Asean is in a better position than most to survive the crisis

Here are excerpts from the interview.

Q: Asean has many issues to discuss this time, but what do you think will be the benchmark for Asean's success?

A: If Asean countries can further integrate their economies, that will be a message to the outside world about what Asean has done to deal with the crisis. The challenge for Asean is to integrate according to the economic blueprint or roadmap signed in late 2007 in Singapore. There are around 14 agreements to be signed this time. These have already passed Thai parliamentary approval.

If Asean can successfully implement the blueprint, this will send a signal and show the success of Asean. A single market will increase our bargaining power. Asean people will be able to work in many countries. It will promote cross-investment. Our economies will be able to maintain economic growth and will be able to recover more quickly than others. The region is in a better position than others. Our financial institutions have high saving rates. The question is how to mobilise savings in an effective manner ... to enhance our resources, human resources and infrastructure. If we can do it, it will create jobs.

Economic integration will promote growth and will prepare Asean for the next round of expansion, although it will take a while.

Q: What will be on the agenda for the Asean finance ministerial meeting in Phuket from February 22?

A: I think one of the most important things is the fund mobilisation and the Chiang Mai initiatives (the pooling of international reserves as stand-by credit for countries in need.) The fund will be expanded. But there are details to be discussed such as how to use the money and the qualifications for borrowers. Also among the issues is the role of local currencies. The widening currency account deficit may affect international reserves in the future. These are things that we need to look into. If we can deal with the issues effectively, then we will be able to restore confidence to the region.

Q: What do you think about the Thai government's preparation for hosting the summit?

A: I think it has done a good job given the limited time frame because of the changes of government. Today, [the day of the interview] the chief of the Thai Asean department will meet me to discuss the details of the summit. I think the agenda has been settled now. It is understood that the most important thing this time is how to cope with the economic problems in the region in terms of exports, service industries and resources.

But there are other issues facing the region as well, such as natural disasters, global warming and climate change. If we cannot solve these problems, we have to think how to cope with the impact. For instance, how to mitigate the impact on the agricultural sector.

In fact, Asean has long prepared itself. We integrated our economies originally to strengthen our competitiveness. Now that there's a crisis, I think Asean is in a better position to cope because of our preparation. Asean regional integration shows that Asean leaders had the right anticipation. And they prepared the region by promoting human resources, basic infrastructure and logistics to reduce costs. Asean should continue to promote cooperation with others, to promote our logistic networks. For instance, India is developing a car industry and it can use parts manufactured in Thailand. What we lack is logistic transportation and the links in production networks.

Q: Will human rights be discussed during the summit?

A: I think human rights will be discussed under the framework of Asean. Human rights is a challenging issue. We can't avoid discussion on this, but not in the context of condemning any country. The Rohingya problem is a humanitarian issue. The world community also has expectations of Asean to deal with the issue. Secondly, the Asean Charter says that Asean has to give high importance to human rights. And thirdly, the Rohingya problem affects the image of Asean - some may criticise Asean for not following its vision in creating a caring community. The Rohingyas may not be included in the formal agenda but we have to discuss this either during the bilateral meetings or in the informal meetings.