The Association of Southeast Asians (ASEAN) has begun strengthening economic growth by building regional economic integration, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) stated.

Based on data of the World Economic Forum, the ASEAN was currently the worlds sixth-largest economic power, and by 2020, it would become the fifth in the world, Jokowi noted in his remarks during a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the ASEAN, held at the ASEAN Secretariat here, Friday.

"By 2030, the ASEAN will grow to become the fourth-largest (market) in the world, after the European Union, the United States, and China. This is the concrete result of our unity in the ASEAN," the head of state said.

At its 50th anniversary, the ASEAN has demonstrated unity that makes the region proud, he noted.

"At the age of 50, the ASEAN has always been together, hand-in-hand under the spirit of brotherhood, walked together to create a peaceful ecosystem, and stood strong in maintaining stability while steadily moving forward to create common welfare," he remarked.

The ASEAN is different from other regional organizations in the world, as the grouping always manages regional problems by holding negotiations and constructive dialogs, he added

Source: ANTARA