One of the main issues the event focused on was the support for sustainable investment in Southeast Asia. Deputy Minister Gerwel stressed that the region is of strategic importance for member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and that its significance for the world economy is growing.
In his address, the undersecretary of state at the Polish MFA underlined that Poland appreciates reforms implemented by Southeast Asian countries. They facilitate foreign investment projects, with investment by Polish companies already present in the region. The deputy chief of Polish diplomacy also pointed out the need to further develop infrastructural links between Europe and Asia, including through the tools offered by the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative. Moreover, he stressed the potential of the Organisation’s standards as regards the pursuit of responsible development of sustainable investment in the countries.  Deputy Minister Gerwel also expressed support for enhanced cooperation between the OECD and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) based on a Memorandum of Understanding. At present, the ASEAN states have the aggregate GDP amounting to USD 3.7 trillion. The Association is Asia’s third biggest economy and the fifth largest economy in the world. Moreover, it is estimated that by 2030 it will move to the fourth place.

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The OECD is an international economic organisation seated in Paris, established in 1961. Its mission is to search for and promote the best political and economic solutions to improve the quality of life of people across the world. Poland has been a member since 1996.

Inaugurated in 2014, the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Programme aims to support the region in its policy reforms and efforts to increase economic integration.

 

MFA Press Office

Photo  Barbara Milkowska MFA