Greater connectivity at all levels of East Asian countries would help the region prosper in the long term, but this could only be possible if and when a greater number of public and private organisations participate in a study on the comprehensive development plan.
“The Asean secretariat, along with various other institutions, is working on a 'comprehensive Asian development plan' and this is work in progress, it is not yet finished. We are still seeking participation, contribution, advice from the private sector and all parties concerned,” Surin Pitsuwan, the secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) said recently.
The East Asian countries, he said, should take a leading role in formulating a new regional road map by helping form the comprehensive development plan.
The plan, he says, is one that would encompass the 16 members of the East Asian economies – the 10-member Asean, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand.
via Time to think bigger.
