Ex-PM Names Three Drivers For Region's New Growth Triangle

PETALING JAYA (Selangor, Malaysia), Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has identified continuity, connectivity and community as three important factors that can drive the huge potential of China, Asean and the Middle East as the new growth triangle in the region. Bridges have been built and the three factors can be used to strengthen the linkages, he said at the 3rd World Chinese Economic Forum Award Dinner here on Thursday night. He said the Silk Route has been instrumental in creating the first growth triangle which resulted in the Chinese, Indian, Persian, Egyptian, Arabian and Roman civilisations to flourish and laid the foundations for the modern world. "An informal triangle has emerged based on trade and cultural exchanges through the linkages between the three regions -- the Middle East, China and Southeast Asia represented by Melaka at that time," he said. To create a new growth triangle in these three regions, he said, continuity is the key by improving substantially and further develop the existing modalities. "Trade, investment and finance must remain an important part of this for they are resilient and mutually enriching platforms on which to launch the new growth triangle," he said. The exchanges of knowledge, ideas and culture must also continue for they create the rich social environment from which even more success can occur, he added. Abdullah also proposed the three regions to take turns hosting a biennial or triennial meeting to discuss the needs and offer that can be put on the table. On connectivity, the former prime minister stressed the need for more investment in roads, rail, ports, air transport as well as telecommunications which have become essential for modern day growth and society. "Such developments take time and the costs can be enormous. Countries, of course, have to ensure that they commit resources within their own countries even as they seek to improve cross-border linkages," he said. To realise such plans, he said, high-level policymakers and practitioners conference can be convened to discuss present developments and future plans, citing the Asean Infrastructure Fund as an example of such collaboration. On community, Abdullah emphasised the importance of creating a sense of belonging as socio-economic interactions can be established within friends and family than among strangers. "Purely commercial-driven interactions have a tendency of falling prey to changing circumstances whereas with a sense of community, misunderstandings and even conflicts can be better managed," he said. In order to promote the sense of community, he said, the leaders must show the way and be role models for businessmen and citizens to follow. -- BERNAMA Malaysia