Speech by Oh Ei Sun
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E-mail China.org.cn, September 22, 2016
Name: Oh Ei Sun, Adjunct Senior Fellow, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Title: Belt and Road Initiative & ASEAN Economic Community: Synergy and Opportunities
Abstract:
China proposed countries along the ancient Silk Road such as Southeast Asian nations should work toward constructing a new “21st Century Maritime Silk Road” (MSR) in addition to an on-land counterpart, which together make up the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). At the same time, the ten member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are commencing their most ambitious common project thus far—the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), under which ASEAN member states seek to eliminate the tariffs among themselves, and look forward to further developing the region. Indeed, integration between BRI and AEC could start with four main themes: improving connectivity, upgrading of commercial links, promotion of multiculturalism, as well as cooperation in education and science. The vigorous development of a functioning modern MSR (or indeed the whole BRI) must be accompanied by a well-working transportation and communication system. The Southeast Asian countries along the route are quite receptive of China’s rail linkage concept, but are looking forward to China’s taking the lead in terms of transfer of patent technologies and financing packages in favorable terms.
Therefore, China and Southeast Asia must double their efforts to improve their logistics, infrastructure, shipbuilding, finance, and other related industries and services, so as to more readily grasp the new opportunities presented by the BRI. Southeast Asian countries, such as Malaysia and Singapore, can essentially serve as “super entrepots” for China’s BRI.
China could consider transferring parts of the processing stages and techniques to places of origin in Southeast Asia. This could not only create local jobs, but also raise both the quantity and quality of the products. Such setups will not only ensure steady supply of foods for China, but also help stimulate local economy.
The various historical sites about the Silk Road throughout China and Southeast Asia could be harnessed into sustainable touristic sites, enabling tourists to personally experience the vibrancy of Southeast Asia as well as the profundity of Chinese culture. China has seen relatively outstanding rise in its entertainments industry. It could share some of its experience with its Southeast Asian counterparts.
Institutes and think tanks should be set up to conduct research into the policy, economic and social issues of the region. The more advanced research institutions in China could consider setting up their research stations in Southeast Asia, so as to take advantage of the available supply of research subjects and benefit mankind. Moreover, China’s new round of opening up is equally applicable both domestically and also in those newly emerging economies which stress on trade and investment. If carefully and realistically implemented, the new opening up could create win-win scenarios for all parties concerned.
The prosperity of East Asian region is a common responsibility for all nations. Southeast Asia welcomes China to continue its substantial cooperation with the region, so that together we can build a community of common destiny for all.
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