ASEAN+3 targets a broader community

The Philippines, this year’s ASEAN Chair hosted the 49th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings in Manila last week to strengthen economic and trade integration and investment in Southeast Asia. The ministers pledged to renew collaboration on a revised APT Economic Work Plan, with broader goals for a stronger APT community.

They applauded efforts by the East Asia Business Council (EABC) to help small and medium enterprises in the region seize opportunities from e-commerce, adopt new business methods, and enhance connectivity. 

Attending the meeting were also economic ministers from Australia, Canada, China, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Russia, and the US.