The UK Mission to ASEAN and the ASEAN Secretariat have today launched the ASEAN-UK Economic Integration Programme (EIP) in Jakarta.
Martin Kent, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific and the UK’s Senior Economic Official to ASEAN, alongside UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Sarah Tiffin, introduced the ASEAN-UK Economic Integration Programme which aims to foster economic growth across the region by tackling development barriers within ASEAN member states and the broader ASEAN Economic Community.
This significant initiative, valued at up to £25 million over four years will adopt a multifaceted approach, concentrating on impactful strategies.
It provides tailored assistance to ASEAN member states through technical support, capacity building, and knowledge-sharing partnerships. Moreover, the programme explores the potential of digitalisation as a catalyst for economic advancement across ASEAN and supports micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
Covering all ten ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste, the programme focuses on three main areas:
- Facilitating regulatory reform to streamline trade and economic activities.
- Advocating for open trade to eliminate barriers within ASEAN and enhance global trade relations, including with the UK.
- Enhancing financial services to modernize and strengthen accessibility to finance for individuals and businesses across ASEAN and Timor-Leste.
Sarah Tiffin, UK Ambassador to ASEAN, emphasised:
“The UK takes pride in launching the Economic Integration Programme, further enhancing our Dialogue Partnership. Since becoming a Dialogue Partner, the UK has been dedicated to collaborating with ASEAN nations to alleviate poverty and foster inclusive economic growth. This programme serves as a key instrument in tackling these significant challenges in partnership with ASEAN.”
Martin Kent echoed this sentiment, stating:
“The launch of the ASEAN-UK Economic Integration Programme underscores our commitment to collaborating with ASEAN towards a more integrated regional economy. With a focus on leveraging opportunities from the digital economy and empowering women entrepreneurs and small businesses, the programme will draw upon UK expertise in regulatory reform, financial services, and trade policy for mutual prosperity.”
Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary General of ASEAN, welcomed the programme, stating:
“Today marks a significant milestone in the ASEAN-UK partnership as we unveil this Programme. I particularly appreciate the Programme’s emphasis on regulatory reform, open trade, and financial services. I anticipate the programme’s support for ASEAN’s existing initiatives in these key areas and its contribution to ASEAN’s economic integration.”
The British Government say this collaborative effort reinforces the strong partnership between the UK and ASEAN nations, demonstrates the UK’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, free, and prosperous region for all.
