国际英语新闻:ASEAN FMs emphasize need to thrive from 4th industrial revolution

CHIANG MAI, Thailand, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) needs to make use of technological advances from the fourth industrial revolution and build immunity from disruptive technologies, said Thailand's Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai here on Friday.

Don was speaking at a press briefing at the end of the ASEAN Foreign Minister's Retreat in northern Thailand's Chiang Mai, which is the first gathering of ASEAN foreign ministers under Thailand's chairmanship this year.

The meeting recognized that sustainable development cooperation was a strategic priority of ASEAN and key to promoting sustainability in the region.

ASEAN should be future-oriented and better prepared for the fourth industrial revolution, said the Thai foreign minister in a statement.

He mentioned that the foreign ministers welcomed the initiative in issuing a report regarding the effect of the fourth industrial revolution on ASEAN which is being studied by the grouping's economic counterparts.

The foreign ministers also looked forward to the ASEAN Secretariat's assessment on the preparedness and implications of the fourth industrial revolution from a holistic perspective considering political-security and socio-cultural aspects, according to the statement.

The meeting also recognized the importance of enhancing cybersecurity cooperation and capacity of ASEAN experts in cyber incidence response and analysis, so as to build a safe, secure and resilient cyberspace supporting the digital economy of the region.