core sector communique

Views of ASEAN Sought for G-20 Agenda

ASEAN Secretariat, 10 February 2010

 

ASEAN was the first destination for the Republic of Korea’s outreach activity as they prepare for the G-20 Summit to be held in Seoul on 11-12 November 2010. Dr Changyong Rhee, who is the Secretary-General of the Presidential Committee for the G-20 Summit and the Korean Sherpa, said that this initiative was part of the ROK’s efforts to seek views and inputs from the region towards the preparation of the agenda of the Summit.

 

Even though Canada is the chair of the first G-20 Summit for 2010, which is scheduled to be held in Toronto on 26-27 June, the ROK has already initiated the process of consultations to incorporate the views of ASEAN when they host the second Summit later in the year. “We are shaping the agenda as early as possible to include the views of ASEAN,” said Dr Rhee today when meeting the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta today.

 

Stressing the ROK’s unique experience in development and crisis management, Dr Rhee said that his country was seeking to bring the perspectives of emerging markets to the G-20 Summit. The focus would be on new agenda including global financial safety nets and development issues. “What kind of developments topics does ASEAN want to see?” Dr Rhee asked. The ROK, he added, was well suited to bridge the gap between the developed and developing countries as it has first-hand experience of development in living memory. The ROK is also the first non G-8 country to host the G-20 Summit.

 

Dr Rhee also requested ASEAN’s support for the ROK’s efforts to solidify the G-20 as the premier forum not only for crisis management but also for beyond-crisis economic cooperation.

 

The Summit would also be looking at issues requiring follow-ups from the last G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh, such as recovery and exit strategies, a framework for sustainable and balanced growth, and the reform of international financial institutions. Other issues including food and energy security, trade, and climate financing are also expected to be discussed.

 

During the meeting, members of the CPR expressed their support for ROK’s consultative approach to ensure that the G-20 hears regional views and peculiarities.

 

Just ahead of the Summit, the ROK would also be organising a Business Summit on 10-11 November, which would seek to establish networks amongst CEOs and represents an opportunity for dialogue between global CEOs and G-20 Leaders. Dr Rhee stressed the involvement of the private and business sector in sustaining the recovery from the global financial crisis and to ensure future growth.