ACD Vision 2030 sets goals for Pan-Asia cooperation
THE ministerial meeting of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue yesterday agreed on the “ACD Vision for 2030” to set the direction for Pan-Asia cooperation in the face of a flurry of regional challenges.
Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said the ministers from 34 member countries of the ACD agreed on the vision in harmony with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.
The myriad regional challenges range from poverty and socioeconomic inequality, food and water security and energy security to the sustainable use of natural resources, he said.
The ACD will develop ACD connectivity in all dimensions – infrastructure, transport, food, energy and telecommunications – and amend rules and regulations to facilitate trade, investment, tourism, and other economic activities. It will create opportunities for Asians to enjoy inclusive economic growth.
The meeting also regrouped the areas of cooperation into six pillars – connectivity; science, technology and innovation; education and human resource development; interrelation of food, energy and water security; tourism and culture; and inclusive and sustainable development.
They would establish a partnership with the private sector, focusing on expanding networks and business matching, as well as engaging the private sector as the main driving force for ACD cooperation.
During the meeting, Thailand presented a concept paper on “ACD Connect”, emphasising six sectors.
The sectors include private sectors that are in the same value chain and sectors that take advantage of the collective strengths and common goals of Asia, such as food, energy, innovation, connectivity and tourism, and alternative approaches to inclusive and sustainable development.
Established in 2002, the ACD holds this kind of ministerial meeting annually. It also functions as a leaders’ summit.
Thailand volunteered to host the second ACD Summit late this year in order to maintain the ACD’s dynamism and continue its cooperation mission. The vision paper was expected to be adopted at the summit.
