
2003 Events
List of Events
List of Events
2003.12.11. Islam in South East Asia
2003.12.04. EU-India: Beyond the New Delhi Summit
2003.11.26. Building a New Era of Partnership: EU-Korea Relations, 1963-2003
2003.11.25. EU Enlargement and the Doha Development Agenda
2003.11.25. Democracy & Decentralisation: local Government in Madhya Pradesh
2003.11.17-18. Asia-Europe Consultative Seminar with Civil Society
2003.11.06. Regional Security and the Fight Against Terrorism: Pakistan
2003.11.06. EU-China: Implications of the Beijing Summit
2003.11.03 South Asia’s Future Prospects: A World Bank Perspective
2003.10.17 Taiwan and China in the Global Communities
2003.10.16. EU’s Policy towards the DPRK: Engagement or Standstill?
2003.10.13. E-Commerce and the Law in India
2003.10.03. Uzbekistan’s Perspective on Regional Integration and Security
2003.09.06. Recent Developments in Corporate Governance
2003.06.18. Sri Lanka: A new Chance for Peace?
2003.05.13. The Long Road to Peace in Aceh
2003.04.03. Economic and Political Impact of the Iraq War on Asia
2003.03.11. Round Table on European Security
2003.01.29. New Challenges Facing ASEAN: Singapore’s Viewpoint
2003.01.28. EU-Thailand Think-Tank Meeting
2003.12.04. EU-India: Beyond the New Delhi Summit
2003.11.26. Building a New Era of Partnership: EU-Korea Relations, 1963-2003
2003.11.25. EU Enlargement and the Doha Development Agenda
2003.11.25. Democracy & Decentralisation: local Government in Madhya Pradesh
2003.11.17-18. Asia-Europe Consultative Seminar with Civil Society
2003.11.06. Regional Security and the Fight Against Terrorism: Pakistan
2003.11.06. EU-China: Implications of the Beijing Summit
2003.11.03 South Asia’s Future Prospects: A World Bank Perspective
2003.10.17 Taiwan and China in the Global Communities
2003.10.16. EU’s Policy towards the DPRK: Engagement or Standstill?
2003.10.13. E-Commerce and the Law in India
2003.10.03. Uzbekistan’s Perspective on Regional Integration and Security
2003.09.06. Recent Developments in Corporate Governance
2003.06.18. Sri Lanka: A new Chance for Peace?
2003.05.13. The Long Road to Peace in Aceh
2003.04.03. Economic and Political Impact of the Iraq War on Asia
2003.03.11. Round Table on European Security
2003.01.29. New Challenges Facing ASEAN: Singapore’s Viewpoint
2003.01.28. EU-Thailand Think-Tank Meeting
12:30 - 14:30, 11 December 2003, EIAS, Brussels
In light of the recent dramatic events in traditionally insular Southeast Asia - the Bali and Jakarta bombings - and the global popular association of Islam and violence, it is timely to re-examine the nature and state of Islam, and its cultural practices in this highly pluralized part of the world.
Professor Shamshul will argue that the present so-called ‘global Islam’ could only embed itself with an already entrenched understanding of Islam in the region. Likewise, it is argued that Islam in Europe is one that is embedded into highly pluralized Europe. In this sense, the Southeast Asian case makes for an interesting comparison with Europe - indeed a mirror.
Co-organised by EIAS and the Asia Europe Foundation
Professor Shamshul lecture's notes
Professor Shamshul's profile
In light of the recent dramatic events in traditionally insular Southeast Asia - the Bali and Jakarta bombings - and the global popular association of Islam and violence, it is timely to re-examine the nature and state of Islam, and its cultural practices in this highly pluralized part of the world.
Professor Shamshul will argue that the present so-called ‘global Islam’ could only embed itself with an already entrenched understanding of Islam in the region. Likewise, it is argued that Islam in Europe is one that is embedded into highly pluralized Europe. In this sense, the Southeast Asian case makes for an interesting comparison with Europe - indeed a mirror.
Co-organised by EIAS and the Asia Europe Foundation
Professor Shamshul lecture's notes
Professor Shamshul's profile
4 December 2003, Crown Plaza Brussels Europa hotel, Brussels
A one-day conference examining the outcomes of the EU-India New Delhi Summit, and future prospects of EU-India relations.
Co-organised by EIAS and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung.
Speakers and chairs include MJ Akbar, Dipanker Banerjee AVSM, John Walls Cushnahan MEP, Neena Gill MEP, Dr Ranjani Kumari, Mario Luigi Palma, Laurence Argimon-Pistre, Professor Dr Günter Rinsche, Professor Gurharpal Singh, Malcom Subhan and Antti Turunen.
Full Report and Papers
Photos of the Event
A one-day conference examining the outcomes of the EU-India New Delhi Summit, and future prospects of EU-India relations.
Co-organised by EIAS and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung.
Speakers and chairs include MJ Akbar, Dipanker Banerjee AVSM, John Walls Cushnahan MEP, Neena Gill MEP, Dr Ranjani Kumari, Mario Luigi Palma, Laurence Argimon-Pistre, Professor Dr Günter Rinsche, Professor Gurharpal Singh, Malcom Subhan and Antti Turunen.
Full Report and Papers
Photos of the Event
Venue: Cercle Royal Gaulois, Brussels
Date: 26 November 2003
In 2003, South Korea and the European Union are celebrating 40 years of diplomatic relations. Over the last four decades, the EU and South Korea have become important political and economic partners enjoying regular political dialogue and steadily increasing bilateral trade and investment flows.
The EU is a strong supporter of South Korea’s "Policy of Peace and Prosperity” aiming at sustainable peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia through political dialogue with North Korea and economic assistance to the North.
Both the EU and South Korea are committed to resolving the nuclear crisis peacefully and have strengthened their joint efforts to re-establish peace and security on the Korean peninsula.
The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) and the Korean Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP) have invited a number of high-profile speakers and discussants from Korea and Europe and would like to invite you to the one-day joint conference
Conference Documents
Information Kit
Presentations:
Financial cooperation in East Asia by Dr Wang Yunjong (pdf)
EU-Korea Trade Relations by Dr Kim, Heungchong (pdf)
Post-Crisis Trends in Bilateral Foreign Direct Investment by Dr Judith Cherry (flash)
Eu Investment in KEDO and it's Wider Context by Professor Drifte (flash)
Understanding and Resolving the Nuclear Crisis on the Korean Peninsula by Professor Lee, Geun (pdf)
Photos of the Event
Date: 26 November 2003
In 2003, South Korea and the European Union are celebrating 40 years of diplomatic relations. Over the last four decades, the EU and South Korea have become important political and economic partners enjoying regular political dialogue and steadily increasing bilateral trade and investment flows.
The EU is a strong supporter of South Korea’s "Policy of Peace and Prosperity” aiming at sustainable peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia through political dialogue with North Korea and economic assistance to the North.
Both the EU and South Korea are committed to resolving the nuclear crisis peacefully and have strengthened their joint efforts to re-establish peace and security on the Korean peninsula.
The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) and the Korean Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP) have invited a number of high-profile speakers and discussants from Korea and Europe and would like to invite you to the one-day joint conference
Conference Documents
Information Kit
Presentations:
Financial cooperation in East Asia by Dr Wang Yunjong (pdf)
EU-Korea Trade Relations by Dr Kim, Heungchong (pdf)
Post-Crisis Trends in Bilateral Foreign Direct Investment by Dr Judith Cherry (flash)
Eu Investment in KEDO and it's Wider Context by Professor Drifte (flash)
Understanding and Resolving the Nuclear Crisis on the Korean Peninsula by Professor Lee, Geun (pdf)
Photos of the Event
A paper presented at the European Union-Japan Conference, on 25 November 2003, by Dr Willem van der Geest, Director, EIAS.
In the aftermath of the stalled launch of a new WTO round of global trade talks (December 1999), Singapore and Japan initiated a joint study into the feasibility and desirability of a possible bilateral Free Trade Agreement. The subsequent negotiations led to a 'New-Age Economic Partnership Agreement' signed in January 2002, reducing barriers in trade and investment in goods as well as services, technical standards and public procurement. New initiatives for economic cooperation in, inter alia, human resource development, science and technology and SMEs were agreed. During 2000 talks had also began between Singapore and the United States and these are resulting in a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Responding to these developments, several other ASEAN countries initiated negotiations towards bilateral FTAs with other major players, most notably Thailand (with India) as well as Malaysia (with Japan and others). Moreover, China stated its intention to enter into a Free Trade Agreement with the ASEAN by 2012. It is against this background of deepening of trade and investment links between the several ASEAN Member States (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand) and several major players that the question of a possible EU-ASEAN FTA is investigated. The stalling of the multi-lateral trade talks in Cancun in September 2003, implying that the Doha Development Agenda process will not be able to reach agreement within the time-frame set, also provides a new argument for assessing the scope for an inter-regional free trade agreement between EU and ASEAN.
This lecture note addresses the possible opportunities and risks to the European Union of entering into negotiations with ASEAN Member States with a view to realising a bilateral EU-Singapore FTA. It assesses the pre-feasibility of such a course of action, while noting a number of questions which deserve further policy discussion as well as economic and statistical analysis. At this stage a simple 'for or against' evaluation will be premature, in view of the multitude of scenarios at both the bilateral and multilateral levels.
The ASEAN's trade policy regime is opening up and the gains of further tariff elimination will be modest, because most ASEAN countries already apply low , while those of the EU on import from ASEAN are low as well - eg for Singapore the tariff rate is merely 1.04 per cent (trade weighted). Nevertheless, a further reduction could benefit both EU and ASEAN because a significant share of imports is intra-firm trade, with EU firms operating from ASEAN as a production platform for the EU markets.
Therefore for an EU-ASEAN FTA to be worthwhile, it must generate benefits on issues relating to non-tariff barriers to trade, e.g. technical standards, SPS and mutual recognition of testing. Further significant benefits to both the EU and Singapore may be realised by tackling the issue of further liberalisation of international trade in services (e.g. banking and insurance licences, air and sea transport). Finally, reducing restrictions on foreign direct investment in selected service sectors is bound to enhance investment flows from the EU to ASEAN.
Full Presentation: An EU-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement? by Dr Willem Van Der Geest (pdf)
In the aftermath of the stalled launch of a new WTO round of global trade talks (December 1999), Singapore and Japan initiated a joint study into the feasibility and desirability of a possible bilateral Free Trade Agreement. The subsequent negotiations led to a 'New-Age Economic Partnership Agreement' signed in January 2002, reducing barriers in trade and investment in goods as well as services, technical standards and public procurement. New initiatives for economic cooperation in, inter alia, human resource development, science and technology and SMEs were agreed. During 2000 talks had also began between Singapore and the United States and these are resulting in a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Responding to these developments, several other ASEAN countries initiated negotiations towards bilateral FTAs with other major players, most notably Thailand (with India) as well as Malaysia (with Japan and others). Moreover, China stated its intention to enter into a Free Trade Agreement with the ASEAN by 2012. It is against this background of deepening of trade and investment links between the several ASEAN Member States (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand) and several major players that the question of a possible EU-ASEAN FTA is investigated. The stalling of the multi-lateral trade talks in Cancun in September 2003, implying that the Doha Development Agenda process will not be able to reach agreement within the time-frame set, also provides a new argument for assessing the scope for an inter-regional free trade agreement between EU and ASEAN.
This lecture note addresses the possible opportunities and risks to the European Union of entering into negotiations with ASEAN Member States with a view to realising a bilateral EU-Singapore FTA. It assesses the pre-feasibility of such a course of action, while noting a number of questions which deserve further policy discussion as well as economic and statistical analysis. At this stage a simple 'for or against' evaluation will be premature, in view of the multitude of scenarios at both the bilateral and multilateral levels.
The ASEAN's trade policy regime is opening up and the gains of further tariff elimination will be modest, because most ASEAN countries already apply low , while those of the EU on import from ASEAN are low as well - eg for Singapore the tariff rate is merely 1.04 per cent (trade weighted). Nevertheless, a further reduction could benefit both EU and ASEAN because a significant share of imports is intra-firm trade, with EU firms operating from ASEAN as a production platform for the EU markets.
Therefore for an EU-ASEAN FTA to be worthwhile, it must generate benefits on issues relating to non-tariff barriers to trade, e.g. technical standards, SPS and mutual recognition of testing. Further significant benefits to both the EU and Singapore may be realised by tackling the issue of further liberalisation of international trade in services (e.g. banking and insurance licences, air and sea transport). Finally, reducing restrictions on foreign direct investment in selected service sectors is bound to enhance investment flows from the EU to ASEAN.
Full Presentation: An EU-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement? by Dr Willem Van Der Geest (pdf)
25 November 2003, EIAS, Brussels
Since independence, India has made repeated attempts to find a political space for panchayats (local councils). Constitutionalising panchayats in 1992 has met with mixed success in Indian states.
The case of panchayats in Madhya Pradesh will be used to illustrate the capacity of the present political system to provide genuine support to the project of decentralisation and local democracy.
A briefing by Dr Girish Kumar, a Fellow in Political Science at the Centre de Sciences Humaines, New Delhi. Discussant: Dr Apurba Kundu, EIAS Senior Research Fellow.
Since independence, India has made repeated attempts to find a political space for panchayats (local councils). Constitutionalising panchayats in 1992 has met with mixed success in Indian states.
The case of panchayats in Madhya Pradesh will be used to illustrate the capacity of the present political system to provide genuine support to the project of decentralisation and local democracy.
A briefing by Dr Girish Kumar, a Fellow in Political Science at the Centre de Sciences Humaines, New Delhi. Discussant: Dr Apurba Kundu, EIAS Senior Research Fellow.
Venue: Albert Borschette Conference Centre, Brussels
Date: 17-18 November 2003
The European Commission (DG RELEX H1) is organising this Consultative Seminar in Brussels with the aim in the context of Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) is to bring together non-state actors from both Asia and Europe to exchange views on how the civil society dialogue of both regions can be enhanced and how ASEM can promote this dialogue.
How to improve the transparency and public awareness of ASEM will be discussed. For this purpose, representatives of civil society from ASEM partners in both Asia and the EU are invited.
The role of civil society is gaining in importance in Asia as well as Europe. It is desirable to encourage an inclusive and transparent governance style also into the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) process. Thus it is proposed to involve civil society in its widest definition. Thus including non-government organisations as well as other social partners such as trades unions, employers, and other non-state organisations allowing overlapping of interests and content among these groupings.
ASEM is an inter-regional dialogue that ranges from exchanges at summit meetings to contacts people-to-people in many different sectors of activity and thus should demonstrate its openness to all groupings.
ASEM can allow the widest possible openness of participation, by leaving issues of representativity where possible to be agreed upon amongst civil society itself. In May 2002, a first “Consultative Forum on ASEM 4” was held in Brussels where participation were balanced across a wide spectrum of civil society i.e. NGOs , trade unions and business representatives.
The Asia-Europe Consultative Seminar with Civil Society 17-18 November 2003 follows-up on this Consultative Forum on ASEM IV in May last year and the Civil Society Consultative Forum in the margins of the ASEM IV Summit in Copenhagen last September 2002.
Asian and European partners increasingly appreciate the role of civil society’s involvement in opinion-shaping. Their ability to enable wider public acceptance and ownership of public policy positions can strengthen the legitimacy of the ASEM process.
As a follow-up to this seminar it is proposed to encourage civil society activities in connection with ASEM, in particular in the margin of future summit and ministerial meetings as and when deemed appropriate by the hosts.
CONFERENCE DOCUMENTS
conference programme
background briefing notes
PAPERS AND PRESENTATIONS:
Whar Does ASEM Do? by Wolfgang Pape (flash)
The Future Of ASEAM in EU-Asia Relations by Mr Jamie Yambao (pdf)
EU-ASEM a Journalist Perspective by Matthew Saltmarsh (pdf)
Civil Society, the Media and ASEM by Yang Liming (pdf)
Photos of the Event
Date: 17-18 November 2003
The European Commission (DG RELEX H1) is organising this Consultative Seminar in Brussels with the aim in the context of Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) is to bring together non-state actors from both Asia and Europe to exchange views on how the civil society dialogue of both regions can be enhanced and how ASEM can promote this dialogue.
How to improve the transparency and public awareness of ASEM will be discussed. For this purpose, representatives of civil society from ASEM partners in both Asia and the EU are invited.
The role of civil society is gaining in importance in Asia as well as Europe. It is desirable to encourage an inclusive and transparent governance style also into the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) process. Thus it is proposed to involve civil society in its widest definition. Thus including non-government organisations as well as other social partners such as trades unions, employers, and other non-state organisations allowing overlapping of interests and content among these groupings.
ASEM is an inter-regional dialogue that ranges from exchanges at summit meetings to contacts people-to-people in many different sectors of activity and thus should demonstrate its openness to all groupings.
ASEM can allow the widest possible openness of participation, by leaving issues of representativity where possible to be agreed upon amongst civil society itself. In May 2002, a first “Consultative Forum on ASEM 4” was held in Brussels where participation were balanced across a wide spectrum of civil society i.e. NGOs , trade unions and business representatives.
The Asia-Europe Consultative Seminar with Civil Society 17-18 November 2003 follows-up on this Consultative Forum on ASEM IV in May last year and the Civil Society Consultative Forum in the margins of the ASEM IV Summit in Copenhagen last September 2002.
Asian and European partners increasingly appreciate the role of civil society’s involvement in opinion-shaping. Their ability to enable wider public acceptance and ownership of public policy positions can strengthen the legitimacy of the ASEM process.
As a follow-up to this seminar it is proposed to encourage civil society activities in connection with ASEM, in particular in the margin of future summit and ministerial meetings as and when deemed appropriate by the hosts.
CONFERENCE DOCUMENTS
conference programme
background briefing notes
PAPERS AND PRESENTATIONS:
Whar Does ASEM Do? by Wolfgang Pape (flash)
The Future Of ASEAM in EU-Asia Relations by Mr Jamie Yambao (pdf)
EU-ASEM a Journalist Perspective by Matthew Saltmarsh (pdf)
Civil Society, the Media and ASEM by Yang Liming (pdf)
Photos of the Event
6 November 2003, Scotland House, Brussels
Speaker: Mian Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Pakistan. Co-Chairs: Dr Apurba Kundu, EIAS, and Fraser Cameron, European Policy Centre.
Briefing Summary
Foreign Minister Kasuri began by observing that, despite the end of the Cold War, we are not seeing the end of conflict. Throughout the world, there is both growing terrorism and the continuing "brutal suppression of freedom movements". The international system is giving way to new doctrine of intervention. In response, Pakistan is both fighting terrorism at home, and seeking a "stronger and more credible United Nations" abroad.
In the second part of his briefing, Kasuri observed that, in terms of regional security, "peace in South Asia is as elusive today as it ever was". He added that it was "high time India ceases to talk to Pakistan via the media" and, instead, finds the "strong political will" to negotiate. Kasuri also made the point that the international community must become more engaged with helping the Karzai regime in Afghanistan.
Q&A Session
Following his briefing, Foreign Minister Kasuri engaged in a question and answer session. These included (in an abbreviated and paraphrased form):
Q: Should we deal differently with terrorism and occupation?
A: We need the support of the international community if the rights of Kashmir and Palestine are to be restored. Pakistan itself suffers from sectarianism. This is a significant problem because the primary objective of the country is to attract FDI [foreign direct investment]. This only goes to countries where there is stability.
Q: In this trip to Brussels, has the foreign minister raised the possibility of European Union engagement in trying to resolve outstanding issues of potential conflict in South Asia?
A: I have raised this possibility with everyone I have met, including [Javier] Solano and [Chris] Patten. Pakistan is "ready for even a bi-lateral dialogue [with India]".
Q: What is his reaction to recent inflammatory statements made by Indian defence Minister George Fernandes?
A: "Fernandes doesn't have to go the extra mile to prove he is more loyal than the King".
Q: How will Pakistan react to the "new wave of Talibans [sic]"?
A: Everything that goes on in Afghanistan has consequences for Pakistan. There needs to be more international support for Afghanistan. There are "140,000 American soldiers in Iraq, but only 10,000 in Afghanistan". The warlords in Afghanistan currently command huge forces. Indeed, "I would prefer not to name them [and their numbers] for fear of further demoralisation".
Q: Pakistan President Musharraf's recent trip to China is being portrayed in much of the Western press as a failure, especially since he did not get the Chinese to agree to assist Pakistan in building a second nuclear power plant. Your reaction?
A: Every trip by a Pakistan prime minister to China is a success, or he would not go. Pakistan has an "ideal relationship with China".
Q: What is the current state of Pakistan's relationship with the Taliban?
A: Remember that it was not only Pakistan that supported the Taliban; many other countries, including the United States, did as well. We supported them because they were bringing order to Afghanistan. However, quickly many of their policies, including toward women, were not to Pakistan's liking. We especially pleaded with them not to go through with the destruction of the Buddhist statues in Bamiyan.
Q: How do you reconcile Musharraf's repeated pleas for Muslim countries to seek socio-economic development with Pakistan's own lack of democracy?
A: The single most important feature of a democracy is a free press. The press is more free and more critical of the government in Pakistan than it is in India. The second most important feature is the judiciary. Pakistan has a "fairly well-established judiciary". The third most important feature is elections. Governments in Pakistan need to take care to appoint independent electoral commissioners. Pakistan "is not a perfect democracy... At least we have elections that are relatively free". The recent Presidential election was not seen as free and fair by EU observers. "I do admit that a lot needs to be done and we need to have a dialogue".
Q: What are the implications of the development of theatre nuclear weapons?
A: When India went nuclear in 1974, Pakistan said let's keep South Asia a nuclear and missile free zone. India was not interested. In 1998, India went overtly nuclear; "and when it went nuclear, it went ballistic [in its rhetoric]". Pakistan had to treat this seriously as it has fought three wars with India. However, "we are not in an arms race with India... We have decided to have a minimum nuclear deterrent [only]". Israel's decision to sell Hawks [sic; the Phalcon early-warning radar system] to India is an "unfortunate development", and this introduction of a new generation of weapons will "destabilise the whole region". India says its defence expansion is for other enemies, but all its arms and training and the situating of its bases are geared toward fighting a land war. The international community should apply pressure on India and Israel not to introduce a new generation of weapons to the region.
Q: Do you see a situation where international community could intervene to resolve conflicts in the region?
A: "I don't accept the theory of pre-emptive doctrine". Instead, the UN should be made much more representative. Pakistan is against idea of extending the veto to any more countries. Any armed intervention must be sanctioned by the General Assembly rather than the Security Council, unless the latter is extended radically.
Speech by Foreign Minister Kasuri
EU-China: Implications of the Beijing Summit
6 November 2003
Hotel Crowne Plaza, Rue de la Loi 107, Brussels
Preliminary Programme
13:30 Registration and Coffee
14:00 Introduction to the EU-China International Conference
Chair: Dr. Peter R. Weilemann, Director, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, European Office, Brussels
Co-Chair: Mr Jürgen Wilke, Head of Unit for China, Institute for International Contact and Co-operation, Hanns-Seidel-Stiftung, Munich
The outcome of the EU-China summit in Beijing
Ms Cristina Ravaglia, Counselor and Head of the North East Asia Desk, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Italy ( Italian Presidency of the European Union )
Mr Zhao Xu Ma, Minister Counselor, Embassy of the People's Republic of China, Brussels
Mr James Moran, Head of China Unit, DG External Relations, Directorate H - Asia ( European Commission )
15:00 First Session
Beyond the figures: Socio-economic challenges facing China
Chairperson, to be announced.
China’s economic transition – a model of gradualism? (pdf)
Dr Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies, Brussels
China’s membership in the WTO – what progress so far?
Prof. Fru Chai Yu, Deputy Chief, Department of Economics,
Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing
China’s rural/urban dichotomy, urbanisation and movement of workers (shockwave)
Dr Leila Fernandez-Stembridge, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid
Open Discussion
15:45 Coffee break
16:00 Second Session
Political reform - Governance issues
Chair: Mr Per Gahrton MEP, Vice-Chairman, EP Delegation for relations with the People's Republic of China
China's political transition: trends and prospects (pdf)
Prof. Zhang Wei-wei, Modern Asia Research Centre, Geneva
China’s social reform as an issue of governance
Prof Elisabeth Croll, School of Oriental and African Studies, London
Reform of the Educational system in China
Prof. Dr. Lie, Beida University, Beijing
Governance issues in China: what implications for the EU-China dialogue? (pdf)
Prof. Suzanne Weigelin-Schwriedzik, University of Vienna
Open Discussion
17:15 Coffee break
17:30 Third Session
Global and Regional Security Issues
Chair: Brigitte Langenhagen, MEP, EP Delegation for relations with the People's Republic of China
What comes first in China’s regional policy? Chances and challenges for a new engagement (pdf)
Prof. Wang Xiaolu, National Economic Research Institute, China Reform Foundation, Beijing
A new dialogue on security cooperation between China, EU and NATO
Dr Jamie Shea, Director of Information and Press, NATO, Brussels
Open Discussion
Academic Summaries and Policy Implications for EU-China Relations
Dr. Zhang Wei-wei, Modern Asia Research Centre, Geneva
Prof. Gustaaf Geeraerts, Centre for Peace and Security Studies,
Free University, Brussels (VUB)
19:00 Close of the meeting followed by Reception
Conference Programme and Invitation Letter (pdf)
List of Participants (pdf)
Photos of the Event
Speaker: Mian Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Pakistan. Co-Chairs: Dr Apurba Kundu, EIAS, and Fraser Cameron, European Policy Centre.
Briefing Summary
Foreign Minister Kasuri began by observing that, despite the end of the Cold War, we are not seeing the end of conflict. Throughout the world, there is both growing terrorism and the continuing "brutal suppression of freedom movements". The international system is giving way to new doctrine of intervention. In response, Pakistan is both fighting terrorism at home, and seeking a "stronger and more credible United Nations" abroad.
In the second part of his briefing, Kasuri observed that, in terms of regional security, "peace in South Asia is as elusive today as it ever was". He added that it was "high time India ceases to talk to Pakistan via the media" and, instead, finds the "strong political will" to negotiate. Kasuri also made the point that the international community must become more engaged with helping the Karzai regime in Afghanistan.
Q&A Session
Following his briefing, Foreign Minister Kasuri engaged in a question and answer session. These included (in an abbreviated and paraphrased form):
Q: Should we deal differently with terrorism and occupation?
A: We need the support of the international community if the rights of Kashmir and Palestine are to be restored. Pakistan itself suffers from sectarianism. This is a significant problem because the primary objective of the country is to attract FDI [foreign direct investment]. This only goes to countries where there is stability.
Q: In this trip to Brussels, has the foreign minister raised the possibility of European Union engagement in trying to resolve outstanding issues of potential conflict in South Asia?
A: I have raised this possibility with everyone I have met, including [Javier] Solano and [Chris] Patten. Pakistan is "ready for even a bi-lateral dialogue [with India]".
Q: What is his reaction to recent inflammatory statements made by Indian defence Minister George Fernandes?
A: "Fernandes doesn't have to go the extra mile to prove he is more loyal than the King".
Q: How will Pakistan react to the "new wave of Talibans [sic]"?
A: Everything that goes on in Afghanistan has consequences for Pakistan. There needs to be more international support for Afghanistan. There are "140,000 American soldiers in Iraq, but only 10,000 in Afghanistan". The warlords in Afghanistan currently command huge forces. Indeed, "I would prefer not to name them [and their numbers] for fear of further demoralisation".
Q: Pakistan President Musharraf's recent trip to China is being portrayed in much of the Western press as a failure, especially since he did not get the Chinese to agree to assist Pakistan in building a second nuclear power plant. Your reaction?
A: Every trip by a Pakistan prime minister to China is a success, or he would not go. Pakistan has an "ideal relationship with China".
Q: What is the current state of Pakistan's relationship with the Taliban?
A: Remember that it was not only Pakistan that supported the Taliban; many other countries, including the United States, did as well. We supported them because they were bringing order to Afghanistan. However, quickly many of their policies, including toward women, were not to Pakistan's liking. We especially pleaded with them not to go through with the destruction of the Buddhist statues in Bamiyan.
Q: How do you reconcile Musharraf's repeated pleas for Muslim countries to seek socio-economic development with Pakistan's own lack of democracy?
A: The single most important feature of a democracy is a free press. The press is more free and more critical of the government in Pakistan than it is in India. The second most important feature is the judiciary. Pakistan has a "fairly well-established judiciary". The third most important feature is elections. Governments in Pakistan need to take care to appoint independent electoral commissioners. Pakistan "is not a perfect democracy... At least we have elections that are relatively free". The recent Presidential election was not seen as free and fair by EU observers. "I do admit that a lot needs to be done and we need to have a dialogue".
Q: What are the implications of the development of theatre nuclear weapons?
A: When India went nuclear in 1974, Pakistan said let's keep South Asia a nuclear and missile free zone. India was not interested. In 1998, India went overtly nuclear; "and when it went nuclear, it went ballistic [in its rhetoric]". Pakistan had to treat this seriously as it has fought three wars with India. However, "we are not in an arms race with India... We have decided to have a minimum nuclear deterrent [only]". Israel's decision to sell Hawks [sic; the Phalcon early-warning radar system] to India is an "unfortunate development", and this introduction of a new generation of weapons will "destabilise the whole region". India says its defence expansion is for other enemies, but all its arms and training and the situating of its bases are geared toward fighting a land war. The international community should apply pressure on India and Israel not to introduce a new generation of weapons to the region.
Q: Do you see a situation where international community could intervene to resolve conflicts in the region?
A: "I don't accept the theory of pre-emptive doctrine". Instead, the UN should be made much more representative. Pakistan is against idea of extending the veto to any more countries. Any armed intervention must be sanctioned by the General Assembly rather than the Security Council, unless the latter is extended radically.
Speech by Foreign Minister Kasuri
EU-China: Implications of the Beijing Summit
6 November 2003
Hotel Crowne Plaza, Rue de la Loi 107, Brussels
Preliminary Programme
13:30 Registration and Coffee
14:00 Introduction to the EU-China International Conference
Chair: Dr. Peter R. Weilemann, Director, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, European Office, Brussels
Co-Chair: Mr Jürgen Wilke, Head of Unit for China, Institute for International Contact and Co-operation, Hanns-Seidel-Stiftung, Munich
The outcome of the EU-China summit in Beijing
Ms Cristina Ravaglia, Counselor and Head of the North East Asia Desk, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Italy ( Italian Presidency of the European Union )
Mr Zhao Xu Ma, Minister Counselor, Embassy of the People's Republic of China, Brussels
Mr James Moran, Head of China Unit, DG External Relations, Directorate H - Asia ( European Commission )
15:00 First Session
Beyond the figures: Socio-economic challenges facing China
Chairperson, to be announced.
China’s economic transition – a model of gradualism? (pdf)
Dr Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies, Brussels
China’s membership in the WTO – what progress so far?
Prof. Fru Chai Yu, Deputy Chief, Department of Economics,
Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing
China’s rural/urban dichotomy, urbanisation and movement of workers (shockwave)
Dr Leila Fernandez-Stembridge, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid
Open Discussion
15:45 Coffee break
16:00 Second Session
Political reform - Governance issues
Chair: Mr Per Gahrton MEP, Vice-Chairman, EP Delegation for relations with the People's Republic of China
China's political transition: trends and prospects (pdf)
Prof. Zhang Wei-wei, Modern Asia Research Centre, Geneva
China’s social reform as an issue of governance
Prof Elisabeth Croll, School of Oriental and African Studies, London
Reform of the Educational system in China
Prof. Dr. Lie, Beida University, Beijing
Governance issues in China: what implications for the EU-China dialogue? (pdf)
Prof. Suzanne Weigelin-Schwriedzik, University of Vienna
Open Discussion
17:15 Coffee break
17:30 Third Session
Global and Regional Security Issues
Chair: Brigitte Langenhagen, MEP, EP Delegation for relations with the People's Republic of China
What comes first in China’s regional policy? Chances and challenges for a new engagement (pdf)
Prof. Wang Xiaolu, National Economic Research Institute, China Reform Foundation, Beijing
A new dialogue on security cooperation between China, EU and NATO
Dr Jamie Shea, Director of Information and Press, NATO, Brussels
Open Discussion
Academic Summaries and Policy Implications for EU-China Relations
Dr. Zhang Wei-wei, Modern Asia Research Centre, Geneva
Prof. Gustaaf Geeraerts, Centre for Peace and Security Studies,
Free University, Brussels (VUB)
19:00 Close of the meeting followed by Reception
Conference Programme and Invitation Letter (pdf)
List of Participants (pdf)
Photos of the Event
3 November 2003, EIAS, Brussels
A talk by Mr Praful Patel, World Bank Vice-President for the South Asia Region, with Mr Erich-Willhelm Müller, Director Asia, Europe Aid Office, as discussant.
The Invitation
 |  |  |  |
A talk by Mr Praful Patel, World Bank Vice-President for the South Asia Region, with Mr Erich-Willhelm Müller, Director Asia, Europe Aid Office, as discussant.
The Invitation
17 October, 2003, SOAS, London; and 21 October 2003, IIAS, Leiden.
A two-day, two-site conference examining the current state of China-Taiwan relations, and their respective roles in the global community.
Full Report and Papers
A two-day, two-site conference examining the current state of China-Taiwan relations, and their respective roles in the global community.
Full Report and Papers
Thursday 16 October 2003, European Parliament, Brussels
Speakers:
Glyn Ford, Member of the European Parliament
Dr Axel Berkofsky, Research Fellow, European Institute for Asian Studies, Brussels
Dr Soyoung Kwon, Research Associate, East Asia Institute, University of Cambridge
Venue: European Parliament, Brussels
This special briefing has been jointly organised with the support of Glyn Ford.
Programme Outline
11:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks Dr Willem van der Geest EIAS
11:05 Mr Glyn Ford, Member of the European Parliament, will reflect on his recent contacts with representatives of the DPRK.
11:15 Dr Axel Berkofsky, Research Fellow, European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS), will present his recent EIAS Briefing Paper (August 2003) entitled 'EU's Policy towards the DPRK --Engagement or Standstill? analyzing the European Union's policy towards the DPRK.
11:35 Dr Soyoung Kwon, Research Associate, East Asia Institute, University of Cambridge will present a synopsis of her Cambridge PhD thesis analyzing the changes in the character and role of the North Korean elite.
11:55 Open Discussion
12:30 Close of the meeting
EIAS Briefing Paper (pdf).
Speakers:
Glyn Ford, Member of the European Parliament
Dr Axel Berkofsky, Research Fellow, European Institute for Asian Studies, Brussels
Dr Soyoung Kwon, Research Associate, East Asia Institute, University of Cambridge
Venue: European Parliament, Brussels
This special briefing has been jointly organised with the support of Glyn Ford.
Programme Outline
11:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks Dr Willem van der Geest EIAS
11:05 Mr Glyn Ford, Member of the European Parliament, will reflect on his recent contacts with representatives of the DPRK.
11:15 Dr Axel Berkofsky, Research Fellow, European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS), will present his recent EIAS Briefing Paper (August 2003) entitled 'EU's Policy towards the DPRK --Engagement or Standstill? analyzing the European Union's policy towards the DPRK.
11:35 Dr Soyoung Kwon, Research Associate, East Asia Institute, University of Cambridge will present a synopsis of her Cambridge PhD thesis analyzing the changes in the character and role of the North Korean elite.
11:55 Open Discussion
12:30 Close of the meeting
EIAS Briefing Paper (pdf).
13 October 2003, EIAS, Brussels
A briefing given by Mr Richard Jones, Reader in Law and Information Technology at Liverpool John Moores University, UK. Chaired by Dr Apurba Kundu, EIAS Senior Research Fellow.
About Dr Jones
For more than a decade, Richard has been a leading figure in the field of information technology and the law. He has been invited by the Council of Europe to work in this area, was awarded a research fellowship with IBM to investigate legal expert systems, and is currently funded to develop ethnic minorities and law networks.
At Liverpool John Moores University, Richard teaches Public Law on the core LL.B., and option modules in Child Care Law, Family Law, and The Law of Information Technology and Intellectual Property.
Richard’s research interests include the law of ethnic minorities, technology and the law, and teaching law and technology. He is a regular contributor to legal journals and is co-author (with Welhengama Gnanapala) of Ethnic Minorities in English Law (Trentham, 2000). Previously Chair of the British and Irish Legal Educational Technology Association (BILETA), Richard is currently Assistant Editor of the International Review of Law, Computers and Technology, sits on the Editorial Board of the Liverpool Law Review, and is a member of the Council of the Society for Computers and the Law.
Briefing Summary
Electronic commerce – conducting business through network technology – will significantly impact the global economy and play a vital part in future economic development. Europe and the USA are currently seen as the main beneficiaries of such growth, but countries such as India and China with their huge pools of technologically skill manpower have exceptional opportunities.
A number of developing countries have pursued policies to formulate consistent legal and regulatory framework to support electronic transactions across state, national and international borders. The development of the appropriate legal framework has required substantial rethinking of traditional legal approaches. Many legal rules assume the existence of paper records, documents, signatures, physical cash, cheques, face to face meeting and so on. As more transactions are carried out by electronic means, it becomes important that evidence of these activities be available to demonstrate the ensuing legal rights and obligations.
The Indian Information and Technology Act 2000 provides a legal framework so that transactions are not denied legal effect, validity or enforceability solely because they are in electronic form. In this paper, we will outline the economic impact of e-commerce on the developing countries and review the main provisions of the Information technology Act 2000 in the context of contractual, jurisdictional, security, and regulatory issues. The Act will be contrasted with similar provisions in Europe, the United States and South East Asia.
A briefing given by Mr Richard Jones, Reader in Law and Information Technology at Liverpool John Moores University, UK. Chaired by Dr Apurba Kundu, EIAS Senior Research Fellow.
About Dr Jones
For more than a decade, Richard has been a leading figure in the field of information technology and the law. He has been invited by the Council of Europe to work in this area, was awarded a research fellowship with IBM to investigate legal expert systems, and is currently funded to develop ethnic minorities and law networks.
At Liverpool John Moores University, Richard teaches Public Law on the core LL.B., and option modules in Child Care Law, Family Law, and The Law of Information Technology and Intellectual Property.
Richard’s research interests include the law of ethnic minorities, technology and the law, and teaching law and technology. He is a regular contributor to legal journals and is co-author (with Welhengama Gnanapala) of Ethnic Minorities in English Law (Trentham, 2000). Previously Chair of the British and Irish Legal Educational Technology Association (BILETA), Richard is currently Assistant Editor of the International Review of Law, Computers and Technology, sits on the Editorial Board of the Liverpool Law Review, and is a member of the Council of the Society for Computers and the Law.
Briefing Summary
Electronic commerce – conducting business through network technology – will significantly impact the global economy and play a vital part in future economic development. Europe and the USA are currently seen as the main beneficiaries of such growth, but countries such as India and China with their huge pools of technologically skill manpower have exceptional opportunities.
A number of developing countries have pursued policies to formulate consistent legal and regulatory framework to support electronic transactions across state, national and international borders. The development of the appropriate legal framework has required substantial rethinking of traditional legal approaches. Many legal rules assume the existence of paper records, documents, signatures, physical cash, cheques, face to face meeting and so on. As more transactions are carried out by electronic means, it becomes important that evidence of these activities be available to demonstrate the ensuing legal rights and obligations.
The Indian Information and Technology Act 2000 provides a legal framework so that transactions are not denied legal effect, validity or enforceability solely because they are in electronic form. In this paper, we will outline the economic impact of e-commerce on the developing countries and review the main provisions of the Information technology Act 2000 in the context of contractual, jurisdictional, security, and regulatory issues. The Act will be contrasted with similar provisions in Europe, the United States and South East Asia.
3 October 2003, EIAS, Brussels
A briefing given by Vladimir Norov, First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, to members and invited guests
"The serious threat to the stability of Central Asia is posed by the religious extremist organisation Khizb-ut-Takhrir, which has been determined by many countries as outlawed. The threat is that undermining activity and destructive ideology of Khizb-ut-Takhrir aim mainly at young generation.
We in Uzbekistan believe that psychological pressure that is making young people to become zombies is not less dangerous than the weapons of mass destruction"
Speech of Mr. Vladimir Norov
Photos of the Event
A briefing given by Vladimir Norov, First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, to members and invited guests
"The serious threat to the stability of Central Asia is posed by the religious extremist organisation Khizb-ut-Takhrir, which has been determined by many countries as outlawed. The threat is that undermining activity and destructive ideology of Khizb-ut-Takhrir aim mainly at young generation.
We in Uzbekistan believe that psychological pressure that is making young people to become zombies is not less dangerous than the weapons of mass destruction"
Speech of Mr. Vladimir Norov
Photos of the Event
6 September 2003, EIAS, Brussels
Mr Sam Wong, President of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and partner with Ernst & Young, Hong Kong, spoke on recent developments in corporate governance.
Speech of Mr Sam Wong, president of ACCA
Mr Sam Wong, President of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and partner with Ernst & Young, Hong Kong, spoke on recent developments in corporate governance.
Speech of Mr Sam Wong, president of ACCA
18 June 2003, EIAS, Brussels
Speakers include Dr Christian Wagner, SWP (Berlin), Mr Markus Cornaro, European Commission, and Mr John Cushnahan MEP.
Guest Speakers:
Dr Christian Wagner, Senior Research Ass., Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik, Berlin
Mr Markus Cornaro, Head of Unit, European Commission
Mr John Cushnahan, Member European Parliament
12:30 (Sandwiches) 13:00 (Briefing)
The European Institute for Asian Studies has the pleasure to welcome Dr Christian Wagner, Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik, Mr Markus Cornaro, European Commission, and Mr John Cushnahan MEP, to analyse the current state of play in the peace process between the government of Sri Lanka and the Tamil Tigers (LTTE).
Christian Wagner, Senior Research Associate for South Asia at the Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik, is a specialised researcher on South Asia, with a focus on democratisation, security and ethnicity. He will analyse the present attempts to re-start the dialogue between the LTTE and the government of Sri Lanka, against the background of earlier initiatives to bring the long running conflict to a resolution.
Mr Cornaro, Head of Unit at the DG External Relations H/4 of the EC, will participate to the pledging conference to be held in Tokyo during June 8-9. In his presentation at EIAS, he will introduce the issue of Sri Lanka’s peace process from the point of view of the donors; he will also look into the scope for involvement of the European Union as a facilitator in the resolution of the conflict.
Mr Cushnahan, MEP, also a participant to the Tokyo conference, was invited by the Peace Secretariat of the Sri Lanka Prime Minister to discuss possible ways to facilitate the government’s dialogue with the LTTE and Sri Lanka’s civil society. Mr Cushnahan will comment on the perceptions of Sri Lanka's civil society and its contribution to the resolution of the conflict.
The guest speakers will start their presentations at 13.00. Sandwiches will be served from 12.30. In view of the limited number of places, you are requested to register your participation with Ms Zoe McCarthy, European Institute for Asian Studies, Brussels, by fax (02 230 5402). We very much look forward to meeting you.
Speakers include Dr Christian Wagner, SWP (Berlin), Mr Markus Cornaro, European Commission, and Mr John Cushnahan MEP.
Guest Speakers:
Dr Christian Wagner, Senior Research Ass., Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik, Berlin
Mr Markus Cornaro, Head of Unit, European Commission
Mr John Cushnahan, Member European Parliament
12:30 (Sandwiches) 13:00 (Briefing)
The European Institute for Asian Studies has the pleasure to welcome Dr Christian Wagner, Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik, Mr Markus Cornaro, European Commission, and Mr John Cushnahan MEP, to analyse the current state of play in the peace process between the government of Sri Lanka and the Tamil Tigers (LTTE).
Christian Wagner, Senior Research Associate for South Asia at the Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik, is a specialised researcher on South Asia, with a focus on democratisation, security and ethnicity. He will analyse the present attempts to re-start the dialogue between the LTTE and the government of Sri Lanka, against the background of earlier initiatives to bring the long running conflict to a resolution.
Mr Cornaro, Head of Unit at the DG External Relations H/4 of the EC, will participate to the pledging conference to be held in Tokyo during June 8-9. In his presentation at EIAS, he will introduce the issue of Sri Lanka’s peace process from the point of view of the donors; he will also look into the scope for involvement of the European Union as a facilitator in the resolution of the conflict.
Mr Cushnahan, MEP, also a participant to the Tokyo conference, was invited by the Peace Secretariat of the Sri Lanka Prime Minister to discuss possible ways to facilitate the government’s dialogue with the LTTE and Sri Lanka’s civil society. Mr Cushnahan will comment on the perceptions of Sri Lanka's civil society and its contribution to the resolution of the conflict.
The guest speakers will start their presentations at 13.00. Sandwiches will be served from 12.30. In view of the limited number of places, you are requested to register your participation with Ms Zoe McCarthy, European Institute for Asian Studies, Brussels, by fax (02 230 5402). We very much look forward to meeting you.
13 May 2003, EIAS, Brussels
H.E. Mr Sastrihandoyo Wiryono, Chief Negotiator for Indonesia's Government, will speak on the prospects for peace in ACEH.
H.E. Mr Sastrihandoyo Wiryono, Chief Negotiator for Indonesia's Government, will speak on the prospects for peace in ACEH.
3 April 2003, European Parliament, Brussels
With the kind collaboration of Mr John Cushnahan MEP.
Full Report and Papers
Photos of the Event
With the kind collaboration of Mr John Cushnahan MEP.
Full Report and Papers
Photos of the Event
11 March 2003, Foundation Universitaire, Brussels
With the participation of a high level official delegation from the People’s Liberation Army of China and Dr. Jamie Shea, Director of Information, NATO
Foundation Universitaire, Brussels, 11 March 2003
Meeting Programme
9:15 Registration and Coffee Meeting Programme
9:30 First Session
Chair: Dr. Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies
Welcome Address
9:40 “EU-China Relations”
Ms Henrietta Geiger, Principal Administrator, European Commission Directorate-General for External Relations H/2 and Q&A
10:15 “Alliance Perspectives on Global Security Issues”, Dr. Jamie Shea, Director of Information, NATO Brussels and Q&A
10:45 Coffee Break
11:00 Second Session
Chair: Mr. David Fouquet, Secretary-General, European Institute for Asian Studies
11:10 “Building EU Common Foreign and Security Policy”
Mr. Christopher Holtby, Policy Unity, Council of the European Union
11:25 “The Role of Member States in the EU Common Security Policy”, H.E. Mr. Bruno Angelet, COPS, Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
11:40 “EU-Asia Linkages for Global Security”
Dr. Greg Austin, Visiting Senior Research Fellow, European Institute for Asian Studies
Q&A
12:10 Summary
Colonel Supérieur Qian Lihua, Head of the Chinese Delegation
12:30 Closing of the meeting and lunch at the Foundation Universitaire
Full report
Photos of the Event
With the participation of a high level official delegation from the People’s Liberation Army of China and Dr. Jamie Shea, Director of Information, NATO
Foundation Universitaire, Brussels, 11 March 2003
Meeting Programme
9:15 Registration and Coffee Meeting Programme
9:30 First Session
Chair: Dr. Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies
Welcome Address
9:40 “EU-China Relations”
Ms Henrietta Geiger, Principal Administrator, European Commission Directorate-General for External Relations H/2 and Q&A
10:15 “Alliance Perspectives on Global Security Issues”, Dr. Jamie Shea, Director of Information, NATO Brussels and Q&A
10:45 Coffee Break
11:00 Second Session
Chair: Mr. David Fouquet, Secretary-General, European Institute for Asian Studies
11:10 “Building EU Common Foreign and Security Policy”
Mr. Christopher Holtby, Policy Unity, Council of the European Union
11:25 “The Role of Member States in the EU Common Security Policy”, H.E. Mr. Bruno Angelet, COPS, Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
11:40 “EU-Asia Linkages for Global Security”
Dr. Greg Austin, Visiting Senior Research Fellow, European Institute for Asian Studies
Q&A
12:10 Summary
Colonel Supérieur Qian Lihua, Head of the Chinese Delegation
12:30 Closing of the meeting and lunch at the Foundation Universitaire
Full report
Photos of the Event
29 January 2003
Speaker:
Professor S. Jayakumar, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law of Singapore, addressed a breakfast policy briefing jointly organised by the European Policy Centre and the European Institute for Asian Studies.
This is not an official record of the proceedings, and specific remarks are not necessarily attributable.
There are “strong reasons” for closer ties between the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said Professor S. Jayakumar, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law of Singapore. The Minister said he felt “heartened” after two days of meetings with EU Foreign Ministers in Brussels, sensing a sense of renewed interest in Southeast Asia.
He said he would return to Singapore encouraged and optimistic that the relationship between the two sides would move forward and meet the challenges posed within a changing context.
In examining the challenges facing ASEAN, the Minister said he also thought about the challenges facing the ASEAN-EU relationship. Putting himself in the shoes of a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) or an EU Foreign Minister, the Minister asked himself, “Why should I pay attention to Southeast Asia?”
Should one conclude that if ASEAN appears on one’s radar screen, should it be a big blip or a small blip? The EU already had plenty on its plate such as eastward expansion and relations with the United States, so why should it pay attention to Asia, and Southeast Asia and ASEAN in particular?
Forming closer EU/ASEAN ties was a two-way street. For its part, ASEAN had to focus on getting its act together and forging competitive advantages for “European friends.” The Minister outlined two “very strong reasons” the ASEAN/EU relationship was important: economic cooperation and security and strategic imperatives.
The 10 member countries of ASEAN combined had a potential market of 500 million people. This was a “major factor” that Europe should take into account. There were also a number of positive trends in the region, such as China entering into negotiations to forge a free trade agreement (FTA) with ASEAN. Japan, Korea and India had also expressed interest in economic partnership agreements.
In addition, President George W Bush had recently announced the Enterprise for ASEAN initiative, offering the prospect of bilateral FTAs between the US and ASEAN countries committed to economic reform and openness. All of these developments showed that countries or regions were positioning themselves to relate to ASEAN. Europe should also be a part of this process.....
Full conference report
Speaker:
Professor S. Jayakumar, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law of Singapore, addressed a breakfast policy briefing jointly organised by the European Policy Centre and the European Institute for Asian Studies.
This is not an official record of the proceedings, and specific remarks are not necessarily attributable.
There are “strong reasons” for closer ties between the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said Professor S. Jayakumar, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law of Singapore. The Minister said he felt “heartened” after two days of meetings with EU Foreign Ministers in Brussels, sensing a sense of renewed interest in Southeast Asia.
He said he would return to Singapore encouraged and optimistic that the relationship between the two sides would move forward and meet the challenges posed within a changing context.
In examining the challenges facing ASEAN, the Minister said he also thought about the challenges facing the ASEAN-EU relationship. Putting himself in the shoes of a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) or an EU Foreign Minister, the Minister asked himself, “Why should I pay attention to Southeast Asia?”
Should one conclude that if ASEAN appears on one’s radar screen, should it be a big blip or a small blip? The EU already had plenty on its plate such as eastward expansion and relations with the United States, so why should it pay attention to Asia, and Southeast Asia and ASEAN in particular?
Forming closer EU/ASEAN ties was a two-way street. For its part, ASEAN had to focus on getting its act together and forging competitive advantages for “European friends.” The Minister outlined two “very strong reasons” the ASEAN/EU relationship was important: economic cooperation and security and strategic imperatives.
The 10 member countries of ASEAN combined had a potential market of 500 million people. This was a “major factor” that Europe should take into account. There were also a number of positive trends in the region, such as China entering into negotiations to forge a free trade agreement (FTA) with ASEAN. Japan, Korea and India had also expressed interest in economic partnership agreements.
In addition, President George W Bush had recently announced the Enterprise for ASEAN initiative, offering the prospect of bilateral FTAs between the US and ASEAN countries committed to economic reform and openness. All of these developments showed that countries or regions were positioning themselves to relate to ASEAN. Europe should also be a part of this process.....
Full conference report
28 January 2003, EIAS, Brussels
Meeting Programme
14:30 Introduction
14:45 Review of EU-Thailand Relations
- Current bilateral programmes
- Wider EU-ASEAN Context
- Discussion
15:30 State-of-play of Think-Tank Activities
- The EU’s Think-Tank cooperation with third countries
- Think-Tank activities in Thailand and the EU
- Discussion
16:00 Scope and Forms of EU-Thailand Think-Tank Cooperation
- Scope
- Forms
- Funding
- Proposals for specific projects : dialogue / conferences, joint research
Meeting Programme
14:30 Introduction
14:45 Review of EU-Thailand Relations
- Current bilateral programmes
- Wider EU-ASEAN Context
- Discussion
15:30 State-of-play of Think-Tank Activities
- The EU’s Think-Tank cooperation with third countries
- Think-Tank activities in Thailand and the EU
- Discussion
16:00 Scope and Forms of EU-Thailand Think-Tank Cooperation
- Scope
- Forms
- Funding
- Proposals for specific projects : dialogue / conferences, joint research
