Keynote Address by President S R Nathan at the Asean-CCI Gala Dinner held in conjunction with the Handover of Asean-CCI Presidency from Singapore to Thailand

Mr Freddy Lam, President, ASEAN-CCI
Mr Ong Keng Yong, Secretary-General of ASEAN
Excellencies
Presidents and Representatives of ASEAN National Chambers
Distinguished Government leaders, Guests and Delegates
Ladies and Gentlemen
 

Introduction

It gives me great pleasure to be here with you this evening in celebration and recognition of the ASEAN-CCI’s achievements over the years.  The key role that the ASEAN-CCI has played in strengthening business ties in the region, and interfacing the private sector with government bodies, has been a pivotal one.  It is thus with confidence that we look to the ASEAN-CCI to continue to perform this function effectively.  In the years to come, this role will become even more prominent as ASEAN enters the crucial stage of enhanced integration.

Towards ASEAN Economic Integration

2.         Global competition necessitates a strong and unified ASEAN.  For this, the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) that we aim to achieve before 2020 is vital.  Along with attaining a fully integrated region, ASEAN must also continue to ensure that we are the central driving force in fostering wider regional and international economic integration.  It is equally important for ASEAN to keep an open and inclusive outlook, in order to continue to thrive as a strong and united regional entity amidst the changing forces of globalisation.

The Role of the Private Sector in ASEAN Economic Integration

3.         The private sector plays a critical role in realising ASEAN’s integration goals.  It will need to contribute comprehensively at every stage of the process ASEAN takes towards that end.  Our businesses operate in the frontline, and have always been looked up to, as ASEAN sought to achieve its economic goals.  You are in the best position to identify the real obstacles to economic integration.  Obtaining your views and proposals on possible ways to catalyze ASEAN economic integration is a necessary step in this process, as is obtaining your involvement in implementing integration initiatives.

4.         We value businesses for their flexibility, dexterity and speed in implementing initiatives of commercial value.  To accelerate the pace of economic integration within ASEAN, the ‘can-do’ and entrepreneurial spirit that our businesses bring along with them is instrumental.  As part of its policy formulation and decision-making process, ASEAN continually consults businesses, with careful consideration of the commercial value, challenges in the business environment, and the state of our respective circumstances in the region.  Your honest feedback, plans and suggestions of solutions to circumvent roadblocks to the policy makers, is valuable to enhancing the business and institutional infrastructures established by ASEAN, in order to help businesses progress in the region and beyond.

The Role of the ASEAN-CCI in ASEAN Economic Integration

5.         The private sector recognises the urgency of ASEAN economic integration, and has formed groupings among themselves to collaborate in their respective industries for the common goal of an integrated region.  The ASEAN-CCI has done well in coordinating and managing such groupings.  With your combined membership of some 200,000 companies from your constituent chambers, the ASEAN-CCI is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in driving economic integration, through facilitating and enhancing regional business linkages.

6.         As ASEAN approaches its 40th anniversary next year, it is opportune to define ASEAN’s goals for the next ten to twenty years as we forge ahead with our integration efforts.  We look forward to the ASEAN Charter which will be drawn up by the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) for the ASEAN Summit in December this year.  The ASEAN-CCI has submitted to the EPG its plans to develop ASEAN’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).  This is a step in the right direction, as more than 90% of all private firms in ASEAN are SMEs, employing 60 to 80% of ASEAN’s workforce.  The ASEAN-CCI’s umbrella view of the region’s business structure, and its constructive contributions, is something that all ASEAN governments will always continue to tap on.

Conclusion

7.         In conclusion, I would like to commend the ASEAN-CCI for the good work it has done in organising and managing the various contributions by the ASEAN private sector over the last 40 years and its continuous efforts towards ASEAN’s integration process.  Going by the continued consultations that the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) and ASEAN Senior Economic Officials Meeting (SEOM) hold with ASEAN-CCI and its respective national bodies, it is evident that your contributions are much valued.

8.         The continued support of your constituent members towards the ASEAN-CCI has helped to revitalise the organisation.  At this juncture, I would like to thank the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) for the strong secretariat support rendered during Singapore’s hosting of the ASEAN-CCI over the past two years.  In particular, I would like to thank the outgoing ASEAN-CCI President, Mr Freddy Lam, for his hard work and commitment towards the mission of ASEAN-CCI and the successful organisation of this commemorative event.  This event also marks the incoming of the next ASEAN-CCI President, Mr Santi Vilassakdanont from Thailand, who will be taking over the ASEAN-CCI Presidency.  I am certain that with the leadership and guidance of Mr Vilassakdanont and his team, the ASEAN-CCI will continue to bring our business communities even closer towards co-operation and partnership as we progress towards tighter ASEAN integration, so as to leverage on the tremendous business opportunities arising from the rapid growth in Asia.

9.         I wish all of you an enjoyable evening.  Thank you.