New Delhi: Connectivity and technology are crucial for strengthening ASEAN–India relationship, pointed out Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Mr Anand Sharma today. Mr Sharma was speaking at Delhi Dialogue VI on ‘Realizing the ASEAN-India Vision for Partnership and Prosperity’ at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) on March 7, 2014.
Partnered by IDSA, FICCI, ICWA, ISAS, SAEA Group and ERIA, The Delhi Dialogue has over the evolved as an important forum of exchange of views and also to make a realistic assessment of the progress that has been registered in ASEAN-India engagement of over 20 years and the clear direction that this partnership has taken.
Highlighting the paradigm shift in the world with the emergence of new nations, new regional economic communities and the development and progress countries since 1940s, he said “ASEAN and India together are home to 1.8 billion people and almost 4 trillion dollars worth trade”. Future projections indicate that by 2030, Asia would contribute to half of the world’s output and 1/3rd of global trade, he stated.
Stressing upon the need to harness human resources available in ASEAN countries and India, he insisted that the youth in the region are crucial for growth as “we move to building bridges of understanding, to create linkages between nations, and institutions and to tap the potential that ASEAN region and beyond, if we look at the Asia Pacific, has to offer.”
ASEAN and India have entered into a regional economic comprehensive partnership resulting in trade worth 80 billion US dollars. “However, more can be achieved by having faith in the structures and the institutional mechanisms that have been put in place,” he added.
Further, highlighting the initiatives undertaken to strengthen the ASEAN India relations, the minister pointed out that towards “ASEAN-India Trade and Investment Centre that would act as a platform for policy makers and leaders to look at how we can give more depth to a partnership which is multi-faceted and multi-dimensional, The ASEAN India Business Council has also been re-energised.” Capacity building, agriculture, health sector etc were also pointed out as priority sectors for investment between ASEAN and India. The Minster also highlighted the importance of stability and security of the region, especially in the Indian Ocean, that is crucial for the bulk of trade in the region.
Also speaking on the occasion was ASEAN Secretary General, Mr Le Luong Minh, who emphasised upon the need for ASEAN-India cooperation in food security and tourism. He focused on ASEAN-India strategic partnership and urged for the need for enhanced people to people contact, development of transport linkages and trade investments, along with development of communication technology, social and cultural exchanges and sharing of knowledge and culture and education.
Deliberating on how Delhi dialogues can be improved, the panellists emphasised upon the need to focus on broader themes and to move beyond physical connectivity, bringing in issues like cultural and tourism links within the region. They were of the view that although the annual Delhi Dialogue should continue to be held in Delhi, intermediary sessions can be organised in different cities of India and ASEAN for outreach. The panellists called for increased participation from Indian politicians and young scholars.
Earlier, during the session on ‘Translating the Vision Statement’ deliberated on the ASEAN India Commemorative Summit Vision Statement and ways to implement it. Emphasis was laid on political, economic and security cooperation between India and ASEAN countries. The panellists agreed that efforts should be made to further strengthen connectivity and facilitate unfettered access. India and ASEAN should bring up a regional architecture which embodies the well-being and prosperity of the wider section of societies in the region. Several opportunities to further expand cooperation were laid out - encouraging cross fertilisation of technology, developing sustainable social entrepreneurship, fast pace urbanization and increase business productivity. Corporate sector in India should work as a team to drive the growth engine in the region. It was felt that India is seen as a potential player in the region and in view of its phenomenal economic growth during the past few decades, India should be more proactive and visible in its endeavour to forge a concrete partnership with the ASEAN.
During a session on the ‘Role of North East India in India’s Look East Policy’ the panelists focused on the centrality of North East to India’s Look East Policy, especially to improve India-ASEAN connectivity. The speakers stressed that the Look East would benefit North East better when land and air connectivity within North East are established. In particular, it is imperative to establish connectivity between North East and rest of India at first to create connectivity between India and ASEAN countries. The discussion shed light in to the cultural, historic and ethnic linkages between India’s North East and ASEAN countries and economic and transport corridors as a way to revive such connections. The participants pointed out that the role of Bangladesh and Myanmar is essential to India’s Look East and their role in facilitating transport corridors. Lastly, the speakers agreed on the need for institutions in North East to supervise economic connectivity, to promote viability gap funding, and create regional projects that engages stake holders in North East in the process.
Connectivity, Technology Crucial for Strengthening ASEAN–India Relationship, says Anand Sharma