ASEAN Plus Three reaffirm commitment against COVID-19 fallout

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 recognised 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.