SINGAPORE, 5 September 2018 - More than ninety participants from the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC), ASEAN sectoral bodies, National Coordinators and National Focal Points for the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 gathered in Singapore for the MPAC 2025 Monitoring, Review and Evaluation (MRE) Meeting.
The MRE Meeting discussed the progress and challenges in implementing the MPAC 2025 initiatives and brainstormed means to enhance their implementation, in particular the cross-sectoral, cross-pillar projects. Participants also emphasised the importance of a robust monitoring and evaluation approach in strengthening delivery of the MPAC 2025 Initiatives. In addition, participants recognised the need for greater coordination and cooperation between regional, national and sub-national stakeholders in order to enhance ownership and effectively implement the MPAC 2025 initiatives.
At the Meeting, Ambassador Tan Hung Seng, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Singapore to ASEAN and Chair of the ACCC, also underscored the important role of ASEAN sectoral bodies in effectively implementing the initiatives under their charge to enhance regional Connectivity for the benefit of all ASEAN peoples. Ambassador Tan suggested that ASEAN sectoral bodies should forge synergies between the MPAC 2025 initiatives and their respective sectoral priorities in order to make efficient use of resources and reduce inconsistencies. The MPAC 2025 was a living document whose priorities should reflect that of the relevant ASEAN stakeholders.
Adopted in September 2016 by ASEAN Leaders, the MPAC 2025 contains five Strategic Areas and 15 corresponding initiatives that aim to enhance physical, institutional and people-to-people linkages through improved infrastructure, enhanced digital technologies, efficient logistics, better regulations and ease of travel for all ASEAN peoples.
The MRE meeting is part of a series of ASEAN Connectivity-related meetings held from 4 to 7 September 2018 in Singapore, which include the 3/2018 ACCC Meeting, 9th ASEAN Connectivity Symposium, and ACCC Consultations with Dialogue Partners and Other External Partners.