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58 Borneo Bulletin Yearbook 2019
BIMP-EAGA aspires to achieve a level of
resilience in its development that would cushion
the sub region from the impact of external
shocks and hasten recovery. It intends to foster
inclusivity by narrowing development gaps
within each country, and between the sub region
and ASEAN.
All BIMP-EAGA initiatives will consider
environmental impacts and seek the sustainable
management of natural resources. Lastly, BIMP-
EAGA development efforts will be directed at
growing industries where BIMP-EAGA already
has a competitive advantage or could easily
develop one.
BEV 2025 focusses on delivering three
main outcomes: (i) a competitive and green
manufacturing sector aiming to transition
from resource extraction into higher levels of
processing and value-added production; (ii)
sustainable, competitive and climate-resilient
agro-industry and fisheries to ensure food
security, export development and livelihoods;
and (iii) BIMP-EAGA as a sustainable, well-
developed and connected multi-country tourism
destination, to benefit less developed areas.
Thailand chairs ASEAN Summit in 2019
Thailand will assume the ASEAN chairmanship
this year. According to the ASEAN Charter,
the chairmanship of ASEAN rotates annually
by alphabetical order, so all members hold the
ASEAN chairmanship once every 10 years.
Last year, Singapore held the chairmanship of
ASEAN, while Thailand and Vietnam will take
the helm in the following years respectively.
The chair nation will host at least 160 meetings
throughout the year, dealing with both ASEAN
issues and those beyond the ASEAN region.
The meetings are not only confined to ASEAN
but extended to its dialogue partners such as
the United States, China, Japan, Russia, India,
Australia and New Zealand.
The 34th ASEAN Summit and Foreign Ministers
Meeting and Related Meetings will take place in
the first half of 2019. Meanwhile, the 35th ASEAN
Summit, ASEAN+3, ASEAN+6 and Related
Meetings will be held in November 2019.
The theme for ASEAN 2019 involves three areas
- Connectivity, Sustainable Development and a
Future-orientation. The logo was unveiled at the
Ceremony of Passing the Chair last November in
Singapore.
Thailand last chaired ASEAN in 2008-2009. Since
then the country has developed and seen many
changes. As the country once again takes the
chair of ASEAN, they must utilise this opportunity
to its maximum potential.