SHANGHAI, June 06, 2024 – The ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO), in collaboration with ASEAN+3 Finance Think-tank Network (AFTN) members, today launched the inaugural AFTN Seminar in Shanghai, China. The hybrid event, themed Dawn of a New Age in the ASEAN+3? is co-organized by AMRO and the Chinese Academy of Fiscal Sciences (CAFS) and supported by the Shanghai National Accounting Institute (SNAI).
“ASEAN+3 is confronted by significant demographic shifts which will affect the region’s ability to sustain its long-term growth trajectory. Under the ASEAN+3 Finance Think-tank Network (AFTN), AMRO and 20 eminent research institutions from across the region work closely together to contribute to the economic and financial stability of ASEAN+3. This year, we are gathered here at the AFTN Seminar to discuss the economic opportunities and challenges of population aging, as well as solutions catered to the region,” said AMRO Director Kouqing Li.
“Population aging affects not only the ASEAN+3 region, it is also a salient issue globally. China’s economy has shifted from high-speed growth to medium-speed growth and high-quality development. The social structure reflects trends such as low birth rates and household miniaturization. Amid the acceleration and deepening of population aging, it is necessary to conduct cross-field research and learn from international experience, innovate reforms, integrate and improve the endowment insurance system so as to turn the challenges of aging into opportunities, and to form a virtuous circle between pension, finance and industry,” said CAFS President Shangxi Liu.
Various representatives from the AFTN members, international organizations, and regional academies are gathered to share their assessment on population aging and to exchange views on how ASEAN+3 can deal with the challenges and continue to ensure the region’s macroeconomic stability and financial resilience.
AMRO Director opened the seminar with SNAI President Wenbin Lu, followed by keynote speeches from CAFS President Shangxi Liu, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Executive Secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Asian Development Bank Chief Economist Albert Park, and Asian Development Bank Institute Dean and CEO Tetsushi Sonobe.
In the morning session, panelists will share their insights on the trends, challenges and opportunities of population aging and discuss how it can lead to reform and innovation. The afternoon sessions comprise two research panel discussions where panelists and commentators will delve into the impact of digital technology on labor productivity and the implications of aging on growth, public finances, and health. CAFS Vice President Xing Li will give the closing remarks.
The AFTN seminar is being established as an annual event to exchange ideas on regional economic and financial developments and discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
About AMRO
The ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) is an international organization established to contribute toward securing macroeconomic and financial resilience and stability of the ASEAN+3 region, comprising 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China; Hong Kong, China; Japan; and Korea. AMRO’s mandate is to conduct macroeconomic surveillance, support regional financial arrangements, and provide technical assistance to the members. In addition, AMRO also serves as a regional knowledge hub and provides support to ASEAN+3 financial cooperation.
About AFTN
The AFTN is an initiative under AMRO’s Strategic Direction 2030. It serves as a platform for regional cooperation and dialogue and as an intellectual resource to contribute to the macroeconomic and financial resilience and stability in ASEAN+3.
For more information, please visit www.amro-asia.org/asean3-finance-think-tank-network/.