00:00As stated in the agenda, our discussions will focus on matters related to the implementation
00:11of ATIGA and ways of strengthening economic agenda for ASEAN, especially the integration
00:20agenda.
00:22So Excellencies and members of the meeting, while ASEAN continues to grow from strength
00:27to strength, and we want to strengthen our position as the investment destination for
00:34global investments, the increasingly volatile as well as uncertain global trading environment
00:41demands that ASEAN double down its efforts to deepen regional economic integration.
00:50So with nearly 700 million people that forms one of the world's largest and most dynamic
00:58consumer base, ASEAN holds immense potential.
01:03Yet the intra-ASEAN trade has remained stagnant, I think for around 20 to 20 percent, and we
01:10have an opportunity to continue to increase this.
01:13Strengthening intra-ASEAN trade is not an economic aspiration, not merely an economic aspiration.
01:20It has now become a strategic imperative to act to build a more resilient, self-reliant and
01:27globally competitive ASEAN.
01:29So we must heighten our efforts to overcome persistent implementation challenges.
01:35to accelerate trade facilitation and enhance physical, digital and regulatory connectivity across the
01:42region.
01:44So Excellencies, we have today, in terms of time, before we move to Agenda 1, I would like
01:55to invite all ministers for photo session, but I have just been reminded to say that on economic
02:04integration and resilience, I am pleased that ASEAN has embarked on the Artiga upgrade and
02:10successfully concluded the negotiation, as we discussed in the last meeting, and we will
02:16be on track to sign the agreement at the upcoming summit.
02:23So from there, I would like to now invite all of you to take a photo, and please make sure
02:33all of you give us the best smile.
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