Singapore: External Affairs Minister Sushma
Swaraj today met with her Singaporean counterpart Dr Vivian
Balakrishnan here and discussed bilateral and multilateral
issues relating to the economic and strategic partnership,
officials said.
The two leaders also discussed the enormous potential for
cooperation between ASEAN and India, officials said.
They had discussions on bilateral and multilateral issues
relating to the economic and strategic partnership, External
Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet.
Swaraj addressed the Indian diaspora at the ASEAN-India
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) during which she reaffirmed
India's commitment to ASEAN. She also met delegates from the
ASEAN countries attending the PBD.
Balakrishnan said that the Regional Comprehensive
Economic Partnership (RCEP) between ASEAN and six of its key
partners including India is a historic opportunity to set up
the world's largest trade bloc.
If it comes to fruition, the RCEP would cover half of the
world's population and a third of its gross domestic product,
he said.
"Economic integration is not just a mantra, but it is
crucial for the mutual prosperity of the citizens of India and
of ASEAN," Balakrishnan told some 3,000 Indian delegates.
He pointed out that the potential was still untapped.
"There is a huge potential for growth in trade, tourism
and many other fields (between India and ASEAN)," he said.
To grow ASEAN's ties with India, Balakrishnan suggested
more affordable flights, to encourage more businessmen and
tourists to travel.
Smart cities in India and ASEAN could also connect with
each other, the minister said.
He also called for better digital connectivity.
Earlier today, Swaraj said that India's dialogue
partnership with ASEAN has evolved into a strategic
partnership and the Indian diaspora provides a platform for
stronger ties with the grouping.
ASEAN, which comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos,
Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and
Vietnam, is India's fourth largest trading partner, accounting
for 10.2 per cent of India's total trade.
India is ASEAN's seventh largest trading partner. Trade
is back on track and registered an eight per cent increase in
2016-17, as compared to the previous year.
New Delhi will host a commemorative summit on January 25
to mark the 25th anniversary of the Dialogue Partnership
between India and ASEAN in which all the leaders of the bloc
are expected to participate.
PTI
