9. The objective of the ASEAN Minerals Cooperation Action Plan (AMCAP) is to create a vibrant ASEAN minerals sector by enhancing trade and investment and strengthening cooperation and capacity for sustainable mineral development in the region.
Policy Agenda and Cooperation Areas
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First AMMin 4 August 2005, Kuching, Malaysia
10. In the Tenth ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Lao PDR on 29 November 2004, the ASEAN Leaders adopted the Vientiane Action Programme (VAP), which called for enhancing trade and investment in the minerals sector and the strengthening of cooperation in the rational and optimal utilization of mineral resources.
11. Within the context of renewed thrust under the VAP, the overall policy thrust of ASEAN cooperation in the minerals sector is to propel the ASEAN minerals sector as a vibrant force for greater economic growth and social well being in the region. ASEAN member countries will strive, among others, to implement strategic policies, measures and initiatives to further enhance minerals trade and investment, to attract robust private sector participation and investment in the exploration and development of mineral resources, and to promote environmentally and socially sustainable mining practices.
12. Cooperation in ASEAN minerals sector shall involve partnership in policy development and in programme implementation in the following areas:
a) Information exchange and development of the ASEAN Mineral Database;
b) Promotion and facilitation of intra- and inter- ASEAN trade and investment;
c) Promotion of environmentally and socially responsible mineral resources
management and development;
d) Intensifying private sector participation and public-private sector
collaboration in ASEAN mineral cooperation programmes and activities;
e) Fostering cooperation with ASEAN dialogue partner countries and relevant international and regional organizations in the promotion of scientific and technological research and development in mineral resources development and geosciences, as well as cooperative
programmes on technology transfer;
f) Coordination and harmonization of development policies and programmes
on mineral resources;
g) Exchange of technical information, experience and good practices; and
h) Strengthening cooperation and joint approaches in addressing
international and regional issues and concerns of common interest.
Strategies and Proposed Actions
13. More specifically, ASEAN member countries shall collectively pursue the following strategies and associated actions.