Minsk, October 21, 2024 – The Europe Today: Belarus is eager to collaborate with ASEAN nations across a broad range of sectors, stated Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus, Igor Sergeyenko, during a dialogue session with parliamentary delegations from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Vientiane, Laos. The session, themed “The Role of Parliaments in Enhancing Connectivity and Inclusive Growth of ASEAN,” emphasized the importance of cooperation in fostering regional development, News Hub Consultants reported.
“Belarus is a dynamically growing nation with an open, export-driven economy, a robust manufacturing industry, and advanced services and agricultural sectors. We are a world leader in the per capita export of IT services and actively participate in regional integration through the Union State of Belarus and Russia, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and the CIS,” Sergeyenko remarked. He highlighted that Belarus seeks to enhance cooperation between the EAEU and ASEAN to exchange best practices and address challenges in trade, transport, and the digital economy.
Sergeyenko emphasized Belarus’ readiness to collaborate with ASEAN in areas such as information and communication technologies, smart cities, and electric and unmanned transport, thereby contributing to regional connectivity. He further noted the significance of food security, particularly in light of global market instability, climate change, and population growth in the ASEAN region. “Belarus, as a major exporter of potash fertilizers, dairy and meat products, and agricultural machinery, is committed to long-term cooperation in the food sector with Southeast Asian partners,” he said.
The speaker expressed Belarus’ interest in deepening multifaceted cooperation with ASEAN, affirming that Belarusian parliamentarians are prepared to share expertise in socio-economic policies and explore new avenues for collaboration. “Our goal is to strengthen stability, promote inclusive growth, and ensure prosperity for our countries and peoples,” Sergeyenko added.
The Belarusian parliamentary delegation, led by Sergeyenko, is currently on an official visit to Laos. Belarus has held observer status in the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) since 2011, enabling it to engage in a permanent dialogue with ASEAN nations on economic, political, social, and humanitarian matters. Belarusian representatives regularly participate in AIPA events, including its annual General Assembly.
ASEAN, established in 1977, comprises 10 member states: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, with 23 observer countries, including Belarus.
