Deputy Permanent Secretary Chutintorn Gongsakdi participated in the 33rd ASEAN-Australia Forum, promoting strategic partnership, regional connectivity development, and BCG model for sustainable development in the post Covid-19.

On 17 March 2021, Mr. Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participated in the 33rd ASEAN-Australia Forum via video conference. The meeting was co-chaired by Dato’ Sri Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob, Seceretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, as Country Coordinator for ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations, and Mr. Jastin Hayhurst, Deputy Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia. The meeting discussed all dimensions of ASEAN-Australia strategic partnership and exchanged views on important regional and international issues.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary led the discussion on connectivity and sustainable development that will help lay the foundation for a more sustainable and resilient post-COVID-19 future through the promotion of supply chain efficiency and digital infrastructure. Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model was proposed as an approach for balanced economic, social, and environmental development to bring about regional security and prosperity.

The meeting provided an important platform for propelling forward ASEAN’s strategic partnership with Australia, ASEAN’s first dialogue partner, and to prepare for the Ministerial Meeting and Leaders’ Summit to be held later this year.

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