Unlocking Opportunities: ASEAN’s Initiative for Business Engagement with Africa

The Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy, in collaboration with the Embassy of Malaysia in Harare, hosted a special lecture on the role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Contemporary Diplomacy and International Relations. His Excellency Dewa Stratawan, Ambassador of Indonesia to Zimbabwe, was the esteemed guest of honour, while the Chargé d’Affaires of Malaysia to Zimbabwe, Mr. Annif M. Fauzi, also graced the event as co-host. The Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy, Mr. V. A. Chikanda, moderated the panelists during the question and answer session.

In his keynote address, Ambassador Dewa Stratawan highlighted the meteoric rise of the ASEAN region’s economy, its unity and quest for peace and development. He underscored the continued openness to foster trade and new business opportunities and partnerships with African countries, in particular SADC and The Republic of Zimbabwe. He encouraged all interested parties to feel free to contact the Embassies of Indonesia and Malaysia in Harare to explore these opportunities further. The Ambassador also underscored the clear pathway for Zimbabwean students to pursue studies in Indonesia and other ASEAN nations, marking this as a significant step in building educational and cultural ties.

Mr. Annif M. Fauzi provided an in-depth analysis of ASEAN’s growing influence on the global stage, delving into key aspects of the ASEAN Charter, emblem, and the organization’s potential enlargement. He concluded by noting the pivotal milestone that Malaysia will assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, underscoring the nation’s ongoing commitment to regional diplomacy and leadership.