JAKARTA: Indonesian Vice President Ma'ruf Amin has urged stakeholders in Asean to strengthen food security, especially in the region, amid the threat of climate change, reported the Antara news agency.
"I invite all stakeholders in Asean to pay more attention to food security strengthening programmes because our region is not immune to this problem," the vice president remarked while delivering his remarks at the Asean Business Awards (ABA) 2023 and Gala Dinner here last night (September 4).
Amin also invited all parties to strengthen Asean's unity and centrality in encouraging the creation of peace and stable growth in the region.
He expressed hope that Asean could become a new engine of sustainable growth for the world's economy that respects environmental sustainability in order to achieve a prosperous future while maintaining the sustainability of Earth and humanity.
Furthermore, he expressed optimism that the economies of countries in the Asean region can continue to improve owing to the full commitment of stakeholders in building and supporting the growth of the global economy.
He assessed that all parties should be optimistic since amid a downturn in the world economy, Asean's economy is growing above the average global economic growth, and the role of Asean leaders is to commit to implementing a green economy.
On that occasion, he also emphasised the importance of economic democracy as a main consensus in building the economy.
The vice president also invited stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and seek common solutions for threats in the climate sector, economic fluctuations, and the impact of social change.
At the end of his speech, Amin congratulated those who were awarded at the Asean Business Awards 2023 and expressed his appreciation for the hard work of stakeholders, who have been dedicated to improving the economy in the Asean region.
At yesterday's event, the chairman of the Asean Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC), M. Arsjad Rasjid, highlighted the importance of the world of business as one of the pillars of advancing Asean's economy.
"The business world must get the portion that it should get because it plays an important role in helping the government improve the economy and become an attractive point of the region," said Rasjid.
The ABA 2023, held by the Asean-BAC, is an event to appreciate the achievements of regional business players from various business categories that promote innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity in the Asean region. --BERNAMA-ANTARA