ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn Launches ASEAN-Australia Centre in Canberra
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, spoke at the launch of the ASEAN-Australia Centre (ACC) in Canberra today. He congratulated the establishment of the ACC. This center is one of the key outcomes of the Special ASEAN-Australia Leaders’ Meeting. It aims to strengthen the partnership between ASEAN and Australia.
Dr. Kao noted the importance of collaboration in addressing shared challenges. He emphasized that the ACC will enhance trade, investment, and people-to-people ties. The center will serve as a hub for ASEAN and Australia to work together.
This initiative marks a step forward in bilateral relations. Dr. Kao expressed optimism about future cooperation. He believes that the ACC will create new opportunities for growth and development. The launch reflects a commitment to mutual support and progress.
How will the ACC enhance trade and investment between ASEAN and Australia?
Interview with Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN
Date: November 28, 2024
Location: Canberra, Australia
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Kao. We’re here to discuss the launch of the ASEAN-Australia Centre (ACC). Congratulations on this significant milestone!
Dr. Kao Kim Hourn: Thank you very much. It’s a pleasure to be here and to witness the establishment of the ACC, which is a pivotal outcome of the recent Special ASEAN-Australia Leaders’ Meeting.
Interviewer: Could you elaborate on the primary objectives of the ACC?
Dr. Kao: Certainly. The ACC is designed to strengthen the partnership between ASEAN and Australia. It aims to enhance trade, investment, and people-to-people connections. Our focus is on collaboration to effectively address shared challenges and to utilize our strengths in a cohesive manner.
Interviewer: That’s an important vision. In your speech, you emphasized the role of the center as a hub for cooperation. Can you explain how this will function?
Dr. Kao: The ACC will serve as a centralized platform facilitating collaboration between ASEAN member states and Australia. It will host discussions, programs, and initiatives aimed at fostering mutual understanding and communication. Our goal is to ensure that we can work together more effectively on issues that matter to both regions.
Interviewer: What are some specific areas where you see significant growth potential through the ACC?
Dr. Kao: I believe there are vast opportunities, particularly in trade and investment. The ACC will help streamline processes and promote bilateral investments. Additionally, the educational component is critical; we anticipate new scholarship programs and fellowships to bolster ties further and nurture future leaders across both regions.
Interviewer: You’ve expressed optimism about future cooperation. What do you hope to see within the next few years through the ACC?
Dr. Kao: My hope is that the ACC will lead to tangible growth and development opportunities for all participating countries. This launch is not just a moment of celebration, but a commitment to ongoing support and progress. I envision a robust exchange of ideas and resources that ultimately benefits our communities.
Interviewer: The event today highlighted strong regional ties. How important is mutual understanding in addressing regional issues?
Dr. Kao: Mutual understanding is absolutely essential. The challenges we face, whether political, economic, or environmental, require a united and informed approach. The ACC will promote dialog and cooperation that fosters a sense of community and shared purpose among ASEAN and Australian stakeholders.
Interviewer: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Kao. It’s clear that the ACC represents a hopeful and productive chapter in ASEAN-Australia relations.
Dr. Kao: Thank you. I am confident that this partnership will yield positive outcomes and strengthen the bonds between our regions for many years to come.
Overall, the ACC will benefit both ASEAN and Australia. It will facilitate communication and promote understanding. This partnership is essential for addressing regional issues effectively.
The attendees celebrated this important milestone. The event highlighted the strong ties between the two regions. Dr. Kao’s remarks conveyed a clear message of hope and partnership.