(Unofficial translation)

Chairman, heads of state and government,

ASEAN+3 has played a pivotal role in realizing the East Asian Community.

An increasing number of challenges, including security issues, trade disputes, climate change and disasters, have called for our closer cooperation. I would like to speak with you about several significant areas for cooperation and Korea’s roles.

First, we must strengthen our coordinated crisis response mechanism.

ASEAN+3 has forged a steadfast, cooperative foundation to counter such external threats as liquidity and food crises. Together with Singapore, Korea has co-chaired this year’s ASEAN+3 Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting. An agreement has been reached that the “Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization” should be reviewed on a regular basis in order to improve capabilities to respond to financial crises. 

Korea has also taken an active role in the revision of the ASEAN+3 Emergency Rice Reserve agreement. We can therefore expect East Asia’s food supply to be secure and managed stably. Korea will continue to jointly deal with various crises and actively contribute to enhancing our joint response capabilities.

Second, we must align each country’s systems and regulations through innovation.

The time has come for one system agreed upon by all relevant countries for cooperation in the fields of transport, energy and ICT. The joint research project into Supply Chain Connectivity (SCC) is an exemplary case for the innovative strengthening of connectivity that coordinates systems and regulations. Application of IT and the standardization of Harmonized System codes can drastically reduce logistical costs and the time required. 

In response to one of the recommendations of the East Asia Vision Group II, Korea has proposed a feasibility study on the exchange of Electronic Certificates of Origin (e-C/O). A Certified e-C/O exchange platform would enhance speed and precision during customs clearances, while creating a new model of innovation by pairing with the SCC. This will also serve as a practical foundation for pursuing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

Third, we must strive together to improve the quality of life for all members of the ASEAN community.

Infectious diseases and the abuse or misuse of antibiotics are issues that cannot be solved within the national borders of one country. I welcome the adoption, during this meeting, of a statement in the area of health regarding the joint response to antibiotic resistance. 

Due to ever-increasing disasters and calamities, there’s an urgent need for coordinated and united responses. As co-chair of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Inter-Sessional Meeting on Disaster Relief over the past two years, Korea has played a leading role in disaster relief, one of the five major areas of cooperation. 

An agreement on the establishment of the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization, which was proposed by Korea and jointly pursued by Korea and ASEAN, also came into effect this year. Korea has its own experience successfully restoring land and forests devastated by war. We intend to share our experience with ASEAN and contribute to restoring forests and reviving endangered plants.

Fourth, we must continue our efforts to cultivate talent.

Nurturing competent individuals will narrow the educational and technological gap, bringing about the substantive integration of ASEAN. Korea hosted the ASEAN Student Camp for the Gifted in Science last January and trained officials in charge of public administration and personnel management last April. We have also cooperated in the field of Technical Vocational Education and Training and expanded the scope of education for talented individuals. The establishment of the Vietnam-Korea Institute of Science and Technology is one example that demonstrates the advances in our cooperation toward fostering talent in ASEAN. Korea intends to expand such cooperation with the aim of reaching all ASEAN member countries.

Distinguished heads of state and government,

The East Asian Community must move toward a peace and prosperity where all community members can thrive together. The leaders who were present during the initial organization of ASEAN+3 are with us here today. I would like to express my respect for their pioneering endeavors.

I recall that the concept of the East Asian Community was first put forth by Prime Minister Mahathir. We look forward to continuing to receive great inspiration from his wisdom. I believe it’s worthwhile to actively consider Prime Minister Mahathir’s proposal for an East Asian trade settlement initiative.

The Korean Government will redouble its efforts to ensure that the vision for an ASEAN community becomes reality.

Thank you.