Background
His Excellency Dr. Hang Chhuon Naron, Minister of Education Youth and Sport has initiated a development of ASEAN Economic Research Institute (AERI) to promote economic research activities related to ASEAN development issues. This is a timely initiative because Cambodia will take over the Chair of ASEAN from Brunei Darussalam in 2022 as in line with article 31 of the ASEAN Charter the Chair rotates in alphabetical order of the English names of member states.
The National University of Management (NUM) has been honored to be assigned by the Minister to establish an institute to support academic research with a focus on economic issues and policy developments in line with a particular focus on the establishment of the Asian Economic Community (AEC). The Research Institute will support the aims and objectives of AEC Blueprint 2025 in the hope of informing and advising policy makers and the Cambodian business community of strategic and policy issues as AEC continues on this path to a highly integrated, cohesive, competitive and dynamic community.
Aims and Objectives
The establishment of the Institute confirms NUM’s commitment to enhance and encourage research among faculties in the area of economic strategy and policy. The initial impetus for this project comes from Cambodia taking the Chair of ASEAN in 2022 and it is expected that research will be initially driven by the theme and direction of Cambodia’s chairmanship in continuing the development of AEC in line with the ASEAN Charter. Once established research will continue to explore the ongoing development to AEC Blueprint 2025 and beyond.
The aims and objectives of the AERI will focus on the promotion, encouragement and support of research in areas consistent with the five interrelated and mutually reinforcing characteristics of AEC Blueprint 2025, namely:
- A Highly Integrated and Cohesive Economy
- A Competitive, Innovative and Dynamic ASEAN
- Enhanced Connectivity and Sectoral Cooperation
- A Resilient, Inclusive, People-Centred and People-Oriented ASEAN
- A Global ASEAN
The aims and objectives of the AERI are to:
- Study economic development strategies of ASEAN member countries and provide inputs for Cambodian policy makers to enhance competitiveness of Cambodian economy
- Liaise with policy makers, the business community and NGO’s to identify priorities and areas of support as development of AEC continues.
- Encourage close and beneficial cooperation with other educational and regional organisations within the ASEAN community.