(04/04/2013)
The Initiative for ASEAN
Integration (IAI) Task Force and Ambassadors and representatives from
the ASEAN Dialogue Partners and External Parties kicked off its
inaugural meeting to deliberate on mobilizing resources for and
contribution to the implementation of the IAI Work Plan II (2009-2015).
Preceded by the 42nd IAI Task Force
Meeting, the consultation was a response to the growing interest in the
IAI by the Dialogue Partners and External Parties. Initiated as a new
format by current IAI Task Force Chair Viet Nam, the meeting serves to
share information among IAI stakeholders to foster a better
understanding of the available resources for Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar,
and Viet Nam (CLMV) and determines the approaches to improve delivery
of IAI activities.
“ASEAN highly values the interest,
participation and contribution of the Dialogue Partners and External
Parties to its programmes, especially the IAI. It is necessary that a
forum be created to allow an open discussion to raise any issue of
concern that will help promote the mutual interest of all stakeholders,”
said IAI Task Force Chair H.E. Mr. Vu Dang Dzung, Permanent
Representative of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to ASEAN.
The meeting also welcomed
representatives from Australia, People’s Republic of China, India,
Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, United States of America and the
Japan International Cooperation Agency.
H.E. Mr. Kimihiro Ishikane, Ambassador
of Japan to ASEAN emphasized that successfully tackling the gap among
countries in the region will help develop the quality of integration and
cohesiveness of ASEAN. “It is important for Dialogue Partners,
including Japan, to remain involved in the IAI process so that
specialized assistance can be provided in particular areas and sectors,”
said the Ambassador.
To further enhance the cooperation with
Dialogue Partners and External Parties, ASEAN will be setting a clear
set of guidelines and procedures for considering projects under the IAI
that will aim to encourage interested partners to contribute more to the
Work Plan. This new initiative was welcomed by the US Mission to ASEAN
who is seeking to heighten their engagement with ASEAN, particularly
with the CLMV countries through the Lower Mekong Initiative. Similar
responses were also received from China and the Republic of Korea who
have immediately found a strong interest in the IAI to help build
capacity of CLMV officials at the sectoral level.
ASEAN expressed appreciation to all the
Dialogue Partners and External Parties for their continued support and
looks forward to working with them through the respective programmes.
The Initiative for ASEAN Integration was
launched by the ASEAN Heads of State at their Summit in 2000 with the
objectives of Narrowing the Development Gap and accelerating economic
integration in the newer members of ASEAN which are Cambodia, Lao PDR,
Myanmar, and Viet Nam.
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