The policy dialogue, organized by United Nations ESCAP East and North-East Asia Office, Incheon Metropolitan City and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea was held virtually on 23 October 2020.

Mr. Andrey Smorodin, Director of the GTI Secretariat, participated as a speaker at a panel discussion on strengthening institutional subregional cooperation mechanisms.

In his remarks, Mr. Smorodin shared GTI’s experience of maintaining a constant communication with the stakeholders in different sectors and holding GTI’s activities under the COVID-19 pandemic. He also touched upon the issue of the expansion of GTI’s geographical coverage which would release more potential to GTI’s activities and initiatives.

Speaking about strengthening subregional cooperation in NEA he expressed concern that a closer and more extensive dialogue and exchanges among the cooperation mechanisms in the region should be arranged. Cross-sectoral approach and involvement of private sector should be promoted.

According to the GTI Secretariat’s director, the Secretariat is ready to work further with the member countries and partners to attain the aims of sustainable and inclusive development in the region.