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EU devotes half of its financial aid to support ASEAN connectivity
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EU Ambassador Francisco Fontan offers some remarks during the Blue Book launch ceremony at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on Sept 14. (JP/Ayomi Amindoni)
T
he European Union (EU) has devoted roughly half of its financial assistance to support ASEAN connectivity, specifically in sustainable and inclusive economic integration and trade.
The establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community at the end of 2015 provides an opportunity to intensify EU-ASEAN cooperation, said Franck Viaul, the head of cooperation with the EU delegation to Indonesia.
Connectivity through sustainable and inclusive economic integration and trade is among three focal points in EU-ASEAN cooperation, aside from cooperation in climate change and disaster management and comprehensive communication.
“Aside from concentration in selected sectors, we also work on larger multi-annual programs. Between 2013 and 2016, the average size of EU-ASEAN programs increased from €6.5 million to €22 million each," Viault said on Wednesday in Jakarta.
To share the EU’s experience in integration, the economic bloc has offered ASEAN Regional Integration by the EU (ARISE) — a technical facility designed to help develop the ASEAN single market and production base with €15 million in funds from 2013 to 2017.
"The program will end next year," he went on to say, adding that the new ASEAN Regional Integration Support from the EU (ARISE Plus) was expected to be approved this year.
In addition to that, the EU has provided €3.5 million in funds over three years to support ASEAN integration by strengthening law enforcement networks and cooperation at regional transit hubs. (ags)
