In a statement, Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said that ASEAN must sustain the transition to a digital economy, particularly by micro, small and medium-size enterprises.
ASEAN + 3 includes, in addition to the five regular member countries (Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines), South Korea, China and Japan.
Cooperation of these nations began in December 1997 with the agreement of an informal summit between ASEAN leaders and the other three countries during the Second Asean Summit, held in Malaysia.
ASEAN + 3 was formalized in 1999 and has since become a major drive for regional advance in East Asia.
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