BANGKOK (NNT) – ASEAN economic ministers signed the ASEAN Protocol on an Enhanced Dispute Settlement Mechanism.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister, Jurin Laksanawisit, said today that the ASEAN Protocol on an Enhanced Dispute Settlement Mechanism will ensure the implementation of economic agreements and speedy resolution of economic disputes in the ASEAN region. Mr. Jurin said the protocol will enable the ASEAN Secretariat to provide legal advice and support to member states, such as Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The ASEAN Protocol on an Enhanced Dispute Settlement Mechanism is in line with the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Dispute Settlement Mechanism (DSM).
ASEAN economic ministers have declined to sign a pact on mutual recognition of arrangements (MRAs) for vehicles and car parts, as some member countries have yet to complete the necessary procedures. If the pact is signed, it will help facilitate trade in automotive products among members.
In addition to the ASEAN Economics Community (AEC) Council meeting, Thailand is to host the 27th Senior Officials Meeting for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (SOCA). Hosted by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the event is to consider and endorse plans and documents relating to the bloc’s socio-cultural pillar. The outcome of this meeting will be proposed at the 35th ASEAN Summit on November 2.
The event will focus on several issues, including the ASEAN Joint Statement on Climate Change to the 25th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change; the Declaration on the Protection of Children against All Forms of Online Exploitation and Abuse in ASEAN; the ASEAN Declaration on the Rights of Children on the Move and the Bangkok Declaration. Member states will work together in areas of women’s and children’s rights, the environment, art and culture, education and social welfare and development.
