At the 14th BIMP-EAGA Summit held in the morning, His Majesty in a titah says the impact of COVID-19 has severely disrupted economic activities, supply chain and limit people’s movement including the sub region. While measures are put in place to curb the spread of the disease, EAGA member countries are also focusing on recovery efforts to improve their economies and livelihoods of the people. The Monarch then emphasises the importance of remaining committed and working together for a more resilient, sustainable and prosperous BIMP-EAGA. In the titah, His Majesty states that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated digital transformation and changed how we operate in the new norm. The Monarch also encourages development of projects related to ICT that will facilitate the transition of BIMP-EAGA into the digital era.
His Majesty further adds the importance of ensuring synergies with initiatives undertaken at the wider regional level. This includes the Bandar Seri Begawan Roadmap, BSSR, which highlighted the digital initiatives that would boost ASEAN’s digital transformation efforts. The Monarch also touches on connectivity which remains central to the regional economic cooperation and integration. The completion of key transport infrastructure and facilities will further facilitate movement of goods and people across the border as well as revive tourism activities.
The Leaders also endorsed the Joint Statement of the 14th BIMP-EAGA Summit.
The Summit was chaired by His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia and was attended by other BIMP- EAGA Leaders, namely Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob, Prime Minister of Malaysia; and His Excellency, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, President of the Republic of the Philippines; as well as His Excellency Masatsugu Asakawa, President Asian Development Bank, ADB and His Excellency Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary General of ASEAN.
Source: Radio Television Brunei