USABC Organizes Briefing on Economic Priorities under Indonesia's 2023 ASEAN Chairmanship with Ambassador Rosan Roeslani
(Washington, D.C.) – On March 15, the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) held an exclusive briefing and business reception on the economic priorities under Indonesia’s 2023 ASEAN Chairmanship with H.E. Rosan Roeslani, Indonesia’s Ambassador to the United States. Under the chairmanship theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth”, Indonesia will focus on three economic priorities: economic recovery, digital economy, and sustainability.
During the briefing, Ambassador Roeslani discussed how Indonesia’s Chairmanship priorities will be implemented throughout the year. He also shared updates on the 2023 ASEAN economic workplan and identified areas for potential collaboration. The briefing was followed by a business reception with key stakeholders from ASEAN embassies and the U.S. government, as well as dialogue partners from the embassies of China, Korea, Japan, Australia, and the European Union.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Ted Osius, President and CEO of the US-ASEAN Business Council, welcomed Indonesia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and emphasized that, “Indonesia’s leadership is critical in addressing today’s global challenges and charting a path forward to making ASEAN the center of economic growth.”
Following Amb. Osius, Ambassador Serbini Ali, Brunei’s Ambassador to the United States and Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Washington (ACW) echoed Ambassador Osius’ remarks by stating that “ASEAN is in good hands, with its Chairmanship under one of its founding members. There are high expectations but Indonesia can manage.”
In his keynote speech, Ambassador Roeslani underscored the importance of the US-Indonesia relationship, the U.S.-ASEAN relationship, and the need for closer collaboration on both fronts. He added, “ASEAN is positioned to be at the center of economic gravity.” and that, "Indonesia is expected to work extensively on areas of green infrastructure, inclusive digital transformation, and strengthening production hubs and supply chains."
Indonesia took over the ASEAN Chairmanship from Cambodia at the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh in November 2022. Indonesia’s Chairmanship formally began on January 1 and ends on December 31, 2023.
The briefing and business reception were well attended by representatives from the U.S. Government, ASEAN embassies, embassies of ASEAN Dialogue Partners, U.S. think tanks, and the American private sector. This event was generously sponsored by Freeport McMoRan, Chubb, Kimberly-Clark, and Disney.