Move to strengthen EU and Asean ties

The independent think tank and academy on international affairs Clingendael Institute and the Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace (CICP) hosted the first EU-Asean think tank exchange dialogue on Saturday, to enhance mutual understanding and connection between the two regions.

Under the theme “Fostering resilient digital societies and digital connectivity: Sharing practices and experiences between the EU and ASEAN”, the three-year project is supported by the European Union and Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focusing on three important aspects.

This year, the project will focus on digital connectivity, while in 2022, it will focus on the Asean perspective on the Indo-Pacific and lastly, for the year 2023, it will be directed to the climate adaptation project.

In a statement released by the Clingendael Institute and CICP, it said that acting on the opportunities and disruptions that accompany the digital transition and transformation globally is in the best interest of the Asean and the EU.

“The COVID-19 pandemic caused a hasty adoption of technology that is unlikely to reverse. The US-China trade-tech-data standoff is causing additional concerns, as the EU and Asean  countries have to pragmatically choose technological instruments that are economically sensible but also secure to use,” it stated.

It added that the EU has been enhancing its digital efforts within Europe and with partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

“This move from paper to practise is especially visible in the EU Digital Compass targets and the allocated funding to reach those targets. The Asean digital economy is exceeding all expectations, with an increase of 40 million internet users in 2020,” the statement said.

The Clingendael Institute and CICP hope that the partly closed-door and partly open expert meetings can be an inspiration for both sides to create mutual understanding and better connect experts from each region respectively.

Source: Khmer Times