ASCC Important Platform in Developing Economy of ASEAN - Idris Haron

MELAKA, March 28 (Bernama) -- The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council is an important platform to boost the economy of ASEAN, said Melaka Chief Minister Idris Haron. He said socio-cultural diversity, which was a strong point for ASEAN, could help generate economic activities in the tourism sector, which is major revenue generator for the region. "This region is renowned globally for its unique socio-cultural diversity which attracts tourists, and by strengthening this, I believe more tourists will be drawn to visit ASEAN countries. "Melaka itself has proven that the tourism sector can generate economic prosperity for its people. I strongly believe the the social-cultural diversity that ASEAN has is an important platform to to further boost the economies of ASEAN members," he said. He was speaking to Bernama on the sidelines of the the 13th ASCC conference chaired by Malaysia which ended here Friday. It was participated by Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Idris said, other than tourism, empowering socio-cultural diversity via ASCC, was also important for boosting bilateral ties not only between members also the people of ASEAN. "Bilateral ties play an important role in strengthening the economic sectors, as can see from the bilateral ties between Malaysia-China which has been around since hundreds of years ago, benefiting the economies of both parties especially in terms of investments," he added. -- BERNAMA