ASEAN-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to be set up

Both sides declared to enhance partnerships in economic and technological cooperation, catalyse investments in high-standard, transparent and climate-resilient infrastructure, including projects under the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025, as part of the regional transformation to net zero emissions.

They will facilitate trade and investment between the two sides to promote resilient global supply chains and seamless regional connectivity, and promote stronger, more equitable and more inclusive economic growth, the White House said.

Both sides will promote maritime cooperation through ASEAN-led mechanisms by upholding freedom of navigation and overflight and through peaceful resolution of disputes.

Both sides declared to reaffirm support for an open, transparent, resilient, inclusive and rules-based ASEAN-centered regional architecture at the heart of the Indo-Pacific region that promotes ASEAN’s strong, unified and constructive role in addressing regional issues of common concern.

President Joe Biden has announced the establishment of a US-ASEAN Platform for Infrastructure and Connectivity, a demand-driven co-development mechanism through which the United States will support ASEAN initiatives that enhance connectivity across Southeast Asia and facilitate high-quality investment in regional infrastructure projects, under the auspices of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII).

Based in Jakarta to facilitate partnershipwith the ASEAN Secretariat and the ASEAN Committee of Permanent Representatives, this mechanism will support implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, the ASEAN Interconnection Masterplan Study III, and other high-priority ASEAN infrastructure initiatives.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)