Brussels – Connectivity is crucial for ASEAN integration, the building of an ASEAN Economic Community by end-2015 and ensuring the grouping’s centrality in an evolving and dynamic regional architecture. – An important topic, discussed by the “Friends of Europe” in Brussels on February 27th, 6:30 pm.

The ambitious Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity adopted in 2010 includes the building of institutional, physical and people-to-people linkages among the ten countries – and also within countries. Physical connectivity includes transport, communication and energy projects while institutional connectivity covers trade and economic areas including trade and investment liberalisation and capacity building. People-to-people connectivity, meanwhile, includes tourism, education and culture.

How much progress has ASEAN achieved in implementing the Master Plan for Connectivity? How are the projects being financed? What is the role of the private sector in promoting and encouraging ASEAN connectivity?  How is ASEAN civil society being brought into the discussion and programmes? Can the EU help in speeding up ASEAN connectivity through its own experience and expertise? What business opportunities do the connectivity plans open up for European enterprises?

SPEAKERS

Jean-Claude Boidin, Head of Unit at the European Commission Directorate General for Development and Cooperation

Elizabeth Buensuceso, Philippines’ Representative to the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC) – the body tasked to coordinate and oversee the effective implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity

Lim Chze Cheen, Head of the ASEAN Connectivity Division at the ASEAN Secretariat

Pradap Pibulsonggram, Thailand’s Representative to the ACCC

Rahmat Pramono, Indonesia’s Representative to the ACCC

Moderated by Shada Islam, Director of Policy at Friends of Europe

For registration enquiries, please contact:
Elena Bossi, Project Assistant
Tel.: +32 (0)2 893 98 24
Email: elena.bossi (at) friendsofeurope.org