KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) -- ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and China have reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepen cooperation across broad areas, charting a united and collective path toward a peaceful, prosperous, and equitable future.
Their leaders, in a joint statement issued after the inaugural tripartite summit in the capital here on Tuesday, reiterated their collective resolve to work hand-in-hand to unlock the full potential of the partnership, and to ensure that this cooperation translates into tangible benefits for the peoples and communities.
On economic integration, the leaders commit to enhancing industrial and supply chain resilience and fostering sustainable trade practices for new economic opportunities in potential areas in emerging and future-oriented industries such as the digital and green economy and technologies.
They also agreed to explore the establishment of a regional business council to facilitate dialogue between businesses from ASEAN, GCC, and China in supporting enhanced trade and investment flows and the development of regional value chains.
Also, to enhance connectivity through promoting high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and sustainable infrastructure development to support interconnected and seamless economic diversification, growth, and long-term sustainability.
According to the statement, the leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation on energy security and sustainability through knowledge sharing and collaboration in areas such as renewable and clean energy and green technology.
They also pledged to promote environmental sustainability through joint efforts in climate action, disaster management, biodiversity conservation, marine protection, and pollution control, as well as to pursue opportunities in digital innovation and technology by exploring a cross-regional framework and partnerships to promote the digital economy - including digital trade, e-commerce, fintech, and AI.
In food and agriculture, the joint statement said the trio parties agreed to explore cooperation in the halal food sector and support efforts to strengthen food security, advancing food trade and agricultural technologies cooperation.
They also aimed to forge greater people-to-people understanding through culture, education and high-quality tourism, among others, the statement added.
The leaders agreed to implement the outcomes of their engagement through mutually agreed-upon initiatives and existing mechanisms.
-- BERNAMA
