The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) marked the 56th anniversary of its establishment Monday.
The theme under Indonesia’s chairmanship this year is “Asean Matters: Epicentrum of Growth”, which defines the prospects for growth not just within Asean, but also with its trusted external partners, such as Qatar, which acceded to the Treaty of Amity and Co-operation last year.
Qatar’s ties with Asean have grown steadily over the years.
Qatar’s total trade with Asean member nations amounts to an estimated $9bn annually.
Qatar is also a key investor in Asean, with investments in the energy, financial, real estate, telecommunications, agribusiness, hospitality, and medical sectors.
The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) has established its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Singapore.
Qatar investments into Singapore are estimated at around $3bn, many of which are in the energy, financial, insurance, and real estate sectors.
Prominent Qatar companies such as Ooredoo, Nebras Power, and QNB Group have established a presence in Indonesia.
Baladna is expected to invest $500mn in the Malaysian dairy industry, and is eyeing similar projects in Indonesia and the Philippines.
The QIA has invested $300mn in the projects of Vingroup, a leading private conglomerate in Vietnam.
Asean member states’ investments in Qatar have likewise increased steadily, with notable projects already existing in the oil and gas, hospitality, ICT (information and communications technology), construction, and retail sectors.
As key food exporters, some of the Asean member states also play a vital role in supporting Qatar's food security efforts as part of its National Vision 2030.
Asean is currently focused on three specific pillars of growth – digital economy, green economy and blue economy.
Amidst the current global challenges, it is important that Asean economies continue to adapt and innovate.
Asean aims to continue to strengthen its resilience and connectivity as a foundation for greater growth.
There is tremendous scope for Qatar and Asean to strengthen co-operation in various fields such as renewable energy, climate change, sustainable development, agribusiness, education, financial, ICT, sports, transport, tourism, and hospitality.
Asean welcomes Qatar’s engagement and look forward to the inaugural Asean-GCC Summit in October 2023.
