The Ministers had a comprehensive exchange of views on political and economic subjects. The Ministers reviewed the progress of ASEAN-EC relations since their last meeting which was held in Dusseldorf from 2-3 May 1988. The Ministers expressed their satisfaction at the continued cooperation that exists between ASEAN and the EC both in international fora and on a bilateral basis. Being cognizant of the impact of the European Single Market in 1992 and of recent political, social, and economic developments in Eastern Europe, both ASEAN and the EC were in agreement that greater efforts should be made to enhance cooperation between the two regions.

The ASEAN and EC Ministers had a wide-ranging discussion on the latest international developments. They noted with satisfaction the existing disposition towards rapprochement and mutual accommodation among states, especially between the major powers, which has led to a visible relaxation of international tensions and to even more vigorous efforts in resolving regional conflicts through dialogue and negotiations. The exchange of views also focused on the fundamental changes presently taking place in Central and Eastern Europe and on the new opportunities as well as new challenges that these may entail.

While welcoming these developments as hopeful auguries for greater global peace and improved East-West relations, the Ministers recognised that imbalances and uncertainties still exist inter alia in the North-South relationship. They therefore resolved to enhance their cooperation in addressing the global problems of an increasingly interdependent and integrated world economy.

The Ministers welcomed recent progress in the areas of nuclear, chemical and conventional disarmament and arms control and noted that prospects are favourable for further progress. Through disarmament, new opportunities could be created for facilitating increased cooperation for development and for the safeguarding of the resources of the environment.

The Ministers had an extensive exchange of views on the latest developments regarding the Cambodian question and the continuing efforts to find a comprehensive, just and durable solution to the trade conflict in that country, which can only be achieved through a comprehensive political settlement Such a-settlement should include, inter alia, the total withdrawal of foreign forces verified by the UN, a ceasefire, the ending of all forms of external military assistance to the belligerents, the introduction of an effective International Control Mechanism under auspices, the creation of a UN interim authority and the promotion of national reconciliation among the Cambodians, ensure respect for the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and neutral and non-aligned status of Cambodia, as well as the right of the Cambodian people to self-determination free from outside interference, and ensure also the non-return of the universally condemned policies and practices of a recent past. They stressed the fundamental right of Cambodians to choose their own government in free, fair and UN-supervised elections, in which all Cambodian parties should be allowed to participate. The Cambodian parties should commit themselves to honouring the results of these elections. They reaffirmed their condemnation of those responsible for the policies and practices which led to the extermination of hundreds of thousands of Cambodians from 1975 to 1978 and expressed the view that neither the Khmer Rouge nor any other Cambodian group should be allowed to seize or retain power through force of arms.

They shared the view that, while the Paris Conference had not as yet succeeded in achieving a comprehensive solution, it has made progress in elaborating a wide range of principal elements necessary for reaching a comprehensive settlement. They therefore urged the two Co-Chairmen of the Conference to continue their consultations with a view to resuming the negotiating process and the reconvening of the Paris Conference at an appropriate time.

The Ministers noted with satisfaction that parties directly involved in the conflict and other concerned countries now have accepted the central idea of a United Nations interim administration for Cambodia in the transitional period leading up to the holding of free and fair elections. They recognised that, on the modalities and actual forms of such UN interim administration, divergence of views still exist, thus requiring further detailed negotiations.

The Ministers were greatly encouraged by the results of the recent meeting of the five Permanent Members of the UN Security Council and welcomed the 16 -point Summary of Conclusions adopted at the first Meeting which specifically endorsed an enhanced UN role in the resolution of the Cambodian question. They noted the further progress achieved at the meeting of the Five in New York on 12 -13 February and welcomed the decision of the UN Secretary-General to set up under his chairmanship an intra-secretariat task-force.

In view of the afore-mentioned developments, the Ministers expressed their full support for the forthcoming Informal Meeting on Cambodia, to be convened in Jakarta within the framework of the Paris Conference. They expressed their hope that this meeting, together with the work currently underway among the five Permanent Members of the UN Security Council, will succeed in taking the negotiating process forward, thus paving the way for the reconvening of the Paris Conference.

The Ministers shared the view that the plight of those who have fled from Indochina, including those still in camps in ASEAN countries and Hong Kong and civilians displaced on the Thai-Cambodian border, remained a cause of serious international concern.

The Ministers affirmed that the continuing influx of asylum seekers and displaced persons from Indochinese countries imposes an intolerable burden on countries and places of first. asylum in the region. They reaffirmed their commitment to the Comprehensive Plan of Action (CPA) as adopted at the International Conference on Indochinese Refugees held in Geneva in June, 1989 as a multilateral arrangement for the durable solution of this problem. They emphasized that a humanitarian solution to this problem lies in the balanced and coordinated implementation of all elements of the CPA by all parties concerned.

Towards this end, they called on the principal country of origin to take effective measures to deter clandestine departures and ensure that the Orderly Departure Programme be the sole mode of departure. They urged resettlement countries to maintain the agreed momentum of resettlement of refugees in first asylum countries. They agreed that, as a matter of priority, there must be an early implementation of the CPA as regards the repatriation of those not qualifying for the status of refugees to the country of origin in a phased, orderly and safe manner. They welcomed the fact that on 23-24 January 1990 the Steering Committee set up under the CPA reached agreement on modalities for the return of all non-refugees to their country of origin and called upon the parties directly concerned t o settle, as soon as possible, the outstanding issue, namely the date prior to which voluntary return alone should take place.

The Ministers also agreed that the implementation of the provisions of the CPA must lead to the durable solution of the problem of the lndochinese asylum seekers within a definite time frame.

The Ministers noted with appreciation the offer of the Philippine Government to host a new processing and transit centre for refugees. They called on the other countries concerned to extend the -fullest possible cooperation to the Philippine Government to enable it to undertake this new burden of the new centre.

The Ministers expressed their concern over the protracted conflict in Afghanistan, two years after the Geneva Agreement on the Settlement of the Situation Relating to Afghanistan and one year after the completion of the withdrawal of Soviet troops. The Ministers called on all parties concerned to intensify their efforts towards a comprehensive political settlement based on the full and consistent implementation of the Geneva Agreements. They stressed the need for an intra-Afghan dialogue with a view to establishing a fully representative Government in which all segments of the Afghan people would take part. They confirmed their support for the United Nations Secretary-General in the efforts he is making to facilitate a settlement.

The Ministers discussed the recent developments in the Middle East and in particular the Arab - Israeli conflict and the Palestinian question. They expressed their grave concern over the deterioration of the situation in the occupied territories. They stressed the urgency of a settlement which would uphold the right to security of all States in the region, including Israel, that is to say, to live within secure, recognised and guaranteed frontiers, and would uphold justice for all the peoples of the region, which includes recognition of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self determination with all that this implies, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338.

They noted that since their last meeting significant developments have taken place on the international political scene, which have opened up new opportunities for action by the international community with a view to achieving a comprehensive and just solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict. In this context, the ASEAN Ministers welcomed the positive approach of the EC as set out in the Madrid and Strasbourg Declarations.

The Ministers reaffirmed their support for an International Conference, under the auspices of the United Nations, which would provide an appropriate forum for negotiations on a peace settlement.

The Ministers expressed their deep concern over the continuing tragedy in Lebanon. They reaffirmed their support for the full sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity of Lebanon. They considered that there is no alternative to the national reconciliation envisaged in the Tariff Agreement and urged that all will contribute to its peaceful achievement through dialogue.

On the Iran-Iraq situation, the Ministers noted that, while the ceasefire which entered into force in 1988 was still being observed, progress towards an overall resolution of the conflict remained stalled due to continuing differences in interpreting the implementation of the provisions of Security Council Resolution 598. They called upon the two States to resume the negotiations under the auspices of the UN and expressed their support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General.

The Ministers reiterated their total rejection of the system of apartheid which represents a crime against the conscience and dignity of mankind and reaffirmed their commitment to its complete eradication, so that in its place a new, non-racial, united and democratic society could be built. They observed that the initiation of a national dialogue with the genuine representatives of the black majority of the South African people has become increasingly urgent. While welcoming the recent lifting of the ban on the ANC and other organisations and the release of Mr. Nelson Mandela, they were of the view that more needed to be done in order to establish a climate conducive to a meaningful dialogue. The Ministers reaffirmed that their common objective was the complete and peaceful eradication of the apartheid system and that, pending evidence of clear and irreversible change to this end, appropriate pressure should be maintained on the South African Government.

The Ministers rejoiced at the successful implementation of the UN Plan for Namibian Independence, based on UN Security Council Resolution 435, thus ending one of the longest and most difficult chapters in the annals of decolonisation. They looked forward to the imminent accession of Namibia to full sovereignty and independence and welcomed the prospect of Namibia joining the UN as its 160th member state.

The Ministers reviewed the activities being implemented within the framework of their bilateral relations and noted with satisfaction the progress made in the various fields. The Ministers were encouraged that the ASEAN-EC Cooperation Agreement was renewed for another period of two (2) years effective from October, 1989 demonstrating the strong commitment of the two sides to strengthen further their relations. In this regard, the Ministers agreed that the private sector should assume a greater role in enhancing ASEAN-EC economic cooperation.

The Ministers noted that sustained growth in both regions was closely linked to open market policies and to trade and continued efforts to further liberalize the multilateral trading system under the GATT.

The Ministers recognized that the completion of a European Single Market could constitute a major opportunity for trading partners, including ASEAN countries, as a source of economic growth and trade opportunities. The Ministers welcomed the information workshops on 1992 held in ASEAN under Community sponsorship and agreed to exchange information on a continuing basis.

The Ministers noted the progress made in the general economic development of ASEAN countries and noted the growing importance played by industrial and services sectors in furthering national development.

While recognising that ASEAN-EC relations have diversified and registered impressive progress, the Ministers agreed that a review of existing cooperation was needed to chart the course of ASEAN-EC relations to meet the challenges of the 90s, notably by on the one hand strengthening the impact of economic, financial and industrial cooperation, human resource development and science and technology programmes and by increasing trade flows and investments and by encouraging participation of the private sector, and on the other hand, continuing to stress assistance to the poorer segment of the rural population. The Ministers noted with interest the formation of a private sector Steering Committee on the European side for the European-ASEAN Business Council. The Ministers also agreed that participation of women in the development process and environmental protection should be given special attention .

The Ministers noted the positive sign in EC-ASEAN relations demonstrated by the increase in trade flows between the two regions since the 7th Ministerial Meeting, particularly for industrial products. In order to take advantage of the new opportunities in both regions the Ministers shared the view that efforts should be intensified to improve market access in both regions.

The ASEAN Ministers requested the EC to provide better market access and a more open trade policy for textiles and clothing, tropical vegetable oils, cocoa products, canned pineapple, timber products, tapioca products, pulp, and fuel wood through reduction of tariffs, elimination of non-tariff barriers and elimination of tariff escalation. The ASEAN Ministers also requested the EC to take into account agricultural products of export interest to ASEAN in its implementation and review of the CAP.

The EC Ministers considered that market access questions are an element of the global process of trade liberalization within the Uruguay Round.

The EC Ministers requested ASEAN to sign the MTN agreements (technical barriers, government procurement, etc.) and to provide improved market access for products such as motor cars, personal computers, paper, textiles and clothing, fertilisers, pharmaceuticals and chemical products through reduction of tariffs and elimination of non-tariff barriers.

The EC Ministers also requested that access to supplies of ASEAN raw materials for manufacturing in the EC be maintained.

The Ministers agreed that problems or shortcomings in bilateral trade relations should be taken up by the ASEAN-EC Joint Trade Experts Group at JCC Meetings.

The Ministers agreed that the EC GSP scheme was an important tool to diversify and increase ASEAN exports to the EC. The ASEAN Ministers noted the greater flexibility made in the. ECs 1989 and 1990 GSP schemes, notably the move towards a Community-wide system and further access in some EC sensitive sectors. The Ministers noted that the cumulative rule of origin for ASEAN in the EC GSP Scheme has just come into force. The ASEAN Ministers requested that the donor country content be included in the GSP scheme.

The ASEAN Ministers expressed appreciation to the EC for its assistance in ASEAN's trade promotion programmes which were intended to enhance ASEAN exports to the EC and third countries. The Ministers agreed that in future fewer, but more in-depth, pluri-annual programmes should be launched.

The Ministers noted that ASEAN was a vital component in the vibrant and dynamic Asia-Pacific region and represented a rapidly expanding area of special interest to European investors. The Ministers expressed their conviction that many opportunities are available in the ASEAN region and advantage could be taken of the privileges granted under the ASEAN industrial programmes.
The economic and investment environment has improved in ASEAN since the 7th Ministerial Meeting. There was agreement that favourable investment conditions would further stimulate private sector investment in ASEAN countries.
The Ministers recognised that industrial cooperation should be accorded high priority in the ASEAN-EC dialogue relations as it would be instrumental in forging constructive economic ties that would be mutually beneficial to both regions.

Further to the plan of action proposed in the EC-ASEAN Joint Memorandum on Industrial Cooperation, the Ministers noted the intensification of initiatives taken to strengthen business and investment contacts between the ASEAN and EC through seminars, exchange programmes and industry-specific workshops, specially directed at the medium and small business. The Minister, directed that the next JCC should integrate the various projects into a coherent industrial cooperation programme. In view of the new incentives provided under the ASEAN Industrial Joint Ventures (AIJV) scheme, the Ministers urged the active participation from private sectors of both sides in developing viable AIJV projects.

The Ministers noted the role of the Joint Investment Committees in each ASEAN capital in promoting joint activities. The Ministers agreed that ASEAN and the EC should encourage their respective private sectors to assume a greater role in the JlCs. A comprehensive data bank of a viable industry sector studies will be soon completed for each ASEAN country and put at the disposal of ASEAN and EC business communities to encourage their involvement in the industrial development in ASEAN.

The Ministers noted with satisfaction that the "EC International Investment Partners" is now operational in its pilot phase and promotes the establishment of Joint-Ventures together with ASEAN or EC financial institutions. The ASEAN region has been the major user of the facility since it started. The Ministers also noted that the facility could be actively promoted for ASEAN initiated projects with the participation of ASEAN merchant banks and other financial institutions.

The Ministers recalled that since 1987 emphasis has been placed on the generation and support of joint scientific research projects, the ultimate goal of which is to create permanent links between the scientific communities of the two regions. The Community has placed at the disposal of ASEAN research institutes and scientists two preparatory instruments to facilitate the definition of joint research projects: the post-doctoral fellowship scheme and the Organisation of workshops. A series of workshops on biotechnology, quality of life and natural resources has been identified.

In addition, a considerable thrust has been given specifically to EC/ASEAN joint research in tropical medicine and tropical agriculture with the support of the Community's "Science and Technology for Development Programme".

The ASEAN Ministers expressed their appreciation for the continuing contributions made by the EC to the ASEAN-EC Cooperation in science and technology. Given its importance, the Ministers emphasised the need to further develop programmes in this field. To this end, they recommended that the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science and Technology be used as a basis.