Secretary General of ASEAN
at the
ASEAN Chambers of Commerce and Industry Gala Dinner
Singapore, 13 August 2006

His Excellency S. R. Nathan, President of the Republic of Singapore,
Mr. Freddy Lam, President of the ASEAN CCI,
Mr. Santi Vilassakdanont, Incoming President of the ASEAN CCI,
ASEAN Ambassadors and diplomatic representatives,
Distinguished Guests, Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Evening

I am honoured and pleased to address you this evening in this distinguished gathering of business and government leaders, to give recognition to the achievements of the two-year Singapore presidency of the ASEAN CCI and to witness the handover of the presidency to Thailand.

From the outset, I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Freddy Lam, whose personal leadership and dedication have seen the ASEAN CCI through its mission of supporting the objectives of ASEAN in its pursuit of regional economic cooperation and integration.

Indeed, Mr. Lam’s traits reflect the Singaporean character of beating the odds, getting things organised and moving things forward vis-à-vis the tasks as hand.

In particular, I would like to laud the ASEAN CCI for reinforcing partnerships with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN BAC), as well as other Regional Industry Clubs (RICs) to promote the priority integration sectors of ASEAN economic integration.

Thank you, Mr. Freddy Lam and your team at the ASEAN CCI. We are proud of your ASEAN citizenship and camaraderie.

Mr. President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, it must also be highlighted that Singapore’s term at the helm of ASEAN CCI was supported by the dynamism and growth of the ASEAN region. These positive developments have certainly made ASEAN a significant player in the region, as well as an attractive investment destination.

The ASEAN Member Countries are committed to ensuring that this favourable economic environment is sustained by:

• deepening the scope of ASEAN’s economic integration, and
• widening ASEAN’s reach by forging Free Trade Areas (FTAs) with our Dialogue Partners in the interest of securing ASEAN’s economic linkages with them.

It is clear that these efforts cannot be done by government alone but with the support and inputs of the business community.

The ASEAN CCI should, therefore, seize the opportunities that the economic climate of ASEAN presents and use it in realising programmes and activities that are supportive of ASEAN’s economic integration efforts.

For instance, I would like to reiterate that the ASEAN Framework Agreement for the Integration of Priority Sectors provides that ASEAN works closely with the ASEAN CCI, the ASEAN BAC and other relevant industry clubs/associations in:

• trade promotion,
• promotional activities for the CLMV countries, and
• attracting foreign direct investment.

As ASEAN introduces measures to deepen economic integration, the business community is presented with various new areas for commerce and expansion. These windows of opportunity should not be neglected but harnessed to sustain ASEAN’s competitiveness.

It is in this light that the business community’s collaboration becomes more and more important.

Government and business must continue to work together so that the region remains business-friendly, a lucrative investment destination and a continually dynamic and growing economy.

It is my job to remain optimistic about ASEAN. But, the reality is the facts are positive and opportunities are plentiful. Profit is there for the adventurous and innovative entrepreneurs. Allow me therefore to conclude my address by enjoining ASEAN CCI to continue its good work, particularly with regard to the priority integration sectors, and by encouraging the different Chambers of Commerce to closely work together in facing the challenges head on as ASEAN continues to embark toward an ASEAN Economic Community. I am confident that under the leadership of Thai business and Mr. Santi Vilassakdanont personally, ASEAN CII will rise to further heights.

Thank you very much for your attention.