Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, speaking at the World Economic Forum said that the Asian economy is dependent on the free movement of the maritime activities within the Indo-Pacific region.
The Premier attended the World Economic Forum of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), last week, held in Vietnam under the patronage of the Vietnamese Prime Minister, Nguyen Xuan Phuc.
Speaking further he emphasised that it is important for all countries of the region, to collectively agree on a common principle pertaining to the use of free movement of the maritime activities in the region.
The event took place at the National Convention Centre in Hanoi. The Chief Guest was the Chinese Deputy Prime Minister Hu Chunhua. Premier Wickremesignhe was a special invitee to the Economic Forum of the ASEAN summit where ten Asian countries were represented at the event.
Addressing the gathering Chairman of the World Economic Forum of ASEAN, Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong, said that counties in the region should, based on common ground, reap the benefits of the fourth industrial revolution.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo addressing the Forum said that in order to face future challenges, it is important to utilise unlimited expertise within human resources.
Aung San Suu Kyi, State Councilor of the Myanmar’s State Council who also addressed the Forum stated that Myanmar is not showing positive trends in the country in the recent past. She also emphasised on the need for all countries in the region to march forward together, as any setback faced by one country has a collective effect on the region.
Among other regional leaders who participated were, Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, and Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Prajin Juntong. Executive President of the ASEAN World Economic Forum Klaus Schwab addressed the Forum.