Duterte: 'ASEAN growth facing challenges'

BALI – President Duterte yesterday stressed that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) faces challenges in sustaining growth and development within the regional bloc.

The President attended the ASEAN Leaders’ Gathering at the Nusa Dua Sofitel Hotel here, which was also joined by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde and World Bank President Jim Yong Kim.  

“There are dark clouds looming on the horizon. They warn us of real challenges that we must face. Escalating trade tensions and protectionism threaten to undermine the gains we have achieved in the economic front,” the President told ASEAN heads of state at the meeting.

The gathering was co-chaired by Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsein Loong.

Duterte said in his seven-minute remarks that for ASEAN, the region has maintained a steady growth path although there are challenges to face.

“We are connecting more with the world. Last year, ASEAN’s trade grew almost 15 percent. Foreign direct investment also grew by almost 12 percent. And ASEAN intra-regional trade and investment linkages are continuing to strengthen,” the President said.

But he stressed that the question remains – “Can we sustain this growth and make development truly inclusive for everyone in Southeast Asia?”

He added that with only 12 more years to go before the deadline for the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, now is the time to ask: are we on track toward achieving the objectives we set for ourselves?

The President added that indications are encouraging, particularly for the Philippines, with the economy  on an upward trajectory of growth.

“My government continues to work hard to build and strengthen our enabling investment environment,” he said.

“Make no mistake: We are serious in practicing good governance. We are committed to address corruption. And we are resolute in securing our nation from criminal elements and terrorist threats,” he said.

Duterte to Indonesia: Philippines, Asean are with you

Meanwhile, the President assured Indonesia that the Philippines and the entire ASEAN are with it in the face of the recent disasters that struck the country.

“Recent events have seen our brothers and sisters in Indonesia deal with an onslaught of natural disasters. To Indonesia, the Philippines would like to reiterate our sincere sympathies for the tremendous loss of lives and extensive damage to property,” he said.

He emphasized that Indonesia does not stand alone in dealing with such natural disasters.

“Indonesia has taken on the challenge of rebuilding and rehabilitating its communities. Indonesia stands resilient and unbowed in these difficult times. But Indonesia does not stand alone,” Duterte told the nine other ASEAN heads of state.  

He said in responding to disasters, ASEAN stands with Indonesia.

“Your brothers and sisters in ASEAN stand with you. In responding to disasters, Southeast Asia has declared: one ASEAN, one Response. And we have done so,” Duterte said.

At the same time, the Philippines held a symbolic turnover ceremony of the country’s donation of $300,000 to Indonesia for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami that struck Palu, Central Sulwesi the other week and claimed more than 1,800 lives and displaced more than 200,000 others.