The recent press conference on WEF ASEAN 2018 in Hanoi (Photo: VNA)New Delhi (VNA) – The upcoming World Economic Forum onASEAN 2018 (WEF ASEAN 2018) has utmost significance for the ASEAN region,according to an Indian business expert.
This was the opinion of Professor, Dr. Faisal Ahmed, Chairman ofInternational Business department at FORE School of Management, a leadingbusiness school in New Delhi. He talked to Vietnam News Agency reporters in NewDelhi ahead of the WEF ASEAN 2018, which is slated to take place from September11-13 in Hanoi, Vietnam.
According to the professor, several ASEAN member countries face imminentchallenges related to geopolitics, industrialisation, SDGs, green growth andjobs. In the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution i.e. the digitalrevolution characterised by Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence(AI), there are complex challenges for sustained growth.
He noted that this World Economic Forum (WEF) on ASEAN is an effort toengage the policy makers, academia, business, NGO and other stakeholders todeliberate on the digital revolution and finds pragmatic solutions for pressingissues of social and geo-economic significance. With its futuristic agenda as reflectedin the theme “ASEAN 4.0: Entrepreneurship in the fourth industrial revolution”,this event would stimulate the effort toward a digital economy for ASEAN.
Prof. Dr. Faisal Ahmed said ASEANcountries need some pragmatic outcomes which can enhance their globalcompetitiveness, through the development and use of digital infrastructure.
On the role of Vietnam and India in the WEF ASEAN, the researcher said thisWEF on ASEAN is definitely going to provide the much desired internationalattention to Vietnam. Vietnam will be able to build global confidence forexpanding its market, attracting investment inflows and improving on othersocio-economic indicators.
Regarding India, he said if this event comes out with some pragmaticoutcomes for reducing supply-side constraints in some ASEAN countries, Indiacan leverage benefits from it through the vibrant Act East Policy. Definitely,Vietnam as a host of this event is taking a lead in strengtheningentrepreneurial culture and in job creation efforts in the region and beyond.
Dr. Faisal Ahmed has researchedextensively on the geo-economics of the Indo-Pacific region. He held theposition of Consultant to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission forWestern Asia (UNESCWA) and other organisations, and has led project supportedby the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, and Ministry of External Affairs ofIndia.-VNA
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