Asean-India: crucial for rising Asia

In his keynote speech at the 7th Delhi Dialogue, said that with India’s “Act East Policy” and the arrival of Asean Community, both sides have to “this momentum and make sour shared progress and prosperity truly meaningful for our peoples.”

Tanasak reiterated that Asean and India have to do more work on the “behind the borders” measures that would bring harmonizing domestic rules and regulations, to promote the flows of goods, service and people.

“A strong, vibrant Indi is crucial for regional progress and prosperity,” emphasized Tanasak

To strengthen Asean-India physical connectivity in land, sea and air, Thailand, he added, is ready to be India’s gateway to Asean and East Asia. “Conversely, India can be Asean’s gateway to South Asia and the Middle East.”

Earlier, Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs, said that India is committed to work together with Asean in all areas. She said that both sides must promote bilateral trade and foreign investment. Bilateral trade between Asean and India is expected to reach US$100 billion by the end of this year.

The dialogue is an annual Track 1.5 process to brainstorm on issues related to Asean and India, which is now 23-year old. The two-day event is attended by ministers from Asean including Dr Hang Chuon Naron, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, Cambodia, A.M. Fachir, Indonesian Vice Foreign Minister, Dato Paduka Haji Erywan Bin Pehin Yusof, Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Brunei.