WNAM REPORT: Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono called for a more integrated economic partnership between ASEAN and South Korea to strengthen regional economic resilience in the face of global crises.
Speaking at the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference with the Republic of Korea in Manila on Wednesday (July 22), Sugiono stated that updating the existing bilateral free trade agreement serves as a crucial step toward building a modern and forward-looking economic partnership.
“Developing a more integrated economic partnership between ASEAN and South Korea is the first step in strengthening cooperation between the two parties,” Sugiono said in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Sugiono emphasized that ongoing efforts to upgrade the existing ASEAN-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA) arrive at a critical juncture for the region.
Modernizing the pact, he argued, will pave the way for deeper integration in high-growth sectors.
“Expanding the digital trade market and other strategic sectors will open new opportunities for business actors and the wider community to enhance cooperation,” Sugiono added, noting that advancing digital literacy and connectivity remains critical for the region.
Sugiono highlighted smart agriculture as a key sector where digital transformation can expand market access and improve livelihoods for farmers across ASEAN member states.
He also referenced the launch of the ASEAN-Korea High Performance Computing Facility in Jakarta in June 2026 as a concrete demonstration of joint commitment to enhancing artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven research capabilities in the region.
Closing his remarks, Sugiono reaffirmed that economic resilience must be underpinned by regional stability, international law, and adherence to multilateral principles.
“Ultimately, resilience, peace and stability can only be achieved through multilateralism, respect for international law and principles for peaceful conflict resolution,” the minister concluded.
