ASEAN countries are about to have a common time zone?

Considering a common time zone for ASEAN capitals is important to achieve the goal of the ASEAN Economic Community.

Speaking to reporters after chairing a retreat of ASEAN foreign ministers in Kota Kinabalu on January 28, Mr Aman said the issue was discussed in the context of “many compelling reasons for establishing a common time zone”.

“This is not a new idea. Our leaders have been thinking about this idea since 1995 and raised it again in 2004,” Foreign Minister Aman said. “With ASEAN forming an integrated and cohesive community by the end of this year, we believe that a common time zone for ASEAN capitals is an idea worth considering.”

The benefits of having a common time zone include enhanced trade connections and intergovernmental cooperation between ASEAN countries in particular and Asian countries in general.

In addition, a common time zone would allow more time for communication, record stock market activity, improve airline operations, and upgrade trade and banking links around Asia.

Malaysia took over the ASEAN chairmanship in 2015 from Myanmar.

This two-day retreat opens a series of ministerial and related meetings.

Malaysia raised the idea of ​​a common time zone for ASEAN during a session at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 24.

During that meeting, Malaysia said a common time zone is important to achieve the goal of the ASEAN Economic Community./.

According to VOV