Working together to come out stronger, more integrated, better able to respond to challenges

WE live in extraordinary times. We have seen a health emergency become a global economic emergency, creating unprecedented stress on families, companies and communities. We should count ourselves lucky, however, to live in a region that holds so much promise, energy and fortitude.

Despite the ongoing pandemic emergency, Asean is, I believe, well placed to emerge stronger, and better equipped to seize the opportunities of the future if the 10 member states work together to take clear and decisive steps.

The EU-Asean Business Council, the European business body for South-east Asia that I chair, and the Asean Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC) recently issued a joint statement calling for such an approach.