ADB Support for Subregional Programs Emphasized at ASEAN High-level Forum on Subregional Cooperation

The ASEAN High-level Forum on Subregional Cooperation for Sustainable Development and Inclusive Growth initiated by the Government of Viet Nam on 30 November 2021 provided a platform for ASEAN Member States, subregional frameworks, external partners, international organizations, and the private sector to discuss opportunities and challenges in subregions in the ASEAN. The Forum held the following sessions:  

• Recovering together: Advancing subregional cooperation in the ASEAN 
• ASEAN’s partnership with external partners and relevant stakeholders in subregional development and narrowing development gaps  

The Forum highlighted (i) the need to synchronize ASEAN’s development strategies with those of subregional frameworks, and (ii) the importance of partnership with external partners and private sector, as well as priority areas that would contribute to the resilient and sustainable COVID-19 recovery, including public health, digitalization, supply chain connectivity, sustainable development, and low-carbon and green economic development. 

Mr. Ahmed M. Saeed, Asian Development Bank Vice President for Operations 2, participated in the Forum. He highlighted ADB’s support to ASEAN, Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) [5], Indonesia–Malaysia–Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) [6], and the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) to bolster regional cooperation, overcome the pandemic, and build the foundations for lasting economic recovery. He also emphasized the importance of boosting vaccination and health security; supporting trade, SMEs, tourism, and infrastructure for post-pandemic recovery; and advancing green and blue recovery to ensure a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for ASEAN. 

Viet Nam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh opened the forum. Lao PDR Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh and several regional foreign ministers also spoke at the forum.