Airlangga Hopes AECC Ministers Meeting Strengthens Connectivity

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto gave a speech before a dinner with the ASEAN Economic Community Council (AECC) Ministers, in Jakarta, Saturday (6/5/2023). ANTARA/Benardy Ferdiansyah

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto hopes that the ASEAN Economic Community Council (AECC) Ministers meeting can strengthen connectivity between countries in Southeast Asia.

"We are gathered here to strengthen ties, foster each other, and discuss important things to connect connectivity in ASEAN," Airlangga said while giving a speech before a dinner with AECCMinisters, at the Hotel Indonesia Kempinski, Jakarta., reported by ANTARA, Saturday, May 6.

"We are happy to present a set of dishes and taste our taste, typical of maritime countries," said Airlangga.

Airlangga said the hotel, which was founded in 1962, had an important history in Indonesia's journey from time to time.

"Tonight's venue, the iconic Hotel Indonesia Kempinski with its splendor and grace. Built in 1962, in the early years of Indonesia's independence, this hotel became a symbol of Indonesia's progress. This place is also a witness to the growth and development of Jakarta, transforming into a modern cosmopolitan city while maintaining Indonesia's cultural heritage," he said.

In line with the ongoing initiative in the AECC Special Retreat Session, particularly related to the development of the electric vehicle ecosystem, Airlangga believes the ministers also enjoy traveling while in Jakarta by using electric cars.

This, he said, is also Indonesia's commitment to green and sustainable development which is the key to ASEAN's future by promoting the use of electric vehicles.

"With this collaboration, we can pave the way for ASEAN's greener future by reducing carbon emissions and promoting electric cars throughout our territory," said Airlangga.

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Previously, the Director General of International Trade Negotiations at the Ministry of Trade, Djatmiko Bris Witjaksono, said that the ASEAN Economic Community Council (AECC)/22nd ASEAN Economic Community Council (MEA) meeting also discussed economic pillars and the issue of Timor Leste.

"There are several important things, namely how we prepare reports for heads of state from ASEAN, especially those related to economic pillars. So, the economic pillar has a lot of extensive coverage since the establishment of 2015 the formation of the first MEA, followed by a second blue print from 2015 to 2025," said Djatmiko after the Prep-SEOM for 22nd AECC Meeting.

In addition, he also revealed that the meeting also discussed Timor Leste's full membership in ASEAN.

"As we all know Timor Leste is already in the process of becoming a full member of regional cooperation in ASEAN, of course this requires several more intensive steps for Timor Leste to be able to fully join all agendas, especially in the context of economic integration in ASEAN," he said.

The 22nd AECC meeting in Jakarta on May 6-7, 2023 is a series of events ahead of the 42nd ASEAN Summit (KTT) which will be held in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on May 9-11, 2023.

Discussions of these issues will later be reported to the head of state at the ASEAN Summit.