FM Retno Marsudi Lauds ASEAN Economy, Politics Achievements

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsuid said that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has achieved great things in the field of politics and economy.

“ASEAN achievement is extraordinary because it has proven itself to be capable of creating a peaceful and stable region and economic benefits,” Retno Marsudi said yesterday in the closing of the ASEAN Parade in Jakarta.

FM Retno said that in a peaceful condition ASEAN member states can build their economy. She added that statistics shows that ASEAN economy above the world average.

Data from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) show that Southeast Asia’s economic growth is estimated at 4.8 percent in 2017 and 5 percent in 2018. Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore are said to be the main contributor to the growth, but the overall figure is hampered by Brunei's economy which only grew by 1 percent this year.

Nonetheless, ADB predicts that demand from domestic sectors, particularly consumption and investment, will boost economic growth in the region.

Retno also said that cooperation between ASEAN and other countries have contributed positively to its economy.

“For example, [between] ASEAN and Japan, there are a lot of cooperation projects, ASEAN-Australia, ASEAN-New Zealand, ASEAN-Canada...” FM Retno Marsudi said.

BUDIARTI UTAMI PUTRI