ZCZC
BCN-03
ASEAN-ECONOMY-VIRUS-IMPACT
ASEAN, China, Japan, S. Korea reaffirm commitment to actions against
COVID-19 fallout
HANOI, Aug 29, 2020 (BSS/XINHUA) – Economic ministers from the 10 members
of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), China, Japan and South
Korea have reaffirmed their commitment to take collective actions in
mitigating the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Attending the 23rd ASEAN Economic Ministers Plus Three Consultations via
video link on Friday, the ministers underscored the importance of bringing
back business confidence to facilitate post-pandemic recovery, according to a
joint media statement of the meeting.
They agreed to intensify coordinated efforts in promoting economic and
social resilience in the region, including through signing of the Regional
Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) this year, said the statement.
Welcoming the progress on the RCEP negotiations and the preparation for its
signing this year, the ministers reiterated the significance of the deal’s
signing in enhancing confidence and strengthening the regional economic
architecture, according to the statement.
The ministers resolved to ensure macroeconomic and financial stability by
keeping the markets open for trade and investment and ensuring the supply
chain connectivity, and reiterated the need for cooperative efforts to
facilitate the essential movement of business people across borders, it said.
In enabling post-pandemic recovery, the ministers also recognized the
importance of harnessing the opportunities of the digital economy by
facilitating the cross-border transfer of information and data by electronic
means, the statement said.
BSS/XINHUA/SSS/0937 hrs