50th ASEAN-2017: VIENTIANE – Asean anniversary achievements, prospects presented in provinces

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Thongphan Savanphet, who also serves as Laos’ Asean SOM Leader, chaired the meeting from February 21-22.

Participants learned of the results of the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the body that was celebrated in 2017 while The Philippines served as rotating chair.

This was a significant milestone and time to consider outcomes over the past five decades regarding the securing of peace and prosperity to accelerate socio-economic development in the Asean region.

The participants also acknowledged the outcomes and achievements during the period of membership of the Lao PDR in Asean over the past 20 years.

Over the past two decades, the Lao PDR had actively participated in and contributed to all areas of cooperation and bringing benefits to the country in many aspects, he said.

The meeting also reported on the progress of implementation of the Asean Community Vision 2025, notably the Asean Political-Security Community Blueprint 2025, and also Blueprint 2025 in the fields of Economic Community and Socio-Cultural Community pillars.

The meeting also was informed of Singapore’s Asean Chairmanship priorities for 2018 including an aim to connect Asean’s people and economies seamlessly in a network of Asean smart cities.

The chair is seeking for all member nations to nominate its participant cities to create model modern and sustainably-developing urban centres.

The participants also exchanged views and experiences of provinces in the fields of trade and investment, including the challenges and prospects for improved administration.

Participants are expected to apply understanding of the outcomes of the meeting to seek benefits of the Asean Economic Community at the provincial level.VIENTIANE TIMES  /  By Times Reporters 
(Latest Update February 24, 2018)