Thai Prime Minister Proposes New ASEAN Approach to Address US Customs Duties
Thailand's Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has urged fellow ASEAN leaders to reevaluate their strategies and strengthen regional unity in response to the challenges posed by global shifts and recent US tariff impositions during the 46th ASEAN Summit.
Held under the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability," the meeting, hosted by Malaysia, took place on Monday. In her address to leaders from nine ASEAN nations, Paetongtarn underscored the urgent need for radical changes given the shifting trend in global politics towards self-serving policies rather than multilateral cooperation.
The Prime Minister stressed the necessity of ASEAN nations to create integrated supply chain networks and deepen regional integration to navigate the evolving economic landscape more effectively. She also highlighted the importance of maximizing existing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) while exploring new partnerships to diversify trade and reduce dependency on single markets.
Paetongtarn emphasized the crucial role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in ensuring economic diversification and job creation. Furthermore, she advocated for the completion of the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) by 2025 to unleash new growth opportunities and demonstrate ASEAN's proactive stance in the increasingly digital world.
In addition, the Thai leader emphasized the importance of adopting a people-centred approach to foster human security across various dimensions, such as health, food security, combating transnational crime, and managing natural disasters. To achieve sustainability, she called for the promotion of green initiatives like strengthening tourism, fostering cross-border infrastructure, and preserving shared cultural heritage.
As the bloc's coordinator for sustainable development, Thailand will spearhead efforts towards this goal, aligning with the "ASEAN Community Vision 2045," which prioritizes green finance, climate change response, clean energy, and digital transformation.
Following the discussions, ASEAN leaders endorsed nine key outcome documents, including declarations on the bloc's 2045 Vision and strategic plans for its political-security, economic, and socio-cultural communities.
- To address the changes in global politics and economy, the Thai Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, stressed the importance of strengthening regional unity within ASEAN.
- In the face of self-serving policies, she advocated for ASEAN nations to deepen regional integration, create integrated supply chain networks, and maximize existing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
- Recognizing the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Paetongtarn highlighted their significance in economic diversification and job creation.
- For sustainable development, she emphasized the need for a people-centered approach,with a focus on health, food security, combating crime, and managing natural disasters.
- In order to achieve sustainability, she suggested promoting green initiatives like strengthening tourism, fostering cross-border infrastructure, and preserving shared cultural heritage.
- As the ASEAN coordinator for sustainable development, Thailand will lead efforts towards this goal, aligning with the "ASEAN Community Vision 2045," which prioritizes green finance, climate change response, clean energy, and digital transformation.
