In a bid to strengthen regional economic resilience amidst global economic and trade uncertainties, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia hosted the ASEAN Business Networking Reception on Wednesday, August 6th, at the Main Hall of Kantin Diplomati.
The event brought together public and private sector stakeholders from across Southeast Asia, with the aim of fostering constructive dialogue between policymakers and business actors. It served as a strategic platform to advance ASEAN’s geoeconomic approach in responding to external pressures, building on the commitment of ASEAN Leaders during the 46th ASEAN Summit held earlier this year.
At the summit, Leaders adopted the ‘ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on Responding to Global Economic and Trade Uncertainties’, reaffirming their joint resolve to uphold regional economic stability and resilience. The event aimed to strengthen networks between these stakeholders while also providing a platform for advancing ASEAN’s geoeconomic approach.
“The current multilateral order is under pressure,” stated Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Arrmanatha C. Nasir, in his remarks at the reception. “However, ASEAN remains strategically relevant. Our economic growth, the establishment of the ASEAN Geoeconomics Task Force, and the expansion of global partnerships will enhance our region’s resilience and stability.”
He further emphasized that strengthening intra-ASEAN trade and the implementation of RCEP will help elevate 27 million ASEAN citizens into the middle class and support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). “Stronger intra-ASEAN trade will unlock the region’s full potential,” said Vice Minister Arrmanatha C. Nasir. “I also encourage the business community to fully seize the opportunities offered by RCEP.”
Mari Elka Pangestu, President’s Special Envoy for International Trade and Multilateral Cooperation, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that amidst growing global uncertainty, the interlinkages between economic and security issues have become increasingly apparent. ASEAN has responded to this development through the establishment of the ASEAN Geoeconomics Task Force and the proposed ASEAN Foreign Ministers-Economic Ministers Meeting during the 47th ASEAN Summit in October.
“Business communities are the ones doing the actual work of integration, moving goods across borders, navigating rules, dealing with suppliers and customers across ASEAN and beyond,” said Mari Elka Pangestu in her message to the business community. The event successfully served as a platform for this cross-sectoral synergy, fostering a shared vision and mutual commitment to strengthen regional economic resilience.
This cross-sectoral synergy is a concrete step by ASEAN in building a robust, inclusive, and sustainable economic foundation that is well-prepared to face future challenges. It also contributes to the realization of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which places resilience, connectivity, and strategic partnerships at the core of a stronger and more globally relevant ASEAN.
Attendees included Permanent Representatives / Ambassadors of ASEAN member states and Dialogue Partners to ASEAN, KADIN, ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), foreign business chambers and business councils in Jakarta, as well as various national business associations. The event marked a significant step forward in strengthening regional economic resilience amidst global uncertainties.
By fostering constructive dialogue between policymakers and business actors, the ASEAN Business Networking Reception has laid the groundwork for a more robust and sustainable economic foundation. This synergy is essential for ASEAN to build on its strengths and navigate future challenges with confidence.