Manila: South Korea stands as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN) 'partner of action' in addressing its current needs and helping the region become more economically resilient. Speaking at the 13th Korea-ASEAN Community of Policy Exchange (KACPE) International Public Policy Symposium in Pasay City on Friday, Korean Ambassador to ASEAN Lee Chul highlighted Seoul's support for the bloc's efforts to narrow development gaps and increase competitiveness. He emphasized Korea's particular focus on aiding transition economies in the region as they contend with uncertainties from rising geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and emerging technologies.
According to Philippines News Agency, the envoy noted that Korea's pledge aligns with ASEAN's 2045 vision, which emphasizes artificial intelligence, digital norms, research and development, defense industries, and cultural and creative industries. Lee Chul stated, "It reflects Korea's firm commitment to being a partner of action. We will translate our strategic partnership into substantive, future-oriented projects that directly address ASEAN's ongoing needs." Korea is currently ASEAN's second-largest trade partner, with trade volume expected to reach USD 204 billion by 2025. Additionally, Korea has contributed USD 258 million to support Southeast Asia's development goals, with a significant portion directed towards transitional economies.
This symposium marked the first time the event was hosted by the University of the Philippines Center for Integrative Studies and the UP Korea Research Center, in collaboration with the Korea Foundation and the Korea Research Initiatives at the University of New South Wales, Australia. The Track 1.5 dialogue concentrated on enhancing state capacity for policy development and implementation in Southeast Asian transition economies, including Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.
As ASEAN's current chair, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro emphasized the Philippines' role in facilitating cooperation with Korea. In a statement read by Undersecretary Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Lazaro noted that ASEAN's transition economies are at the forefront of global uncertainties, highlighting the importance of sustaining development and strengthening economic resilience. "This is where the partnership between ASEAN and the Republic of Korea can make meaningful impact," she added.
In a separate interview, De Vega mentioned the Philippines' interest in collaborating with Seoul on information exchange, best practices, and strategies to address regional challenges. She identified potential areas of engagement in food security, energy, technology use, innovation, connectivity, and public service delivery, emphasizing the benefits for both individual countries and the broader region.
Key policy areas explored during the symposium included strengthening diplomatic and security capacity, advancing public sector reforms, and enhancing socio-political and cultural policy capabilities through strategic partnerships and multi-sectoral networks among government, academia, and research institutions.
