Asean must speed up integration in a world going the other way: PM Wong

Grouping and its partners want to show cooperation is the way forward, he says

- Tan Tam Mei

VIENTIANE, Laos - By working together to reap benefits, Asean and its partners are trying to show a different way forward at a time when more countries are talking about barriers and protectionism.

The world is moving in a "somewhat different direction", and it is all the more important that Asean's 10 member states and partner nations take steps to accelerate regional integration, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Oct 12.

Speaking to Singapore media in Vientiane, Laos, after attending the Asean Summits and concluding an official visit with his Lao counterpart earlier in the week, PM Wong said: "It is important that Asean and Asean partners show that there can be a different way.

“A way where we work together and benefit from more integration, rather than more isolation, where we can benefit from win-win cooperation and free trade; and that's what Asean and its partners are trying to do."

The 44th and 45th Asean Summits and related meetings between regional leaders and countries such as the United States, China, Japan and South Korea was chaired by Laos in 2024.

During the series of back-to-back meetings, Asean and key partners took steps towards deepening relationships through several key agreements ranging from free trade pacts to digital initiatives as well as in the green economy sector.