ASEAN
ASEAN Dhaka Committee holds donation prog for Covid-hit people
The ASEAN Dhaka Committee (ADC) in collaboration with the Bangladesh-Malaysia Chambers of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) organised a donation programme Monday to help the low-income people in Dhaka, who have been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.The programme was organised to express solidarity with the people of Bangladesh and was part of the ADC's community outreach activity. Distributing several hundred care bags, donated by all the ASEAN diplomatic missions in Dhaka, was part of the humanitarian effort. The bags contained a combination of basic food items – namely rice, lentil, sugar, flour, and cooking oil – masks, and blankets to help the low-income people to stay warm during the upcoming winter.
READ: ASEAN: Dhaka seeks Jakarta's proactive role for Rohingya repatriation
The logistic aspects of the donation programme were facilitated by the BMCCI, a non-profit organisation with an aim to foster trade ties between Bangladesh and Malaysia.Haznah Md Hashim, high commissioner of Malaysia and ADC chair, expressed her appreciation to BMCCI president Raquib Mohammad Fakhrul for the support.The envoy highlighted that this contribution showed the ADC's care to the vulnerable people in Bangladesh, including the day labourers and rickshaw pullers, amid the pandemic.The programme reflected the ADC's firm commitment to strengthening the people-to-people relations and further signified the long-standing relations between ASEAN and Bangladesh, said the organisers.The ADC, established in 2014 and now being chaired by Malaysia, comprises eight ASEAN diplomatic missions based in Dhaka.
READ: Dhaka calls for ASEAN leaders’ concerted efforts to tackle regional challengesTheir current heads of mission are Haznah Md Hashim, high commissioner of Malaysia; Haji Haris Haji Othman, high commissioner of Brunei Darussalam; Pham Viet Chien, ambassador of Viet Nam; Aung Kyaw Moe, ambassador of Myanmar; Makawadee Sumitmor, ambassador of Thailand; Alan L Deniega, ambassador of the Philippines; Hidayat Atjeh, chargé d'affaires of Indonesia, and Sheela Pillai, head of Mission of the Singapore Consulate.
Restoration of democracy: US, Australia call for inclusive dialogue in Myanmar
The US and Australia have called for a swift return to democracy, inclusive dialogue between all parties, and immediate, unimpeded humanitarian access in Myanmar.
"The secretaries and ministers remain gravely concerned about the situation in Myanmar," said a joint statement released by the governments of the US and Australia on the occasion of the 31st Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) 2021.
They urged a cessation of violence and the release of political prisoners and those arbitrarily detained, including Australian Professor Sean Turnell and US journalist Danny Fenster.
Both sides expressed support for the mandate of the special envoy of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chair on Myanmar and encouraged ASEAN to hold Myanmar accountable to the five-point consensus.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin hosted Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women Marise Payne and Minister for Defence Peter Dutton in Washington DC for the 31st AUSMIN 2021.
The US and Australia will continue to advance peace, security, and prosperity to ensure an open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific region, reads the joint statement. "Our allies and partners are our greatest strategic asset and central to achieving our collective goals in the region."
READ: Civil society calls on UN to retain Myanmar Ambassador Tun's accreditation to UN
They will pursue closer cooperation in priority areas, including regional security, infrastructure, economic growth, technology, democratic resilience, human rights, climate challenge, and pandemic response.
The secretaries and ministers reaffirmed their commitment to working through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) to support Indo-Pacific partners to respond to the defining challenges of today's world.
Quad is already making a difference on Covid-19 vaccine production and delivery through the Quad Vaccine Partnership, and deepening cooperation on other core regional challenges, including climate change, critical and emerging technology, maritime security, infrastructure, cyber, and countering disinformation.
The US and Australia are committed to regular Quad engagement at all levels, including the second Leaders' Summit scheduled for September 24.
The secretaries and ministers expressed a strong commitment to Southeast Asia, ASEAN centrality, and ASEAN-led architecture.
They underscored the role of the East Asia Summit as the region's premier, a leader-led forum for addressing strategic challenges and expressed their ongoing support for the practical implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
'Bangabandhu Bangladesh Book Corner' launched in Brunei
State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam on Monday said the "Bangabandhu-Bangladesh Book Corner" in Brunei will serve as an effective conduit to bring the academics and students of Brunei and Bangladesh to collaborate and learn from each other.
"Education is a priority of our government; we want to collaborate with the universities of Brunei more," he said, noting that the education sector worldwide suffered a huge blow from the pandemic.
Read: Bangabandhu's foreign policy still works as guiding principle: FM
The State Minister thanked the University Technology Brunei (UTB) for opening the Bangabandhu-Bangladesh Corner at its premises.
ASEAN: Dhaka seeks Jakarta's proactive role for Rohingya repatriation
Bangladesh has requested Indonesia to remain proactive in ASEAN platform to convince Myanmar for creating a conducive environment for a safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen made the request when outgoing Ambassador of Indonesia to Bangladesh Rina Prihtyasmiarsi Soemarno met him on Tuesday.
Dr Momen suggested that an ASEAN-led observer team may be deployed in the Rakhine State to oversee the repatriation process.
Read: ‘Will remain alert’, says FM about Afghan-trained terrorists
He also said since there was no major violence in the Rakhine State in the last four years, repatriation can start under the supervision of a neutral international body.
The ambassador assured to remain engaged on the issue and continue Indonesia’s support for a durable solution to the crisis.
The Foreign Minister thanked Indonesia for the humanitarian support extended to the Rohingyas and sought political support from it on the repatriation issue.
Terming Indonesia as an important partner of Bangladesh in the South East Asian region, the Foreign Minister suggested that the multi-faceted relations could be expanded if more people to people contacts take place and barriers in trade and investment are removed.
He sought Indonesia’s support towards Bangladesh’s bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of the ASEAN.
Dr Momen said as a natural bridge between South and South East Asia, Bangladesh is a genuine candidate to become a Dialogue Partner of the ASEAN.
Read:Rohingya children must be educated in their own language: FM
Dhaka calls for ASEAN leaders’ concerted efforts to tackle regional challenges
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has emphasized on collective efforts by the ASEAN leaders in tackling challenges faced by ASEAN region.
He made the call while delivering his speech on Friday at the 28th Meeting of ASEAN Regional Forum, virtually held n Brunei Darussalam under the theme “We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper”.
Foreign Minister Momen assured of Bangladesh’s continuous support to the ARF initiatives.
He appraised the forum how Bangladesh is playing role in dealing with climate challenges.
Momen called for united action by the leaders to accelerate implementation of the Paris Agreement to advance global climate progress.
Momen and other Foreign Ministers had a substantive exchange of views on possible areas of collaboration and cooperation i.e. Rohingya refugee crisis, climate change, nuclear proliferation, cyber security and other regional issues.
He expressed hope that under the dynamic leadership of ARF, the developing countries of this region would come forward with good governance and stronger economy.
While presenting an overview of Bangladesh’s role in tackling Covid-19, he emphasized on vaccines to be a public good and its technology should be shared and available to all countries to produce it at an affordable price.
Read: UK becomes Dialogue Partner of ASEAN
Dr. Momen raised that although Bangladesh is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention nor its 1967 Protocol still Bangladesh is providing shelter to the 1.1 million Rohingya refugees considering humanitarian ground only.
Sacrificing 6800 acres of her sovereign forest land Bangladesh is not in a position to shoulder the burden for an indefinite period, he added.
UK becomes Dialogue Partner of ASEAN
The UK has agreed a new partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The partnership, which is the first ASEAN has agreed in 25 years, will lead to closer cooperation between the UK and the region on a range of issues such as trade, investment, climate change, the environment, science and technology, and education.
UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will join a virtual ceremony with ASEAN Foreign Ministers where they will welcome the UK as an ASEAN ‘Dialogue Partner’.
Also read: Bangladesh keen to expand ties with Asean countries: FS
Since the UK submitted its application to become a Dialogue Partner in June 2020, the Foreign Secretary has attended two UK-ASEAN Ministerial Meetings and hosted the ASEAN Chair at the G7 Foreign & Development Ministers meeting in May.
ASEAN is an influential group of ten member countries in the Indo-Pacific.
By becoming a Dialogue Partner the UK will formalise its relations with the group - including through attending annual Foreign and Economic Ministers meetings along with other Ministerial engagements.
Dialogue Partner status puts the UK at the heart of the Indo-Pacific.
The UK will work with ASEAN and its members on key shared challenges such as maritime security and transnational crime, boost our economies through trade, and strengthen our cooperation on issues such COVID-19 and climate change.
Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab said: “I am delighted that the UK has, today, formally become a Dialogue Partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc – the first new country in 25 years.”
“This is a landmark moment in the UK’s tilt towards the Indo Pacific. Our closer ties with ASEAN will help create green jobs, reinforce our security cooperation, promote tech and science partnerships, and safeguard key pillars of international law like the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.”
The new agreement will also help the UK to deepen economic links with ASEAN, which has a combined GDP of $3.2 trillion.
Total trade between the UK and ASEAN was £32.3 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q1 2021 with huge potential to boost this trade, creating jobs at home.
International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss said this is great news and shows Global Britain in action, forging stronger relationships around the world as an independent trading nation.
Also read: Greater efforts sought from envoys to enhance trade with Asean
"Along with CPTPP accession and deals with countries like Singapore and Vietnam, this will help unlock opportunities for British businesses in a high-growth region of more than 650 million people, allowing them to expand and create jobs across the UK.
'Accelerating digital economy key for inclusive integration in APAC'
Participants at the recently held webinar "Accelerate Digital Economy for Inclusive Integration in the Asia Pacific – Connecting Digital Industries in Pandemic" called for leveraging digital opportunities to build an inclusive ecosystem and promoting regional integration, which is particularly important while still combating the pandemic.
A digital economy is increasingly perceived as the way to overcome disruptions caused by Covid-19.
Representatives and thought leaders from government, industry and academic sectors across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) joined the virtual conversation organised by Huawei to explore the multiple facets of the digital economy.
Read: Huawei wants to empower ASEAN's green development
Ambassador of Indonesia to China Djauhari Oratmangun said, "The digital transformation has been significantly accelerated during the pandemic, speeding up business changes."
Based on digital knowledge and infrastructure, the digital economy has powered a growing proportion of regional GDP and boosted resilience amid the pandemic.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) predicts the digital economy will contribute $1 trillion to regional GDP by year.
Read: Huawei to invest $150 million in talent development
Countries from the region have released future-oriented roadmaps on removing trade barriers, improving digital coverage and ensuring ubiquitous access to digital services to facilitate the implementation of the digital economy.
"The development of the digital economy ecosystem is a process that involves active participation of multiple stakeholders including those from the private sectors," said Dr Le Quang Lan, assistant director for ICT and Tourism Division at ASEAN Secretariat, when referring to enabling a digital economy ecosystem to accelerate social recovery and regional integration.
Dr Tan Khee Giap, chairman of the Singapore National Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation, said: "Digitalisation is not just about technological progress, but quality empowerment of digitalisation to the public at large is paramount if inclusive integration is to be achieved. The role of the government is providing digital capability as a public good, it can be complemented by private sector ICT companies."
Read Huawei Bangladesh gets Pioneer 5G Partner Award
Professor Jose Decolongon, COO and managing director of Corporate Foresight, Embiggen Consulting Philippines said: "Micro, small, medium enterprises need to have an understanding of digitalisation to perceive the opportunities when it comes to exploring the digital side of the business."
Huawei wants to empower ASEAN's green development
Chinese telecom giant Huawei will leverage its digital power innovations to enable the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN) cooperation on climate change and green development.
Jeffery Liu, president of Huawei Asia Pacific, said this at the online ASEAN-China Digital Economy Development and Cooperation Forum 2021 Friday.
Climate change and environmental issues are becoming global challenges. Though carbon emissions declined over the past year due to the economic slowdown and worldwide lockdowns, emissions are rapidly rebounding as economies reopen. Shifting to a circular economy and achieving sustainable development is now a common goal for all countries.
Read: Huawei to invest $150 million in talent development
Potential climate change has a significant regional impact, with six of the 20 most vulnerable countries in the world being ASEAN members.
ASEAN has taken actions to address climate change through various environmental, economic, and social activities over the years. Thailand, for example, has set a target of reaching peak carbon emissions in 2030 and then achieving net-zero emissions in 2065.
ICT technologies are important enablers of energy conservation and emissions reduction in other industries. It is estimated that the reduction in carbon emissions in other industries enabled by ICT technologies will be 10 times the amount of carbon emitted by the ICT industry itself.
Read: Huawei partners to build 5G automobile ecosphere
"Huawei has been leveraging its extensive experience in power electronics and energy storage as well as technical expertise in 5G, cloud, and other innovative technologies, to develop its digital power business and provide digital power solutions for different industries," said Jeffery.
To promote renewable energy, Huawei has deployed its digital power solutions in more than 170 countries and regions, serving one-third of the world's population.
"As of December 2020, these solutions have generated 325 billion kWh of electricity from renewable sources and saved 10 billion kWh of electricity. These efforts have resulted in a reduction of 160 million tons in CO2 emissions," the company said.
Read: Huawei launches new 5G products
Bangladesh has been a member of the ASEAN Regional Forum since 2006. The country's largest solar power plant, situated in Mymensingh, is fully installed with the Huawei Smart photovoltaic (PV) solution with 173K solar panels and 332 inverters through which it has been connected to the national grid.
Mymensingh power plant has chosen Huawei Smart PV string inverters, SUN2000-185KTL with IP66 high-level protection, and anti-PID technologies to safeguard the smooth running of the plant with the highest yields possible.
Greater efforts sought from envoys to enhance trade with Asean
Bangladesh wants to enhance economic relations with the Asean countries with increased trade and has sought stronger efforts from its envoys in Asean countries.
The Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) is a 10-member international body that represents more than 500 million people living in the region.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Monday exchanged views with the Bangladesh envoys and urged them to step up their efforts for protecting the national interests of Bangladesh with particular emphasis on enhancing trade and economic relationship with the Asean countries.
Also read: ASEAN envoys meet Myanmar junta leader to press for dialogue
He called upon the envoys to make innovative and out-of-the-box efforts to maintain the momentum of the economic growth of Bangladesh in context of the raging pandemic and other regional and global challenges.
The virtual meeting was held on the locally developed Bangladeshi virtual video conferencing platform ‘Boithok’ with Bangladesh Ambassadors/High Commissioners in Asean countries on contemporary issues.
Eight Ambassadors/High Commissioners along with other senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs attended the virtual meeting chaired by the Foreign Secretary.
Also read: Bangladesh keen for establishing road, rail links with China, ASEAN countries
Set up in 1967 in Bangkok by Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore, Asean has since been joined by Brunei, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia.
Indo Pacific region holds future but tensions growing: EU
High Representative of the European Union Josep Borrell has said the Indo Pacific region is the future, but insecurity and tensions are rising, threatening the order and balance of this dynamic region.
"The key point to make here is that the economic growth of this region rests on openness, on stable and shared rules, and shared security," he said.
The High Representative for the EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy made the remarks while sharing the EU approach to the Indo-Pacific at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
Read:Bangladesh seeks TRIPS waiver to ramp up Covid vaccine production
Borrell said this is a dynamic region and it is as much a strategic space as a geographical reality, which they define as stretching from East Africa to the Pacific Island States.
"It’s becoming the world’s centre of gravity, both in geo-economic and geo-political terms," he said.
The EU is the top investor and development assistance provider for the Indo-Pacific and one of its biggest trading partners.
The Indo-Pacific creates 60% of global GDP and two-thirds of global growth. It is the second largest destination for EU exports; and home to four out of the top ten EU trading partners, according to the European Union.
By 2030, the overwhelming majority (90%) of the 2.4 billion new members of the middle class will come from this region, it said.
However, Borrell said, amid all this dynamism, the regional stability is increasingly challenged: maritime and land disputes, internal crises and conflicts, and the US-China geo-political competition is intensifying.
Read:US unveils strategy for global vaccine sharing with Bangladesh, India on list
"We see the consequences around the world, but most sharply in this region. A clear sign is the strong regional military build-up," he said.
The Indo-Pacific’s share of global military spending increased from 20% in 2009 to 28% in 2019 and is rising further, Borrell said.
"That means countries in this region are investing heavily in their militaries, as they aren’t sure what the future holds. It’s a sign of a worsening regional security landscape," said Borrell.
A research Institute in Singapore recently asked opinion-leaders and policy-makers in Southeast Asia who would be their most favoured and trusted strategic partner. Four in 10 of the respondents picked the EU.
EU & COVAX
Borrell said they favour vaccine multilateralism and believe that COVAX is the best way to ensure the access to vaccines by low and middle-income partner countries in this region.
"We put our money where our mouth is, and the EU is now the second largest contributor to COVAX with over EUR 2.4 billion," he said.
Read:Dhaka, London hopeful of signing climate accord before COP26
In addition, Borrell said they are the world's largest exporter of vaccines. "With over 240 million doses, we have exported around half of our production to 90 countries."
He said the “EU Digital COVID Certificate” that the EU is working on will not be exclusive or to build barriers. "It’s mainly regulating and allowing inside-EU travel."
In their efforts to globally fight the pandemic, Borrell said they deliberately chose a different path from others.
"We do not offer preferential treatment, nor do we seek political favours in return. Instead, we look for concrete cooperation, including with ASEAN."
EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy
The EU wants to expand engagement with this region, which is why the 27 EU Foreign Ministers recently adopted a new EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, after several EU member states had already done so at national level.
Read:COVAX Facility: Japan to provide 30mn vaccine doses to other countries
The basic message is that the EU will work with its partners in the Indo-Pacific to respond to emerging dynamics that are affecting regional stability, said Borrell.
"Our approach is by the way very close to ASEAN’s own Outlook on the Indo-Pacific."
Concretely, he said, they will advance joint work to boost trade and investment, economic openness and a sustainable approach to connectivity.
The EU will promote multilateral cooperation, working on global challenges, from the pandemic to climate, from ocean governance to digital.
"And we will deepen our security engagement, seeking to make that cooperation as concrete as possible," said Borrell.
He said their new strategy aims to deepen regional integration and is inclusive for all partners in the region, wishing to cooperate with the EU when our interests coincide.
Read:ILO: Slow jobs recovery, increased inequality risk long-term COVID-19 scarring
"This includes China because we know that in important areas, like climate, fisheries and biodiversity, its cooperation is essential," said Borrell.
He said they do not aim to create rival blocs or force countries to take sides, and want to deepen our cooperation with democratic, like-minded partners.
"The European Union’s commitment to democratic rights and fundamental freedoms is very strong. Not because we see these as European or Western constructs. But because these values and principles are universal," he said.