Under the theme of ASEAN, A.C.T: Address Challenges Together, the 54th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting, AEM reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to regional economic integration amidst the challenges brought about by the continued pandemic-related challenges and the rising of geopolitical tensions. The ASEAN economy expanded by 3.4 per cent in 2021 with growth driven by a strong rebound in consumption, investment and trade. The ASEAN Economic Ministers expressed optimism that the growth momentum would continue to grow in 2022 and 2023, with growth forecast at 5 per cent and 5.2 per cent, respectively.
The 54th AEM and Related Meetings were held in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Representing Brunei Darussalam was Doctor Hajah May Fa’ezah Binti Haji Ahmad Ariffin, Permanent Secretary for Economy, Trade and Industry at the Ministry of Finance and Economy. The series of meetings, chaired by His Excellency Pan Sorasak, Minister of Commerce, Cambodia, included the AEM-36th ASEAN Free Trade Agreement Council Meeting, AEM-25th ASEAN Investment Area Council Meeting, AEM-ASEAN Business Advisory Council Consultation, the 54th AEM Meeting, AEM-Director General of World Intellectual Property Organization Interface Meeting and the 1st Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Ministerial Meeting, and the various AEM Consultation with ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners, including Australia, Canada, China, European Union, Hong Kong, China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Russia and the United States. The ASEAN Economic Ministers made a courtesy call to His Excellency Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Source: Radio Television Brunei