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42nd ASEAN Summit Begins In Indonesia With Focus On Becoming Global Growth Center

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has begun its 42nd Summit in Indonesia under the theme “ASEAN Affairs: Epicentre of Growth,” with the goal of highlighting the group’s objectives and endeavours to become the primary and driving force of global development.

President Joko Widodo, who currently holds the bloc’s presidency, emphasized the ASEAN region’s enormous potential, which has over 650 million citizens and consistently outperforms the global average in economic growth. He urged member countries to pool their industrial capacity in order to build Southeast Asia as the global growth engine.

Discussed Points In The Meeting For 42nd ASEAN Summit

Officials from the ten ASEAN member countries, including their foreign affairs, trade, and national security ministers, will convene for a series of meetings aimed at discussing various topics. Among these are measures to improve economic integration and enhance ASEAN’s global influence, given the current challenging geopolitical security environment.

Despite these efforts, it is improbable that ASEAN will resolve the current division among its members regarding their differing views on China and Russia. Some seek a tougher stance on these countries, while others rely on their trade and diplomatic relations with Beijing.

One of the issues to be considered during the ASEAN summit is how to increase the bloc’s appeal to foreign investors. ASEAN is looking to entice enterprises that want to shift their manufacturing activities from China. Although ASEAN offers reduced labour costs, bureaucratic obstacles and a lack of strong high-tech businesses may pose a challenge.

Another item on the agenda is Timor-Leste’s application to join the bloc, which would make it the final Southeast Asian member to do so. Taur Matan Ruak, Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister, has confirmed his personal attendance at the meeting. Although Indonesia’s strong support for Timor-Leste’s membership prospects may suggest progress, several members are concerned about the small country’s underdeveloped state and reliance on oil and gas revenue.

More About ASEAN Summit

The ASEAN Summit, comprised of the Heads of State or Government of ASEAN Member States, is the most important decision-making authority in ASEAN. The ASEAN Summit Meetings are traditionally held twice a year, with the scheduling chosen by the ASEAN Summit Chair in conjunction with other ASEAN Member States and hosted by the ASEAN Member State that holds the ASEAN Chairmanship. On February 23-24, 1976, the first ASEAN Summit was held in Bali, Indonesia.

ASEAN Summit Documents

The Chairman’s Statement, which presents a summary of ASEAN’s successes and projected objectives during the Chairmanship term, is the key document published at the ASEAN Summit. Furthermore, various documents related to the achievement of ASEAN’s goals, critical issues for member countries, and topics referred to it by other ASEAN bodies, such as the ASEAN Coordinating Council, ASEAN Community Councils, and ASEAN Sectoral Ministerial Bodies, are reviewed and approved by the Leaders at the summit.

42nd ASEAN Summit – FAQs

Q1: How often are the ASEAN Summit Meetings held, and who decides the scheduling?

Ans: The ASEAN Summit Meetings are traditionally held twice a year, with the scheduling determined by the ASEAN Summit Chair in collaboration with other ASEAN Member States and hosted by the ASEAN Member State that currently holds the ASEAN Chairmanship.

Q2: What other documents are reviewed and approved by the Leaders at the ASEAN Summit?

Ans: At the summit, the Leaders review and approve various documents related to the achievement of ASEAN’s goals, critical issues for member countries, and topics referred to it by other ASEAN bodies such as the ASEAN Coordinating Council, ASEAN Community Councils, and ASEAN Sectoral Ministerial Bodies.

Q3: What are the topics being discussed in the ASEAN Summit?

Ans: ASEAN officials are meeting to address a variety of issues, including economic integration, strengthening ASEAN’s global impact, and increasing its attraction to international investors. They are also considering Timor-Leste’s membership application.

Author

  • Priti Palit, an accomplished edtech writer, boasts a wealth of experience in preparing candidates for multiple government exams. With a passion for education and a keen eye for detail, she has contributed significantly to the field of online learning. Priti's expertise and dedication continue to empower aspiring individuals in their pursuit of success in government examinations.

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