ASEAN SEC-GEN URGES STRONGER TIES WITH NEW ZEALAND TO ADDRESS GLOBAL TRADE CHALLENGES

JAKARTA, May 12 (Bernama) -- ASEAN secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn has called for deeper cooperation between Southeast Asia and New Zealand in the face of escalating global trade tensions and shifting power dynamics.

He warned that the international system is undergoing profound transformation, citing increasing protectionism, tariff disputes among major economies and a weakening commitment to open trade.

“Recent tariff escalations by major economies have sent shockwaves across global supply chains and financial markets,” he said at the University of Auckland during a special address to mark five decades of ASEAN-New Zealand partnership.

“At the same time, we face intensifying geopolitical tensions, accelerating climate change, disruptive technological shifts, and major realignments in global governance,” he stated, according to the speech text provided by the ASEAN Secretariat.

In response to these developments, Kao said strong partnerships based on shared principles, common interests, mutual respect, and collaboration are essential, pointing to the ASEAN-New Zealand relationship as a good example.

United States Tariffs And ASEAN’s Response

Referring to recent trade policy announcements by the United States, he noted that ASEAN’s deep integration into global supply chains makes it particularly vulnerable to external economic shocks.

He urged New Zealand and ASEAN to work closely to ensure that shifting trade dynamics do not undermine the rules-based multilateral trading system both sides support.

“At a special meeting recently, the ASEAN Economic Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to engage in frank and constructive dialogue with the United States to address trade concerns,” Kao explained.

Rather than retaliate, the bloc chooses restraint by demonstrating its dedication to an open, predictable, and rules-based global trade order, he added.

ASEAN Vision 2045 And The Role Of External Partners

Kao also announced that the bloc will adopt the ASEAN Vision 2045 at its upcoming summit in Kuala Lumpur this May, marking the first 20-year vision for the region’s community-building agenda supported by four strategic plans: political-security, economic, socio-cultural, and connectivity.

“This vision envisions ASEAN as a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-oriented region amidst existing and future megatrends. It positions ASEAN as the epicentre of growth in the Indo-Pacific,” he said.

He emphasised that external partners, like New Zealand, play a crucial role in achieving the goals of ASEAN Vision 2045.

He said: “New Zealand’s five-decade partnership with ASEAN has built a solid foundation for stronger, more meaningful ties moving forward”.

Kao is currently leading the ASEAN Secretariat delegation on a working visit to Auckland and Wellington from May 12 to 14 at the invitation of the New Zealand government.

-- BERNAMA