ASEAN can 'expect more turbulence and storms', must stay united to emerge stronger: PM Wong
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong spoke at the 49th ASEAN Summit in Manila. He warned that the region can expect more turbulence and storms in a contested global environment. Wong called for member states to maintain unity and deepen integration. He suggested focusing on digital transformation and stronger partnerships to support growth. The Prime Minister mentioned the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement as a major milestone.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has emphasised the need for greater unity and co-operation among ASEAN member states as the region navigates a more contested and unpredictable global environment.Speaking at the 49th ASEAN Summit plenary session in Manila, the Philippines on Sunday (Nov 15), PM Wong called for deeper integration, digital transformation and stronger partnerships to sustain regional growth.Despite global volatility, PM Wong said ASEAN had responded decisively by coming together, deepening integration and making progress on issues that matter to its people.He cited the signing of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) as a significant milestone, crediting the Philippines for its leadership in bringing the agreement to fruition.However, he stressed that more work was needed to translate the agreement into tangible benefits for the region."This is just the first step. There is still a lot more to be done, riding on this agreement to link up our economies digitally and to enable businesses to operate more seamlessly across borders," he said.