Focusing on Strengthening a Fast-Growing, Inclusive, and Sustainable Regional Economy, Indonesia Runs the 2023 ASEAN Chairmanship

INDUSTRY.co.id - Global economic conditions predicted by the World Bank will only be able to grow by 1.7 percent in 2023 and the relatively high inflation rate of 10.3 percent at the end of 2022 has led to economic uncertainty in various countries, including countries in the ASEAN region.

Responding to these conditions, ASEAN continues to strengthen cooperation and encourage various policy alternatives to create a resilient environment for economic growth. Connectivity development is also continuing in the context of energy, transportation, and logistics to support increased regional trade and investment.

"ASEAN needs to take advantage of the achievements agreed at the G20 for economic growth in ASEAN, especially in the fields of food and energy security, financial stability, and of course adhering to ASEAN principles," said Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto when delivering a keynote speech in a meeting with all ASEAN Ambassadors and ASEAN Representative Ambassadors in Jakarta, Thursday (19/01). The meeting discussed Indonesia's priorities and targets in the 2023 ASEAN Chairmanship, particularly on the ASEAN Economic Community Pillars.

Through the theme "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth", Indonesia's 2023 ASEAN Chairmanship will focus on strengthening the regional economy that is growing fast, inclusive, and sustainable, and can transform into a region committed to sustainable development goals. Indonesia will also strengthen the implementation of the inclusive ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) for a peaceful, interconnected, inclusive, and competitive region.

Indonesia's Chairmanship of ASEAN 2023 will also raise three priority issues in the economic sector, namely recovery and rebuilding, digital economy, and sustainability, referring to the main achievement targets that have been set. First, Indonesia will boost recovery prospects to rebuild regional growth, connectivity, and competitiveness and strengthen food and financial security by ensuring food supply chains.

Second, Indonesia seeks to accelerate the transformation of an inclusive and participatory digital economy, and improve quality digital infrastructure to bridge the digital divide. Third, Indonesia will emphasize the importance of sustainable economic growth by encouraging blue economy issues and the shift towards renewable energy while remaining aligned with the principles of accessibility, affordability, and sustainability for the ASEAN people.

"In closing, I ask for support, cooperation, collaboration, and close coordination from all ASEAN members to ensure the successful completion of the Indonesian Chairmanship," concluded the Coordinating Minister Airlangga.