BANGKOK, 4 SEPTEMBER 2024 – The ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC) organised the Regional Workshop on the End-Term Review (ETR) of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 and Development of the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan (ACSP) on 2-4 September 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand, supported by the Australian Government through the Australia for ASEAN Futures (Aus4ASEAN Futures) Initiative and with technical assistance from the ASEAN Secretariat, Ernst & Young, and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA).

The three-day workshop brought together over 100 stakeholders and representatives from ASEAN and its external partners. The first two days focused on discussions among ASEAN stakeholders including chairs and representatives from various Lead Implementing Bodies of MPAC 2025 and relevant ASEAN Sectoral Bodies. Participants engaged in constructive deliberations, exchanging insights and fostering common understanding and ways forward on the draft ACSP.

On the third day, the ASEAN stakeholders were joined by the external partners, including representatives from other ASEAN entities, Dialogue Partners, Sectoral Dialogue Partners, and Development Partners as well as multilateral development banks, international organisations, and the private sector. The participants exchanged views on the potential areas of cooperation and partnerships to support the future implementation of the ACSP.

In his opening remarks, the ACCC Chair Ambassador Bovonethat Douangchak emphasised ASEAN’s commitment to enhancing connectivity in the region. “ASEAN Connectivity is key to regional integration, enabling ASEAN to leverage its collective strengths and foster a more resilient, dynamic, and prosperous regional economy. Building consensus and shaping the ACSP are vital steps toward ensuring that the plan is inclusive, practical, and aligned with the diverse needs and aspirations of the region,” he shared.

The Ambassador of Australia to ASEAN Tiffany McDonald highlighted that “Australia recognises that the greatest economic opportunities over the next 30 years lie in ASEAN and remains committed to supporting ASEAN connectivity priorities, including the development of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 – ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.”

The ACSP will succeed the MPAC 2025 and is expected to be a key document within the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, alongside the strategic plans for the ASEAN Political-Security Community, ASEAN Economic Community, and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. The ACSP is envisioned to cover six key areas to enhance regional connectivity: sustainable infrastructure, smart and sustainable urban development, digital innovation, seamless logistics and supply chains, regulatory excellence and cooperation, and people-to-people connectivity.