Li seeks Belt and Road, ASEAN plan 'synergy'

Updated: 2015-11-23 08:18

By An Baijie in Kuala Lumpur and Zhao Yinan in Beijing(China Daily USA)

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Premier Li Keqiang proposed "synergizing" China's Belt and Road Initiative with the connectivity plan of ASEAN member countries.

Li put forward his proposal at the 18th China-ASEAN Leaders' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.

In particular, he called for the early construction of rail lines connecting China with Thailand and Laos.

This was in addition to better regional telecommunications links and highlighting the role of Beijing-led financing vehicles, including the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Silk Road Fund.

At the 18th China, South Korea, Japan and ASEAN Leaders' Meeting, also on Saturday, Li suggested upgrading economic integration in East Asia and improving the region's financial stability.

Vitavas Srivihok, deputy permanent secretary at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told Xinhua News Agency in a recent interview that Thailand appreciates China for its constructive role in promoting regional connectivity through various initiatives.

These include establishing the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and launching the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

"We believe that effective connectivity would help to promote trade, investment and tourism within and between the region," he said.

Wei Ling, director and researcher at the Institute of Asian Studies at China Foreign Affairs University, said cooperation on quarantine measures and navigation safety between China and ASEAN countries should be improved as the first step in seeking better maritime connectivity.

"In addition, ASEAN countries could seek funding from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank or through the public-private partnership proposed by Beijing to ease financing difficulties in the region.

"The general connectivity plan for ASEAN countries was approved in 2010, and its implementation is now the biggest concern of the members," she said.

Wei said that if the plan is carried out "faithfully", it will help ASEAN countries to play a bigger role in regional economic cooperation and improve their say in global affairs.

The connectivity of ASEAN countries covers transportation, telecommunication, energy resources and other economic sectors, in addition to government agreements on free trade, regional transportation and cooperation on education, culture and tourism.

"All this is interlinked with the proposals for the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, which includes policy coordination, transportation connectivity, trade facilitation, currency exchanges and people-to-people exchanges," Wei said.

Contact the writer at anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn

Premier's proposals

The six-point proposal by Premier Li Keqiang on China-ASEAN relations

Reinforce the institutional building of China-ASEAN cooperation and development

Facilitate free trade talks and a friendly business environment

Synergize China's Belt and Road Initiative with the development strategies of ASEAN countries

Explore the possibility of international industrial cooperation

Step up security cooperation, including in anti-terrorism measures, disaster management and combating cross-border crime.

Push forward sustainable development in the maritime sector, food security, green development and cultural exchanges.

Six-point proposal by the premier on ASEAN-China, Japan and South Korea (10+3) relations

Step up economic integration in East Asia

Coordination on maintaining regional financial stability

Improve interregional connectivity

Implement international industrial cooperation

Deepen cooperation on agriculture and alleviating poverty

Broaden cultural exchanges

China Daily

(China Daily USA 11/23/2015 page3)

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