Goh calls for strengthening ASEAN

By Amit Baruah

SINGAPORE, JAN. 2. The current situation in South-East Asia presents Singapore with ``a difficult external challenge'', the Prime Minister, Mr. Goh Chok Tong, said in his New Year message.

``Investors and analysts have a negative image of the region. This perception has also affected Singapore,'' Mr. Goh said.

``To overcome this problem, we should work closely with ASEAN countries to get ASEAN going again. The core ASEAN membership rests on a strong foundation built up over several decades. Given time and political will ASEAN can overcome its current difficulties. Together, ASEAN can convince investors that opportunities still exist in South-East Asia,'' Mr. Goh stated.

The Prime Minister also announced that Singapore's economy grew by 10.1 per cent in 2000, well above the projections at the beginning of the year.

Referring to prospects for 2001, Mr. Goh said according to the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Singapore's economy would grow a moderate five to seven per cent in the current financial year. However, we will ``have to watch closely how these events unfold'', the Prime Minister added. ``The strong economic growth has benefited most Singaporeans. Many jobs have been created. Fewer workers are being retrenched, although older workers are still taking longer to find new jobs...'' he said.

According to Mr. Goh, ``Globalisation and the knowledge economy hold great promise for Singapore. Our young must work hard to master IT, while our old should learn how to use it for at least simple functions. We must avoid being left behind by the digital revolution... we will work together to carry all Singaporeans with us, as we enter the knowledge economy''.

In what appeared to be a response to Indonesia and the recent remarks by its President, Mr. Abdurrahman Wahid, Mr. Goh said: ``Relations with our neighbours are not always as smooth as we would wish. We will do our part to improve and strengthen ties.''

``Now, several of our neighbours are in political transition. We will continue to develop our relations with them, on the basis of equality. We should render assistance within our resources and abilities. But when necessary, we will have to stand our ground quietly, to establish the principle of mutual respect,'' the Prime Minister said.

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Section  : International
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