ASEAN ministers promise to boost intra-regional trade, integration (Business World, 8 April 2017)
Top government executives from the 10 member-states met in Cebu for the 3rd ASEAN Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Joint Meeting and Related Meetings, completing the series of discussions. The leaders fortified their commitment to promote economic growth, financial integration, and strengthen financial stability “to further advance our region’s resilience,” as it acknowledged that the trend of protectionism, rising geopolitical concerns, and rate hikes in the United States could “increase volatilities” in their respective economies. “We recognized that domestic demand will remain a key driver of our regional growth while structural reforms, public spending, and fiscal stimulus will support investments in ASEAN,” read the joint public statement.