ASEAN looks forward to closer relations with China

By APD Writer Melo M. Acuna

**MANILA, August 7(APD) ** – The ASEAN foreign ministers acknowledged China’s growing role in the region, which according to them this growth continues to benefit the region.

This was contained in the 46-page communiqué issued Sunday night at the end of the 50th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in Manila.

The ASEAN foreign ministers called on both China and their respective governments to promote economic integration and at the same time, officials look forward to more “high-level dialogues and exchanges” between ASEAN and China.

The ministers welcomed the entry into force of the “Protocol to Amend the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Certain Agreements” between ASEAN and the People’s Republic of China.

This is also

known as the ACFTA Upgrade Protocol. They expressed optimism to the early ratification of the protocol by the other ASEAN countries.

The ministers said such action would help support the twin goals to reach two-way trade worth US 1 trillion and investment of US 150 billion by the year 2020.

“We also noted with satisfaction the progress made in the implementation of the ASEAN-China Air Transport Agreement known as ASEAN-Air China Transport Agreement,” the ministers said.

They likewise expressed optimism for the implementation of the upgraded ASEAN – China Air Transport Agreement.

In the same statement, the foreign ministers welcomed the declaraion of the year 2018 as “Year of Tourism Cooperation.”

They added the newly-inaugurated facility now known as “ASEAN-China Center” will further showcase trade promotions, investment, tourism, education and culture between China and ASEAN.

The ministers expect the coming year being the 15th Anniversary of the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership would provide for a new vision statement in time for the ASEAN – China Year of Innovation Cooperation.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)