BANGKOK, Aug 6 — Thailand proposed that Asean and the United States enhance engagement with the private sector in vaccine and anti-viral medicine for Covid-19 and promote public health experts’ network at the 33rd Asean-US Dialogue.
The meeting also agreed to prioritise the effective control of new infection waves, reopening economies and safeguarding employment, Thai News Agency reported.
Thai Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Ministry, Soonthorn Chaiyindeepum attended the 33rd Asean-US Dialogue via videoconference, which was co-chaired by Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) Leaders of Laos (as Country Coordinator for the Asean-US Dialogue Relations) and the US SOM Leaders of the Asean Member States and the Deputy Secretary-General of Asean also attended this meeting.
Asean Member States welcomed US support for public health emergencies totalling US$87 million, including its Asean-US Health Futures initiative, and looked forward to the elevation of the Regional Office of the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The meeting also emphasised the US’ role in the region’s post-pandemic recovery, including in the area of connectivity, digital economy, infrastructure development through the US International Development Finance Corporation (USDFC), and human capital development.
Thailand’s concrete proposals included enhanced engagement with the private sector in vaccine and anti-viral medicine for Covid-19, enhancing a network among public health experts, promoting digital connectivity in the region through the US’ private-led investment, and upskilling workforce in preparation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), especially among MSMEs and women.
The meeting was an opportunity for Asean and the US to enhance concrete cooperation, creating an environment conducive to recovery and sustained growth in the region.
It was also the platform in preparation for the upcoming Post Ministerial Conferences (PMC) with the US and the Asean-US Summit in September and November 2020 respectively.
— Bernama
