MEDEF International President Frédéric Sanchez praised ASEAN’s position in global trade, the ASEAN Commission’s activities in Paris, and the fruitful relations between ASEAN and MEDEF International. He said he hopes the forum will enhance ASEAN-MEDEF ties and favor trade exchanges between France and ASEAN. 

ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh said ASEAN is looking forward to a free trade deal with the EU. He said ASEAN and the EU will stick to free trade and integration despite a growing trend toward isolationism and protectionism