Ministers noted with satisfaction the appreciation to the Government and people of three major activities implemented by the Myanmar for the warm hospitality accorded and Work Stream on Biofuels for Transport and the excellent arrangements made for the meeting. Other Purposes in the past year, including the Biofuels Database Project in EAS countries, the annual Renewable Energy Researchers Invitation Program, and the joint studies on renewable energy potential in certain EAS countries and their effective utilisation.
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MINISTERS FOR ENERGY OF EAS ASEAN – United Nations PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES th Mr. James Chisholm, First Assistant Secretary, Chairman’s Statement of the 8 Energy Division, Department of the Environment ASEAN-United Nations Summit and Energy of Australia, representing Hon. Josh Frydenberg MP, Minister for the Environment and Energy of Australia: H.E. Dato Hamdan Abu Vi e n t i a n e , L a o P D R , Bakar, Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s 7 September 2016 Office of Brunei Darussalam; H.E. Mr. Suy Sem, Minister of Mines and Energy of Cambodia; H.E. Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic Mr. Li Fanrong, Deputy Administrator of National ASEAN Community Energy Administration of China; Ms. Anuradha S. Chagti, Director, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural 1. The 8th ASEAN-United Nations (UN) Summit Gas of India, representing H.E. Mr. Dharmendra was held on 7 September 2016 in Vientiane, Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Lao PDR. The Summit was chaired by H.E. of India; Mr. Jarman, Ir., MSc., Director General Thongloun SISOULITH, Prime Minister of of Electricity of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral the Lao PDR. The Summit was attended by Resources, representing the Minister of Energy all Heads of State/Government of ASEAN and Mineral Resources of Indonesia; H.E. Mr. Member States and H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Toshinao Nakagawa, Parliamentary Vice-Minister United Nations Secretary-General. The of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan; H.E. Secretary-General of ASEAN was also in Mr. Viraphonh Viravong, Vice Minister of Energy attendance. The ASEAN Leaders expressed and Mines of Lao PDR; Hon. Datuk Seri Panglima their appreciation to the UN Secretary – Dr. Maximus Johnity Ongkili, Minister of Energy, General for his efforts to promote peace, Green Technology and Water of Malaysia; H.E. prosperity and human rights in the world Dr. Tun Naing, Deputy Minister of Electricity and in the last ten years. During his tenure, the Energy of Myanmar; H.E. Mr. Steve Marshall, New ASEAN-UN partnership has been significantly Zealand’s Ambassador to Myanmar Mr. Alfonso strengthened. G. Cusi, Secretary of Department of Energy of the Philippines; Mr. Jang Young Jin, Director General, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy representing 2. We are pleased with the progress of the H.E. Mr. Hee-Bong Chae, Minister of Trade, ASEAN-UN cooperation as demonstrated in Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea; the implementation of its Work Plan for 2015 H.R. Mr. Nikolay Listopadov, Russian Federation’s period, and note with satisfaction the five- Ambassador to Myanmar; H.E. Ms Sim Ann, Senior year plan of action (2016-2020) to implement Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Joint Declaration on the Comprehensive Singapore; H.E. General Anantaporn Kanjanarat, Partnership between ASEAN and the UN, Minister of Energy of Thailand; Mr. Alan Yu, Acting taking into account the key elements of the Deputy Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the 2030 Energy, representing H.E. Dr. Ernest J. Moniz, Agenda for Sustainable Development. Secretary of U.S. Department of Energy. H.E. Dr. Cao Quoc Hung, Vice Minister of Industry and 3. We noted with satisfaction the on-going active Trade of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam; and engagement between ASEAN and the UN in H.E. Dr. Lim Hong Hin, Deputy Secretary General all areas of cooperation at different levels, of ASEAN for ASEAN Economic Community. namely the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with the UN Secretary-General and the *** UNGA President (AUMM), the ASEAN CPR- UN Interface and ASEAN – UN Secretariat – to – Secretariat Meetings, which took stock of current cooperation and explored new areas for future cooperation to further strengthen the partnership, including at the regional level in Bangkok and Jakarta.
4. We reaffirmed the role of the UN under its Charter in the maintenance of international
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peace and security. The UN Secretary- agreed to fully take into consideration the General expressed gratitude to the ASEAN UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy Leaders for their significant contribution and the UN Secretary-General’s Plan of to global peace and security including Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, as through the deployment of military, police well as the ASEAN Convention on Counter- and civilian personnel from the region to Terrorism. We expressed our support for engage in UN Peace Operations around UNSC Resolutions 2170 (2014), and 2178 the world. He also expressed appreciation (2014) which, among others, called on the for ASEAN’s increasing engagement in international community to prevent and disaster management both within and outside stem the flow of foreign terrorist fighters. We the ASEAN region. The ASEAN Leaders reaffirmed our commitments to continue the appreciated the United Nations’ continued finalization of the Comprehensive Convention support for ASEAN’s central role in the on International Terrorism as it will serve as evolving rules-based regional architecture as one legal basis in countering international well as efforts for peace and security in the terrorism. Further, we looked forward to the region. convening of the next ASEAN-UN Workshop: 3rd Regional Dialogue on Political-Security 5. The ASEAN Leaders welcomed the UN’s Cooperation (AURED III), which will focus contribution in enhancing ASEAN’s capacity on conflict prevention and the prevention of on conflict prevention, preventive diplomacy violent extremism, scheduled to take place in and maintenance of peace and stability, as Indonesia in November 2016. well as on humanitarian affairs, through the sharing of expertise and best practices as 8. We recognised the importance of continued well as support for the ASEAN Institute for cooperation and collaboration between Peace and Reconciliation (AIPR) including in ASEAN and the UN in other areas of the mainstreaming of gender. We reaffirmed transnational crime including illicit trafficking our commitment to the implementation of wildlife and timber, trafficking in persons of relevant provisions of Security Council and drug trafficking. We emphasised the Resolution 1325 (2000) and related United need to intensify cooperation in addressing Nations resolutions on women, peace and the new trends and emerging crime and security. In addition, the UN Secretary- security challenges in this area by adhering General expressed appreciation to Lao PDR consistently to and effectively implementing for agreeing to host the first UN ‘Preventive relevant legal instruments such as the United Diplomacy and Peacemaking’ Training Nations Convention against Transnational Course in the Asia and the Pacific, which is Organised Crime and its Protocols, the ASEAN scheduled to take place in late 2016. Convention on Counter-Terrorism, and the ASEAN Convention against Trafficking in 6. We welcomed the Official Inauguration of Persons, Especially Women and Children. the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC) Headquarters in Phnom Penh 9. We affirmed the importance of the promotion which was held on 25 May 2016. In this and protection of human rights at the national, regard, the ASEAN Leaders looked forward regional and international levels and of the to the technical assistance and support from need to strengthen the collaboration between the UN to the ARMAC, which serves as the the ASEAN Inter-Governmental Commission regional centre of excellence in addressing on Human Rights (AICHR) and the UN in the humanitarian aspects of the explosive areas of mutual interest. We encouraged remnants of war (ERW) for interested ASEAN the AICHR and the UN to form a sustainable Member States. partnership in enhancing the promotion and protection of human rights, especially the 7. We condemned the heinous acts of violence rights of women, children, through exchanges and brutality committed by extremist of best practices and capacity building as well organisations and radical groups who are as promoting ASEAN’s interest and welfare in posing an increasing threat to all regions of line with the ASEAN Community Vision 2025. the world and agreed to step up cooperation to address international terrorism and violent 10. We reiterated the importance to continue extremism in a comprehensive manner. our cooperation on economic, social and In furthering our regional cooperation, we environmental matters consistent with and in
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support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable 13. We welcomed ASEAN-UN collaboration on Development to promote the well-being of promoting the welfare of children through our people. We recognized the importance the implementation of the Regional Plan of of promoting complementarities between the Action on the Elimination of Violence Against 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Children (RPA on EVAC), and UN’s support (SDGs) and the ASEAN Community Vision to the implementation and monitoring of the 2025 and its three Blueprints within the Convention of the Rights of the Child by framework of ASEAN-UN cooperation. In strengthening child protection systems in this regard, we appreciated the leadership ASEAN Member States and child participation of Thailand as ASEAN Coordinator for in decision making processes. We looked Sustainable Development in coordinating with forward to a more programmatic approach in the UN in advancing cooperation between strengthening cooperation in this area. ASEAN and the UN on this important issue which has global and regional dimensions. 14. We looked forward to closer cooperation The ASEAN Leaders also welcomed UN’s on promoting and protecting the rights and support to ASEAN in pursuit of economic welfare of persons with disabilities in the integration both within the region and in the region through the implementation of the global economy as well as efforts to promote UN Convention on the Rights of Persons complementarities and mutual benefit in with Disabilities, and sharing knowledge and such areas as trade, investment, energy, best practices that ensured inclusivity and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises accessibility. (MSME) development, transport, ICT, and create effective operational and regulatory 15. We welcomed and noted the progress in the frameworks, where necessary, for a development of ASEAN-UN Action Plan on competitive ASEAN Economic Community Environment and Climate Change (2016- (AEC). 2020), which is aligned with the Declaration on ASEAN Post-2015 Environmental 11. We acknowledged the importance of the Sustainability and Climate Change Agenda. cooperation of ASEAN and UN in the pursuit We are pleased with the positive outcomes of continued competitiveness and decent of the 21st Session of the Conference of the work of ASEAN workforce. The ASEAN Parties to the United Nations Framework Leaders welcomed the confirmation of the Convention on Climate Change (COP21) as UN to support the implementation of the well as the adoption of the Paris Agreement ASEAN Labour Ministers’ (ALM’) Work on Climate Change in 2015. Programme 2016-2020. We looked forward to the development of join initiatives between 16. We encouraged ASEAN Member States UN and ASEAN Senior Labour Officials to to ratify and implement the Multilateral promote decent work in the region in support Environmental Agreements at the regional of the Sustainable Development Goals, and international levels as part of shared ASEAN Community Vision 2025, and ASEAN efforts in addressing environmental issues, as Labour Ministers’ Work Programme 2016- well as cooperation in knowledge sharing with 2020. the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity and other relevant agencies. 12. We welcomed ASEAN-UN collaboration on promoting women empowerment and 17. We encouraged both sides to further promote gender equality through the implementation collaboration on enhancing food security and of the ASEAN Regional Plan of Action of the safety, nutrition, rural development access to Elimination of Violence Against Women (RPA healthcare and promotion of healthy lifestyles, on EVAW), and full implementation of the including for ageing populations, improving Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of capabilities to control communicable Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). We diseases and manage natural resources, and looked forward to a more robust cooperation building disaster – resilient nations and safer on sharing knowledge and expertise that communities. would facilitate gender mainstreaming in the three pillars of ASEAN Community, and 18. We reaffirmed our support to address drug enhance the capacities of ASEAN Secretariat issues in a comprehensive, holistic and on issues related to gender. balanced manner involving both demand and
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supply reduction measures. In this regard, Plan of Action to Implement we welcomed the participation of ASEAN Member States at the 59th Session of the the Joint Declaration on Commission on Narcotic Drugs in March 2016 Comprehensive Partnership and at the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on the World Drug Problem between ASEAN and the United in April 2016. Nations (2016-2020)
19. The ASEAN Leaders appreciated the UN’s This Plan of Action is aimed at implementing the support for the ASEAN Coordinating Centre Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Partnership for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster between ASEAN and the UN, which was adopted management (AHA Centre), and encouraged by the Leaders of ASEAN and the UN Secretary- enhanced cooperation in the implementation General at the 4th ASEAN-UN Summit on 19 of the Work November 2011 in Bali, Indonesia. It will continue to pursue the goals and objectives set forth in the 20. Programme for the ASEAN Agreement Declaration in the next five years (2016-2020), on Disaster Management and Emergency within the framework of the Comprehensive Response (AADMER), which embodies Partnership, building upon the achievements in the the spirit of One ASEAN, One Response implementation of the ASEAN-UN Work Plan for to collectively address the causes and 2015; consequences of disasters in the ASEAN region and outside the region. We welcomed This Plan of Action identifies strategic priorities, the development of the third ASEAN- activities and measures to be undertaken by both UN Strategic Plan of Action on Disaster sides to further enhance their political-security, Management covering the period of 2016- economic, and socio-cultural cooperation, including 2020 and also the ASEAN Joint Statement for on cross-sectoral issues, as well as Secretariat- the World Humanitarian Summit in May 2016 to-Secretariat collaboration. It will also serve as which highlighted ASEAN’s commitments and the guidepost for further planning, including the contribution to the Agenda for Humanity. We possible development of frameworks and work committed ourselves to continuing ASEAN’s plans as initiated by the respective ASEAN sectoral collective engagement in the implementation bodies and their UN counterparts. Through the of the UN Secretary-General’s Agenda for implementation of this Plan of Action, both sides Humanity, and reaffirmed the commitments will also work together to support the realisation of to the Agenda as articulated by ASEAN the ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together and the stakeholders at the World Humanitarian global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Summit. in a complementary manner and to strengthen collaboration in jointly addressing emerging 21. We underlined the need for reinforcing regional and global challenges; regional and international cooperation to address the challenges associated with the ASEAN and the UN hereby endeavour to pursue irregular movement of persons, as well as cooperation in conformity with their obligations trafficking in persons and people smuggling under international law and in accordance with the in a comprehensive and sustainable respective domestic laws, regulations, and policies manner by addressing the root causes and of ASEAN Member States; other contributing factors in the spirit of cooperation, international burden sharing and shared responsibility. Towards this end, the 1. POLITICAL-SECURITY COOPERATION UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants on 19 September provides a historic opportunity 1.1. Peace and Security to the international community to devise a comprehensive response to large movements 1.1.1. Continue to uphold ASEAN’s Centrality of refugees and migrants. in the evolving regional architecture, as well as to further promote shared 22. We emphasized the importance of sustaining values and norms of conduct and our Comprehensive Partnership at the highest principles of international law governing level and looked forward to the 9th ASEAN-UN friendly relations among States, Summit to be held in Philippines in 2017.
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including those enshrined in the UN processes and conflict Charter, the ASEAN Charter, the Treaty resolution as well as promoting of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast collaboration and networks Asia (TAC), and the East Asia Summit between the AIPR and relevant (EAS) Declaration on the Principles institutes; (ii) conduct regional for Mutually Beneficial Relations (Bali and international seminars, Principles), to contribute towards workshops and trainings on maintaining and promoting peace and confidence-building measures, stability in the region and beyond; preventive diplomacy, peace- making, conflict resolution and 1.1.2. Enhance dialogue on global security post – conflict peacebuilding; issues of common concern and and (iii) strengthen the capacity developments in the wider Asia-Pacific of and cooperation among region and other regions that have research and academic an impact on international peace and institutes, particularly the security; ASEAN Institutes for Strategic and International Studies 1.1.3. Develop effective partnership and (ASEAN-ISIS) Network and promote closer cooperation for the Council for Security sustaining peace, in confidence-building Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific measures, preventive diplomacy, in addressing issues of conflict humanitarian affairs and post-conflict management and resolution; peace-building through capacity building activities and exchange of 1.1.4. Explore further cooperation with the UN information, whenever appropriate, best to provide continued training assistance practices, lessons learned, experiences in peacekeeping to ASEAN, including and expertise in these areas with training in humanitarian affairs and relevant ASEAN mechanisms and civil-military coordination, gender ASEAN-led arrangements such as the issues such as the role of women ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), regular peacekeepers, health, safety and dialogues and specialised trainings, and security arrangements, and support collaborate with the ASEAN Institute for ASEAN’s efforts in strengthening Peace and Reconciliation (AIPR) and the ASEAN Peacekeeping Centres ASEAN-led fora, including: Network, including through the sharing of lessons learned, best practices and 1.1.3.1. The continued convening of capacity building; regular ASEAN-UN Track 1.5 workshops that bring 1.1.5. Promote regional dialogues, training together ASEAN government and technical advice to support officials, ASEAN Track 2 ASEAN’s efforts in the implementation representatives, the UN of relevant provisions of UN Security and other regional experts Council Resolution 1325 and related on preventive diplomacy, United Nations Resolutions on women, including peace building, peace and security; conflict prevention, conflict management, and conflict 1.1.6. Promote collaboration between the resolution; ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC) and the UN, including 1.1.3.2. Capacity-building activities sharing of expertise and best practices to support ASEAN to (i) in addressing humanitarian aspects of utilise effectively the AIPR landmines and explosive remnants of in accordance with its terms war; of reference, including undertaking studies to promote 1.1.7. Undertake technical cooperation to gender mainstreaming exchange expertise, best practices, in peacebuilding, peace lessons learned and experiences in
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countering terrorism and radicalisation, Trafficking in Persons, Especially preventing violent extremism, taking Women and Children, the ASEAN note of the UN Secretary – General’s Declaration Against Trafficking in Plan of Action for Preventing Violent Persons Particularly Women and Extremism and in particular, through Children, and the ASEAN Leaders’ Joint the United Nations Capacity Building Statement in Enhancing Cooperation Implementation Plan for Countering Against Trafficking in Persons in the Flow of Foreign Terrorist Fighters Southeast Asia through research, including innovative ways to counter workshops, seminars, training, and narratives that underpin these other relevant capacity building threats through research, workshops, activities for ASEAN; seminars, training, and other relevant capacity building activities for ASEAN 1.1.11. Strengthen cooperation in combating Member States, in support of the trafficking in persons and people implementation of the United Nations smuggling, including through law Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, enforcement cooperation, sharing of relevant United Nations Security Council information and expertise, exchange resolutions and related instruments and of intelligence and capacity building, the Langkawi Declaration on the Global to explore solutions to collectively deal Movement of Moderates (GMM); with the issue in the region;
1.1.8. Carry out activities to promote tolerance 1.1.12. Enhance cooperation in combatting and moderation including through illicit drugs by organising surveys, supporting the GMM as underscored research, workshops, seminars, in the EAS Declaration on the Global training, and other relevant capacity- Movement of Moderates, and promoting building activities for ASEAN; the observance of a Year of Moderation at the UN; 1.1.13. Increase cross-border coordination through measures including inter alia 1.1.9. Strengthen cooperation to combat the United Nations Office on Drugs and international terrorism, including Crime (UNODC) Border Liaison Office through support for the implementation (BLO) network to enhance cooperation of the United Nations Global Counter on border management, in accordance – Terrorism Strategy, relevant United with domestic laws, regulations and Nations Security Council resolutions policies and taking into account relevant and related instruments and the ASEAN international standards and practices; Convention on Counter-Terrorism and the ASEAN Comprehensive Plan of 1.1.14. Enhance cooperation and continue Action on Counter-Terrorism, as well as the sharing of information with the collaboration with the United Nations existing ASEAN-led mechanisms to Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT), address other regional traditional and the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for non-traditional security issues such Counter-Terrorism in Kuala Lumpur, the as maritime security including search RSIS International Centre for Political and rescue, cyber security including Violence and Terrorism Research cybercrimes, people smuggling in Singapore, the International Law and trafficking in persons, illicit Enforcement Academy in Bangkok, and trafficking of wildlife and timber, arms the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement smuggling, money laundering and Cooperation; international economic crimes through the organisation of surveys and data 1.1.10. Support the implementation of the development, research, workshops, UN Convention Against Transnational seminars, training, and other capacity Organized Crime and its relevant building activities for ASEAN; protocols, and the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children and the ASEAN Plan of Action Against
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1.1.15. Enhance training and technical support 1.1.22. Promote the exchange of best practices in cyber security cooperation, including in implementing international law and strengthening ASEAN Member States’ expertise in the peaceful settlement of capacity for CERT-CERT cooperation; disputes in accordance with the ASEAN Charter, the UN Charter, and relevant 1.1.16. Support ASEAN’s efforts to preserve Agreements and UN Resolutions; Southeast Asia as a Nuclear Weapon – Free Zone and free from all other 1.2. Promotion of Good Governance, Human weapons of mass destruction, Rights and Democracy including through concrete activities to implement the Treaty on the Southeast 1.2.1. Support all ASEAN Member States’ Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone efforts in promoting dialogue and (SEANWFZ) and its Plan of Action; partnership among governments and relevant stakeholders to 1.1.17. Support regional efforts and initiatives enhance transparency, accountability, by enhancing cooperation between participatory and effective governance; ASEAN and the UN in matters related to arms control, disarmament and non – 1.2.2. Support ASEAN’s efforts in promoting proliferation, including through regional the principles of good governance, consultations, regional symposiums, human rights, democracy and the rule and other activities, to promote the of law, including through sharing of effective implementation of global and experiences and best practices; regional treaties and other instruments; 1.2.3. Support all ASEAN Member States 1.1.18. Support the ongoing efforts of the in the implementation of the UN States Parties to the SEANWFZ Treaty Convention Against Corruption and and Nuclear Weapon States to resolve the Memorandum of Understanding all outstanding issues, in accordance on Cooperation for Preventing and with the objectives and principles of the Combating Corruption, including SEANWFZ Treaty; through collaboration with the Southeast Asia Parties Against Corruption (SEA- 1.1.19. Enhance dialogue to support PAC); global efforts at promoting nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and 1.2.4. Support the work of ASEAN peaceful use of nuclear energy; Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and the 1.1.20. Promote maritime security and safety, ASEAN Commission on the Promotion freedom of navigation and overflight, and Protection of the Rights of Women unimpeded lawful commerce, exercise and Children (ACWC) in accordance of self-restraint, non-use of force or with their respective mandates and the threat to use force, and resolution workplans through capacity building of disputes by peaceful means, in initiatives, information exchanges, and accordance with universally recognised the sharing of experiences and best principles of international law, including practices; the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1.2.5. Encourage engagement between relevant standards and recommended ASEAN and UN human rights practices by the International Civil mechanisms relevant to all ASEAN Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Member States including on the International Maritime Organization Universal Periodic Review and Treaty (IMO); Bodies and Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council, as appropriate; 1.1.21. Build capacity through legal and technical training on the law of the sea, 1.2.6. Support exchanges of best practices especially the 1982 UNCLOS; and expertise on issues related to ratification and implementation of
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regional and international conventions 1.2.13. Support ASEAN in achieving peaceful on human rights and their protocols and and inclusive societies for sustainable engagement with the relevant Treaty development, providing access to Bodies and Special Procedures of the justice for all and building effective, UN Human Rights Council , as mutually accountable and inclusive institutions agreed; through the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; 1.2.7. Support the development of regional strategies and undertake initiatives 1.3. Regional and International Issues of to further integrate respect for the Common Concern promotion and protection of human rights into the development of work 1.3.1. Support ASEAN Centrality in programmes and work plans to reinforcing an open, inclusive and implement the three community rules-based regional architecture, as blueprints, where appropriate, in well as the UN’s central role in the line with the ASEAN Human Rights global multilateral system to contribute Declaration (AHRD) and the Phnom towards maintaining and promoting Penh Statement on the Adoption of peace and stability in the region and the AHRD and international human beyond; rights instruments to which all ASEAN Member States are parties; 1.3.2. Continue dialogue to enhance mutual understanding of regional and 1.2.8. Share best practices and expertise, international issues of common interest as mutually agreed, with AICHR, and concern; in line with AICHR’s mandate to support the development of ASEAN 1.3.3. Enhance cooperation in areas such as legal instruments on human rights climate change, disaster management, undertaken by other ASEAN sectoral effective management of natural bodies; resources, energy security, pandemic diseases, irregular movement of 1.2.9. Promote joint activities and programmes persons, international terrorism and between AICHR and other regional and violent extremism, illicit drug trafficking, international human rights mechanisms food security and others, including their to share best practices and lessons potential humanitarian consequences learned; to jointly address regional and global challenges; 1.2.10. Support AICHR, ACMW, ACWC and ACW in exchanging best practices 1.3.4. Support ASEAN’s efforts to play a on women’s empowerment, including more active and constructive role economic empowerment, through in addressing global developments sharing best practices, lessons learned and issues of common interest and and fostering inter-sectoral dialogues; concern in line with the Bali Declaration on ASEAN Community in a Global 1.2.11. Promote the sharing of best practices in Community of Nations (Bali Concord voluntary electoral observation among III); ASEAN Member States, including through training and facilitating the 2. ECONOMIC COOPERATION exchange of comparative knowledge with other regional electoral observation 2.1. ASEAN Economic Integration organisations;
2.1.1. Support ASEAN’s continued efforts to 1.2.12. Share best practices and experiences in pursue further economic integration promoting democracy and democratic both within the region and into institutions, including through the Bali the global economy to promote Democracy Forum; complementarities and mutual benefits through capacity building and advisory
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services in implementing the ASEAN access to finance, enhancing market Economic Community Blueprint 2025 in access and internalization; enhancing areas such as trade, investment, Micro, policy and regulatory environment; Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) promoting entrepreneurship and development, regulatory frameworks, human capital development and global supply chains, and resource enhancing resilience to disaster management; including through support for women’s and youth economic participation and 2.1.2. Continue capacity development entrepreneurship; assistance to ASEAN Member States in trade facilitation, paperless trade, and 2.3. Food, Agriculture and Forestry implementation of the ASEAN Single Window, including through collaboration 2.3.1. Support ASEAN in achieving food with the UN Network of Experts on security through, among others, Paperless Trade and Transport in Asia the implementation of the ASEAN and the Pacific (UNNExT); Integrated Food Security Framework (AIFS), the Strategic Plan of Action on 2.1.3. Strengthen cooperation to enhance Food Security in the ASEAN Region transport infrastructure, networks, and (SPA-FA) (2015-2020), as well as the operations and encourage sharing of Vision and Strategic Plan for ASEAN knowledge and experiences on cross Cooperation in Food, Agriculture and – border management to support the Forestry (2016-2025), and the 2030 implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Agenda for Sustainable Development; Transport Strategic Plan 2016-2025; 2.3.2. Cooperate on key issues related to 2.1.4. Encourage knowledge sharing, capacity food, agriculture and forestry, including building and joint programmes in areas on sustainable food and agricultural such as high-skilled ICT professional production, forest management, and development, e-government, e – fisheries management practices, to commerce, broadband infrastructure, minimise negative impacts on the information technology policy, regulatory environment and natural resources and systems and practices and services, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; advances in technology, promotion of innovation, and bridging the digital 2.3.3. Promote responsible fishing practices divide, to support the implementation of and to combat illegal, unreported and the ASEAN ICT Masterplan 2020; unregulated fishing, particularly in order to sustain fisheries resources, ensure 2.1.5. Strengthen ASEAN’s capacity to better food security, eradicate poverty and to respond to transnational organised optimize the benefit to the people and crime and security challenges that arise economies in the region; as a result of increased regional trade and economic integration; 2.4. Energy Security
2.2. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises 2.4.1. Support ASEAN’s effort to achieve (MSME) energy security in the region, among others, through the implementation of 2.2.1. Support ASEAN’s continued efforts to the ASEAN Plan of Action on Energy empower Micro, Small, and Medium Cooperation (APAEC) 2016-2025 and Enterprises (MSME) and ensure their other energy sector related work plans participation into the regional and and the exchange of best practices global supply chain through enhanced in energy regulatory frameworks and cooperation to implement the ASEAN technical standards on alternative, Strategic Action Plan for SME clean, and renewable energy; including Development (2016-2025), focusing collaboration with the ASEAN Centre on promoting MSME productivity, for Energy (ACE) to strengthen data technology, and innovation; increasing compatibility, policy information,
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enhance regional standards and preparedness and response, including the inter – governmental knowledge through the Disaster Emergency platform; Logistics System for ASEAN and Emergency Response Assessment 3. SOCIO-CULTURAL COOPERATION Team;
3.1. Disaster Risk Reduction and 3.1.4. Support ASEAN’s efforts to fully Management operationalise the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Regional Standby Arrangements and Coordination of 3.1.1. Strengthen collaboration in jointly Joint Disaster Relief and Emergency responding to catastrophic events Response Operations; and enhance coordination on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM), taking into account gender 3.1.5. Align and coordinate ASEAN regional responsiveness, as well as recovery and national Disaster Risk Reduction and rehabilitation in the context of Build Management (DRRM) efforts with Back Better in the region, including the implementation, monitoring and under the framework of the ASEAN- reporting of relevant UN frameworks, UN Joint Strategic Plan of Action on including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Management (JSPADM) Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), 2016-2020; Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the World Humanitarian Summit (WHS) outcome document; 3.1.2. Support ASEAN’s vision for disaster and climate resilient communities, reducing disaster losses and 3.2. Environment and Climate Change collectively responding to disasters and climate change through the continuous 3.2.1. Promote cooperation and collaborative implementation of the JSPADM 2016- efforts through joint development and 2020, which is aligned to the new implementation of the ASEAN-UN Comprehensive Work Programme of Environment and Climate Change the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Action Plan 2016-2020 towards the Management and Emergency realisation of the ASEAN Declaration Response (AADMER) 2016-2020, on ASEAN Post-2015 Environmental highlighting the enhancement of Sustainability and Climate Change regional capacity including disaster Agenda as well as the 2030 Agenda for health management, micro, small and Sustainable Development and the 2015 medium enterprise disaster resilience, Paris Agreement on Climate Change; and social protection and safety net for disaster resilience, mobilisation of 3.2.2. Strengthen the effort and ability public and private sector partnership, of government, private sector and and empowerment of local communities community in reducing greenhouse gas in responding to disasters and climate (GHG) emissions as well as to adapt to change within and outside the region; the adverse impact of climate change and foster risk reduction and resilience 3.1.3. Enhance the key role of the ASEAN including through accessing innovative Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian climate finance mechanisms and Assistance on disaster management strengthening capacities to mainstream (AHA Centre) as the ASEAN coordinating climate change concerns into national body for disaster management in the policies; region and, where appropriate, work in partnership with relevant national, 3.2.3. Support ASEAN’s efforts in promoting regional and international agencies the integration of Sustainable and centres such as the Asian Disaster Consumption and Production strategies Preparedness Centre and the Regional and best practices into national and HADR Coordination Centre (RHCC) regional policies or as part of Corporate to enhance effective regional disaster Social Responsibility (CSR) activities as
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well as ASEAN’s efforts for sustainable conservation and environmental and urban development including promoting socio-economic sustainability in the integrated resource management; ASEAN region;
3.2.4. Promote coordination among relevant 3.3. Culture and Education sectors to strengthen cooperation on environmental protection, biodiversity 3.3.1. Continue to promote culture as an conservation, coastal and marine enabler of sustainable development protection, and climate change and to by supporting ASEAN Member States improve access to clean land, green to integrate cultural perspectives public space, clean air, clean and safe into national education policies and water, and sanitation; programmes;
3.2.5. Within the framework of post-2015 3.3.2. Enhance collaboration in the protection, ASEAN strategic plan of action on preservation, and development environmental cooperation, support of ASEAN cultural heritages and ASEAN in the implementation of the the promotion of understanding of ASEAN Community Vision 2025, the cultural diversity, including through ASEAN Strategic Plan of Action on the promotion of regional creative Environmental Cooperation (2016- industries; 2020), the Roadmap on ASEAN Cooperation towards Transboundary 3.3.3. Strengthen cooperation to promote Haze Pollution Control with Means of inclusive and equitable opportunities to Implementation, the ASEAN Agreement quality education for all and school safety on Transboundary Haze Pollution and against disasters and promote life – ASEAN environmental sub-sectoral long learning, pathways, equivalencies action plans and the Convention on and skills development and the use Biological Diversity’s Strategic Plan for of information and communications Biodiversity (2011-2020), including the technology (ICT) across age groups; Aichi Biodiversity Targets; 3.3.4. Promote regional cooperation in 3.2.6. Coordinate ASEAN regional and the areas of education, training and national climate change adaptation research and support ASEAN’s and mitigation efforts under the United enhanced role in regional and global Nations Framework Convention on research networks; Climate Change (UNFCCC) including the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate 3.3.5. Encourage student mobility exchanges, Change once it comes into effect especially within the ASEAN University for all ASEAN Member States, and Network (AUN) and promote an other relevant frameworks such as innovative ASEAN approach to the ASEAN Declaration on Climate higher education, which incorporates Change, and encourage collaboration academics, community, regional in the ASEAN region in terms of the placement, and entrepreneurship provision of technical assistance and incubation and support; sharing of best practices in climate change adaptation and mitigation; 3.3.6. Support ASEAN’s effort in promoting volunteerism among ASEAN Member 3.2.7. Promote scientific cooperation in terms States; of research and education in the areas of basic sciences and Science Technology and Innovation (STI), to strengthen 3.3.7. Promote cooperation in enhancing the joint efforts towards climate regional cooperation in creative industry change adaptation and mitigation, and pursuits; environmental protection, biodiversity
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3.4. Social Welfare and Development 3.4.7. Strengthen collaboration for enhancing the well-being and livelihood of 3.4.1. Enhance collaboration between the the peoples in the region through relevant UN agencies and the ASEAN sustainable development and poverty Commission on the Promotion and eradication; Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC), including supporting 3.4.8. Encourage capacity building in ageing the ACWC Network of Social Service related issues through the sharing of Agencies (NOSSA); best practices and experiences;
3.4.2. Strengthen cooperation with the 3.4.9. Encourage volunteerism within the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion ASEAN Community to promote the and Protection of the Rights of Women implementation of the ASCC Blueprint and Children (ACWC) to support the 2025; implementation of the Declaration on Elimination of Violence Against Women 3.4.10. Support the implementation of the (EVAW) and Elimination of Violence Regional Framework and Action Plan Against Children (EVAC) in ASEAN and to Implement the ASEAN Declaration the Regional Plan of Action on EVAW on Strengthening Social Protection and the Regional Plan of Action on and the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on EVAC; Ageing: Empowering Older Persons and the 3rd Regional Review of Madrid 3.4.3. Foster cooperation on the promotion International Plan of Action on Ageing of gender equality and women’s (MIPAA); empowerment in the three pillars of the ASEAN Community; 3.4.11. Promote decent work for all workers including through support to the 3.4.4. Promote exchange of best practices, implementation of the ASEAN technical cooperation and capacity Declaration of Protection and Promotion building in social development, gender of the Rights of Migrant Workers, as well equality and women’s empowerment, as promote the ASEAN Qualifications and elimination of all forms of violence Reference Framework (AQRF) as a and discrimination, including the care, voluntary initiative as appropriate; protection, and access to services and opportunities of vulnerable groups, 3.4.12. Support the implementation of the such as children, youths, the elderly / Vientiane Declaration on Transition older persons, persons with disabilities, from Informal Employment to Formal and migrants, and populations exposed employment towards Decent Work to disaster risk subject to national Promotion in ASEAN and the ASEAN circumstances, policies, laws and Guidelines for Corporate Social regulations; Responsibility;
3.4.5. Promote the effective implementation 3.4.13. Support ASEAN’s continued efforts of the Incheon Strategy to “Make the to foster safe working environments Right Real” for Persons with Disabilities through the implementation of the in Asia and the Pacific with an emphasis ASEAN-OSHNET Plan of Action 2016 on ASEAN’s priorities as contained in – 2020; the ASCC Blueprints 2025; 3.4.14. Support the implementation of the 3.4.6. Promote and nurture creative and Putrajaya Joint Declaration on ASEAN inclusive social entrepreneurship for Post-2015 Priorities towards an ASEAN youths, persons with disabilities, women Citizen-Centric Civil Service; and vulnerable and marginalised groups; 3.5. Public Health
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3.5.1. Encourage coordination and 4.2. Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) and collaboration between UN agencies Narrowing Development Gap and the ASEAN Health Sector through project initiatives relevant to the 2030 4.2.1. Support ASEAN’s efforts in narrowing Agenda for Sustainable Development the development gap within and and the ASEAN Post-2015 Health between ASEAN Member States Development Agenda, including through the implementation of IAI Work on cross-cutting concerns such as Plans and relevant ASEAN documents the prevention and control of non- as well as eradicating poverty in all its communicable diseases; advocacy forms and dimensions and promoting and capacity building on maternal, sustainable development in order to new-born, child and adolescent health fully achieve ASEAN integration; and nutrition, reproductive health, disaster health management; and 4.2.2. Support communications and prevention, detection and response awareness-raising activities to further to communicable diseases/emerging promote IAI to relevant stakeholders; infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS, pandemics, and other potential public health threats; 4.2.3. Support the implementation of priority areas of the IAI Work Plan III, among others, food and agriculture; trade 3.5.2. Promote exchange of best practices, facilitation; micro, small and medium advocacy initiatives, technical enterprises (MSME); education and cooperation and capacity building in health and well-being; promoting healthy lifestyles; responding to all hazards and emerging threats; strengthening health systems, access 4.2.4. Deepen partnership in the effort to align to care and enhancing food safety, the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 nutrition and water, sanitation and and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable hygiene; Development to eradicate poverty in all its forms and dimensions and narrow development gaps within and among 4. CROSS-SECTORAL COOPERATION ASEAN Member States; 4.1. ASEAN Connectivity 4.3. Cooperation to Implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 4.1.1. Support the implementation and appropriate financing of the Master 4.3.1. Strengthen coordination and the Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 implementation of the ASEAN (MPAC 2025) in its three dimensions Community Vision 2025 and the 2030 of physical, institutional, and people-to- Agenda for Sustainable Development people connectivity; in ASEAN to complement one another, through joint activities and other 4.1.2. Promote exchange of best practices relevant activities undertaken by and capacity building on public-private ASEAN and the UN respectively, as partnerships (PPP) including project well as other relevant mechanisms finance, investment appraisal, and including the Asia Pacific Forum on development of networks of experts Sustainable Development (APFSD), and specialists on PPP; and support for the National Evaluation Capacity Development of ASEAN 4.1.3. Support communications and Member States in accordance with UN awareness-raising activities to further General Assembly Resolution 69/237 promote ASEAN Connectivity to and enhanced collaboration between relevant stakeholders, as well as the UN and its specialised agencies increase knowledge regarding the with various ASEAN mechanisms and increased risks and transnational institutions; security challenges that arise as a result of integration;
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4.3.2. Promote the exchange of best practices, 5.3.3. Fully utilise the UN liaison presence in technical cooperation and capacity Jakarta to enhance coordination with the building in monitoring and reporting on ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN Member sustainable development goals; States, ASEAN Dialogue Partners, and other External Partners in ensuring the 4.3.3. Explore new partnerships to harness effective implementation of the ASEAN- the private sector’s financial and UN Comprehensive Partnership; non – financial resources, science, technology and innovation needed 5.3.4. Explore cooperation to support to implement the 2030 Agenda for the strengthening of the ASEAN Sustainable Development; Secretariat, including through capacity building for ASEAN Secretariat 4.3.4. Enhance cooperation to strengthen staff and sharing of knowledge and ASEAN statistical system, through the experiences in technical, administrative initiatives of the ASEAN Community and operational matters, such as Statistical System (ACSS) Strategic Plan training and knowledge-sharing related (2016-2025), continued institutional to reference document systems and strengthening of ASEAN statistics and physical security; progressive implementation of the assessment framework for the ACSS 6. IMPLEMENTATION MECHANISMS Code of Practice as well as statistical cooperation with the UN to support 6.3.1. Encourage ASEAN Sectoral Bodies regional progress and accountability and the UN system to pursue technical in implementing the 2030 Agenda for cooperation through this Plan of Action Sustainable Development as well as in order to help both sides maximise reflecting our commitment to leave no their respective strengths, where one behind; appropriate, while also providing the flexibility to make adjustments as 4.3.5. Support the implementation of the required during implementation; ASEAN ICT Masterplan 2020, which will contribute to facilitating exchange 6.3.2. This Plan of Action will be taken forward of knowledge and best practices, with resources available or mobilized technical cooperation, and capacity- by ASEAN and/or the UN System; building programmes for sustainable development; 6.3.3. The parties may agree to establish appropriate instruments or exchange 4.3.6. Continue joint efforts to mainstream a “letter of agreement” (LOA) to realize gender equality principles across the the priorities, actions and strategic areas of cooperation under this plan of measures in this Plan of Action, with action; resources available or mobilized by ASEAN and/or the UN System, in 5. SECRETARIAT-TO-SECRETARIAT accordance with the financial rules and COOPERATION regulations of the concerned ASEAN or UN body by mutual agreement; 5.3.1. Encourage frequent exchange of information between sectoral desk 6.3.4. Continue regular ASEAN-UN officers of the two Secretariats on Secretariat-to-Secretariat Dialogues, programmes, activities and projects to ASEAN-UN Ministerial Meetings explore potential partnerships in areas (AUMM), ASEAN-UN Summits, and of mutual interest; where appropriate, convene informal ASEAN-UN Senior Officials’ Meetings 5.3.2. Explore possible research collaboration to prepare for the AUMM and the between the ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN-UN Summit; ASEAN sectoral bodies, and the UN on issues of common interest;
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6.3.5. Produce joint reports of the two will help ASEAN Member States in developing Secretariats to the AUMM and through appropriate energy policies and strategies to it to the ASEAN-UN Summit, including respond to the changing energy landscape. on the progress of the implementation ASEAN Ministers also welcomed the IEA’s of this Plan of Action; new “open doors” policy towards deeper and wider-ranging collaboration with emerging 6.3.6. Enhance interaction between ASEAN economies in Southeast Asia. and the UN system, including through holding senior-level dialogue meetings, 3. Recognising the rising energy import where appropriate, between the UN dependence of ASEAN, the Ministers and the Committee of Permanent underscored the importance of enhancing Representatives to ASEAN (CPR), as national and regional energy security. well as the ASEAN Secretariat. The Ministers looked forward to further collaboration with the IEA on the ASEAN *** Petroleum Security Agreement – Coordinated Emergency Response Measures (APSA- OTHERS CERM).
th 4. The Ministers welcomed the continuing Joint Statement of the 5 collaboration with the IEA on regional Dialogue Between the ASEAN electricity market integration. To optimise the Ministers on Energy Meeting and use of ASEAN’s substantial renewable energy resources and to improve the development the International Energy Agency and operation of conventional generation (5th AMEM-IEA DIALOGUE) sources, the Ministers requested the IEA to continue providing expert analysis on regulatory issues to facilitate such integration Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, efforts in line with ASEAN’s vision and 22 September 2016 aspirations. The Ministers also highlighted the importance of capacity building for the region, and expressed their appreciation 1. The Fifth Dialogue between the ASEAN towards the IEA for the ASEAN Statistics in Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) and the Policy Workshop held on 19-20 September International Energy Agency (IEA) was held 2016, at the sidelines of the 34th AMEM, in on 22 September 2016 in Nay Pyi Taw, Union collaboration with the Asian Development of Myanmar. The Meeting was co-chaired Bank and the ASEAN Centre for Energy. by H.E. Dr. Tun Naing, Deputy Minister for Electricity and Energy of Myanmar and the 5. The Ministers acknowledged that energy IEA Executive Director, Dr. Fatih Birol. efficiency can help ASEAN address energy security concerns, improve standards of 2. The ASEAN Ministers and the IEA Executive living, reduce energy demand, and increase Director discussed current energy trends and ASEAN’s industrial competitiveness. The their impact on the ASEAN region. In particular, Ministers recognised the IEA’sWW key the Ministers acknowledged the changing and ongoing role in measuring the success dynamics of the oil and gas markets, including of energy efficiency programmes, which the prolonged low oil price environment, the provides valuable performance feedback to rebound in global oil and gas production ASEAN Member States in calibrating and unlocked by upstream technologies in oil and improving the design of their programmes. shale gas, and reduction in new investments The Ministers also requested the IEA to work in upstream exploration as well as volatilities with ASEAN on the development of standards arising from geopolitical factors and long-term for buildings and fuel economy which could market rebalancing. The Ministers looked help lower ASEAN’s energy demand growth forward to further analysis by the IEA, which
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significantly and therefore reduce investments needed in both renewable and conventional electricity supply infrastructure.
6. The Ministers agreed to convene the 6th AMEM-IEA Dialogue in September 2017 in the Philippines.
The Ministers and the delegation from IEA expressed their sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Myanmar for the hospitality accorded and the excellent arrangements made for the Dialogue.
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