Regional Economic Policy Support Facility Regional Partnerships Scheme Program Stream
aadcp
newsletterNo. 7, May 2005
AADCP Undergoes Mid-Term Review
Besides considering AADCP's alignment with the Vientiane Action Programme and current ASEAN- Australian initiatives, the review has looked, in particular, at the extent of participation in program activities by ASEAN's newer members (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam).
The review team was led by Dr Penelope Murphy, with Australian consultants Mr Paul Bartlett and Mr John Wrigley, ASEAN nominee Ms Lim Pao Li and two AusAID representatives,
In April 2005, the Mid Term Review team met with the ASEAN Deputy Secretary General (DSG) of General Functional
Mr Geoff McConnell and Ms Marilou
Cooperation to discuss AADCP priorities and performance. From left to right: Mr Paul Bartlett (MTR team member),
Drilon. Its work was well supported by
Ms Lim Pao Li (MTR team member), Dr Wilfrido V. Villacorta (DSG of General Functional Cooperation), Dr Penelope
the ASEAN Secretariat, by members of Murphy (MTR leader), Mr John Wrigley (MTR team member) and M. Andri Mulia (ASEAN Secretariat). ASEAN sectoral working groups involved in various program activities,
The ASEAN-Australia Development The review, which began in April 2005, and ACIL Australia Pty Ltd and Cooperation Program (AADCP), an is well-timed in view of major
Melbourne University Private Ltd as AUD45 million program over six years, developments since AADCP was
Australian Managing Contractors for is reaching its halfway mark. To ensure planned. These include ASEAN's the Regional Partnerships Scheme highest-quality outcomes, AusAID and adoption of a new six-year workplan, (RPS), the Program Stream (PS) and the the ASEAN Secretariat have the Vientiane Action Programme (2004- Regional Economic Policy Support commissioned a review of the 2010), and intensified ASEAN- Facility (REPSF). program's focus, arrangements and Australian cooperation in relation to the responsiveness to regional priorities. proposed ASEAN-ANZ Free Trade Area,
The team commenced its field work regional security, health and other with a visit to the ASEAN Secretariat in cross-border issues.
In this Newsletter
Jakarta. The team divided into two groups in order to seek feedback from ● The objectives of the review are:
● AADCP undergoes a Mid Term Review
program stakeholders in Laos and ● to assess AADCP's quality and
Five new projects funded under the Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore.
performance in relation to its stated
Regional Partnerships Scheme
Members then returned to the ASEAN ● goals
Developing regional competency ●
Secretariat to present their preliminary to define any implementation issues
standards for renewable energy training findings.
and propose solutions to these
in ASEAN ● ● to identify lessons and good
Program Stream enhances quality and
The review team is preparing a full practices for future use
safety of ASEAN's fish and fish products ● report, for comment by AusAID and the ● to provide a basis for discussion of
Supporting ASEAN Shipping, Airlines ASEAN Secretariat before it is finalised.
possible future forms of ASEAN-
and SMEs through the Regional
It will offer a basis for considering how Australian cooperation, and
Economic Policy Support Facility
ASEAN-Australian development ● ● to assist the partners in public
AADCP supports ASEAN water
cooperation can best continue to serve
initiatives accountability and reporting to our shared interests and goals.
governments.
Regional Economic Policy Support Facility Regional Partnerships Scheme Program Stream
RPS Funds New Projects in Intellectual Property, Statistics, Finfish, Capital Markets and Aquatic Animal Health
The link between access to modern energy services and economic development is well established, and acknowledged amongst key overseas development agencies. Renewable Energy (RE) technologies such as solar, wind, bioenergy and small-scale hydro power are highly relevant to future sustainable development of most ASEAN Members. They are particularly appropriate in the rural development context, as potential enabling technologies for essential services in the health, education, and ICT sectors, as well as supporting increased local productivity. While RE technologies are broadly mature today, one of the key factors preventing more widespread access to and continuing effective operation of RE-based services, is the lack of skilled local personnel - predominately in the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector - to undertake system design and installation, and to provide ongoing service, maintenance and advice.
Operationalise Guidelines on Responsible Movement of Live Food Finfish.
The 5th JSRP Meeting in Jakarta on 23 February 2005 was attended by representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat (JSRP co-chair), AusAID (JSRP co-chair) and ACIL Australia Pty Ltd (JSRP Secretariat).
At the conclusion of these two funding rounds, the JSRP has committed over AUD 6.7 million to date, with almost AUD 3.7 million remaining for future funding rounds. The next JSRP Meeting is scheduled for September 2005. Interested parties should visit the RPS website to obtain application forms and guidelines, the listing of the VAP priority sectors and information on submission deadlines.
These five projects are the first batch that have been developed to implement actions under the Vientiane Action Programme (VAP), which was endorsed at the 10th ASEAN Summit in November 2004. The sixth JSRP also discussed the initial outcomes of the AADCP Mid Term Review, particularly in regard to the development of priority sectors under the VAP for the targeting of future RPS funding.
Strengthening Aquatic Animal Health Capacity and Biosecurity in ASEAN.
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Regional Training Programme for Capital Market Development
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Two other projects were approved at the sixth JSRP Meeting in May 2005 in Melbourne:
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RPS is funding the project 'Development of Regional Competency Standards for Training in Renewable Energy'. This project was approved by the fourth JSRP in April 2004, and is the first step in introducing accredited RE training into the ASEAN region. It is being managed by Global Sustainable Energy Solutions Pty Ltd in Australia in partnership with the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) in Jakarta.
Statistical Capacity Building for Harmonisation of ASEAN International Trade in Goods and Services; and
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Advanced Training in Intellectual Property Search and Examination Procedures for IP Offices in the ASEAN Region;
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Eight proposals were considered for funding at the fifth meeting of the Regional Partnerships Scheme (RPS) Joint Selection and Review Panel (JSRP) Meeting in Jakarta during February 2005. Attended by ASEAN Secretariat and AusAID delegates, with representatives of the RPS Australian Managing Contractor, ACIL Australia Pty Ltd, the meeting approved the following new partnership projects:
Developing Regional Competency Standards for Renewable Energy Training
Further information on the project can be obtained by contacting Mr Geoff Stapleton on (+61) 02 4457 3057.
In November this year, ten people from across the ASEAN region will be trained as auditors so that there will be local capacity for undertaking the audits of training institutes that apply for accreditation.
These draft standards will be reviewed over the next six months and will result in regional standards that will be used to accredit RE training courses in the region in accordance with the guidelines of the Institute for Sustainable Power (www.ispq.org).
The project commenced with a workshop in Singapore in October 2004 that was attended by 34 people from all 10 ASEAN member countries and Australia. This workshop led to the formation of six committees which are currently reviewing the drafts for nine Competency Standards. Such standards describe the essential skills required for a technician to safely and competently undertake a particular task, such as installing a solar power home system or installing a micro- hydro system in a village. The Second Meeting of the Program Stream Program Coordination Committee (PCC) was held in Jakarta on 22 March 2005. Representatives of the ASEAN Secretariat, AusAID, the projects' Regional Focal Points and the Australian Managing Contractor, ACIL Australia, attended the meeting.
The PCC was updated on the achievements in the three Round 2 projects which had commenced in August 2004, and the four Round 1 projects, which had completed their first year. All seven projects have reached a significant level of activity.
PCC Meetings are held in Jakarta six- monthly and co-chaired by AusAID and the ASEAN Secretariat. The next meeting will be held in September 2005. It will be attended by all project stakeholders and focus on information sharing regarding project achievements and issues, as well as overall Program Stream review.
The ASEAN members will arrive in time for meetings on the previous day. The pre- meetings will consist of individual project meetings in the morning, followed by a plenary meeting in the afternoon of all ASEAN PCC participants.
AADCP Newsletter No. 3 announced a planned Program Stream project to promote the use of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) procedures to enhance the quality and safety of ASEAN's fishery products - especially in the SME sector. The internationally recognised HACCP food safety system is expected to facilitate fish exports in the region and globally, as well as improving food safety for domestic consumers. The project is coordinated by the ASEAN Fisheries Post Harvest Technology Network (AFPHTN) under the auspices of the ASEAN Working Group on Fisheries. The Australian Implementing Partner is Australian Marine Science and Technology Ltd (AMSAT) in association with the Australian Maritime College and the Marine Fisheries Research Department of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Centre (SEAFDEC).
Project implementation commenced in early 2004. To encourage application of the HACCP system, a comprehensive manual for locally adapted HACCP training was prepared and a Train-the- Trainers course was held in Myanmar in September 2004. These trainers are now implementing training programs in their home countries. To determine the sources of food safety hazards, a Hazards and Controls workshop was held in Vietnam in August 2004. Delegates selected a series of at- risk fish products requiring detailed investigations. Systematic verification studies are underway to assess the extent and risk of the safety hazards for these specific, processed, fish products. Six ASEAN countries are carrying out these studies with support from the project team. The aim is to quantify the risk and identify Critical Control Points, so that hazard minimisation can be planned. An ASEAN guidebook on fish product hazards and controls will be prepared and distributed. The third strand of the project entails encouragement of effective national strategies to enhance the safety of fish products. To spread best practice and encourage sharing of experience a National Strategies Workshop will be conducted in Cambodia in May 2005. A follow up workshop on audit and verification of national HACCP programs will be held in late 2005.
The project supports Vientiane Action Programme objectives for upgrading post harvest handling of produce and harmonisation of standards to ensure more competitive trade.
There is particular emphasis on promoting HACCP systems in domestic fishing industries, including fish processing SMEs, especially in the newer ASEAN member states (CLMV).
Second Meeting of the Program Stream Program Coordination
Committee ASEAN Pre-Meeting chaired by Dr Linda Posadas.Participants at the Second Program Stream PCC Meeting. Co-chairs Dr Linda Posadas and Ms Debbie Bowman in front (2nd and 3rd from left).
Fish processing facility used in HACCP Training of Trainers Course in Yangon, Myanmar.
Photo by AMSAT Ltd
Enhancing the Quality and Safety of ASEAN’s Fish and Fish Products
aadcp newsletter
Many REPSF studies suggest policy options which will promote private business. In this issue, we feature three recent examples.
Promoting Efficient and Competitive Intra-ASEAN Shipping Services
Suggested initiatives to improve access to financing include improving the credit guarantee mechanism, promoting greater engagement of non-bank financial institutions in SME lending, establishing SME units in financial institutions, developing evaluation techniques including credit scoring or relationship banking as appropriate to each country and promoting informal work-out mechanisms for SME. Recommended regional initiatives include organising forums that bring together financial institutions and SME/trade associations and a regional SME database that could be the springboard for future possible initiatives such as the formation of a regional credit accreditation body for SME. Given that impediments to SME financing are both supply and demand side driven, a comprehensive framework that involves both public and private sector cooperation is needed for these initiatives to work.
RAM Consultancy Services Sdn Bhd, the Malaysian-based consultant for this project, shared their findings and recommendations at the 16th ASEAN SME Agencies Working Group Meeting on 26 May 2005 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The promotion of SME growth and competitiveness can be expected to yield increasing social and economic returns domestically and to empower the private sector in its ongoing integration into the global economy. However, the process has been constrained by the limited availability and accessibility of financial resources to meet a variety of operational and investment needs. Recognizing this, the ASEAN SME Working Group (SMEWG) commissioned a study to look into the supply-side constraints of SME access to finance.
Presentation of Prof. Christopher Findlay at the 11th ASEAN Air Transport Working Group Meeting held in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam on 30 March 2005.
A policy package consisting of regulatory reform and capacity building was developed by ASEAN and Australian experts led by Prof. Christopher Findlay of the Asia Pacific School of Economics and Government at the Australian National University.
Open Sky in ASEAN by 2015 is a target set in “The Roadmap for the Integration of ASEAN: Competitive Air Services Policy”, endorsed by ASEAN Transport Ministers in October 2003. An earlier REPSF study identified options for the transition to Open Sky. This project continues that work with more specific proposals for complementary policy changes. The move to Open Sky needs to be complemented by the development of new competition policy and consumer protection regimes. The Low Cost Carrier growth also draws attention to a range of those types of issues. The management of state aid is a further topic of interest. Various forms of state aid are now common and new requests for support may arise as the adjustments anticipated come about. With the strong expected growth in demand in the region, some adjustment and change among existing carriers is to be expected. New equity, including via foreign investment, is likely to be critical to success in that process. Options to accommodate this investment are therefore important talking points.
REPSF Providing Policy Support for ASEAN Shipping, Airlines and SMEs
Enhancing the management capacity and technologies required within ASEAN to manage shipping and port operations safely, efficiently and in an environmentally acceptable manner. Steve Meyrick, the team leader, was invited to the 9th ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand on 3 March 2005 to present their assessment and proposed road map.
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Increasing the effectiveness of the single ASEAN shipping market by ensuring that competition takes place on equitable terms and conditions; and
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Developing a single integrated ASEAN shipping market in which all ASEAN operators can operate without restriction;
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Ensuring that transport infrastructure supports the effective and efficient operation of intra-ASEAN shipping services;
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Developing the capacity of ASEAN to express a single coherent policy position on maritime matters of common interest to ASEAN countries;
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Based on an assessment of the current strengths and weaknesses of the sector across all ten member countries, the project developed a Draft Road Map for improving performance and fostering regional integration of shipping services. In keeping with the Bali Concord II, the proposed Draft Road Map includes both liberalization and cooperation measures, which are grouped around five key themes:
Maritime transport is crucial to the economic life of South East Asia. PDP Australia in collaboration with Meyrick and Associates examined how the full potential of shipping could be realised in the region.
Strategic Directions for ASEAN Airlines in a Globalising World
SME Access to Finance: Addressing Supply-Side Prerequisites
On land and at sea, water is a unifying theme in ASEAN's development. Ensuring the quality of both land-based and marine water resources is fundamental for human health, food security, the economy and the environment. Effective safety standards for fishery products are essential both for health and trade. As one of the world's great archipelago systems, ASEAN countries depend widely on sea transport services and foresee economic benefit in streamlining these. This newsletter profiles some water- related activities supported by AADCP.
Development of the ASEAN Strategic Plan of Action on Water
Although water resources are a national responsibility, ASEAN sees value in a regional water strategy to deal with the common challenges that its member countries face. The Vientiane Action Programme (2004-2010) aims to ensure that people have enough water of acceptable quality for health, food security, economic growth and environmental sustainability, taking into account the strong linkage between water, health and poverty. The ASEAN Working Group on Water Resource Management (AWGWRM) is seeking to promote better water management practices, bearing in mind future increases in demand, the potential for extreme events (floods, droughts), the effects of climate change, and the scope for improving governance. Priorities include: effective water resources management, particularly in the agricultural and irrigation sectors, through education and learning; development of integrated water resources management strategies for ASEAN countries in line with UN Millennium Development Goals; the impact and amelioration of extreme events on the region in areas such as food security, infrastructure and the environment; integrated land use planning aimed at minimising pollution in rivers; and increasing long term awareness, knowledge and community participation in integrated water resources management through education and specifically targeted programs. AADCP-RPS has committed AUD372,521 to a project to assess the current state of water resources management in ASEAN member countries and develop an ASEAN Strategic Plan on Water Resources Management taking account of economic, social and environmental factors. Project partners include the CSIRO Land and Water division, the AWGWRM, the Global Water Partnership Southeast Asia (GWP SEA) and the ASEAN Secretariat. The project timeframe is February 2004 to May 2005.
In October 2004 a workshop was held in Bangkok where member countries built networks and actively contributed ideas, issues and possible solutions relevant to water resources management in their country. Aspects of community, culture, politics, industry, the environment and geographical location were explored. From this data, a list of regional projects was prioritised as a means of taking the strategies forward. These relate to supply and demand issues, integrated water resource management, water quality and sanitation, dealing with extreme events, and capacity building and governance.
A final report will submitted shortly, including possible funding sources for follow-up activities and mechanisms for countries to work collaboratively to implement the plan.
ASEAN's Vientiane Action Programme (2004-2010) calls for stronger protection and management of coastal zones, using the ASEAN Marine Water Quality Criteria to safeguard aquatic life and human health in coastal areas. The ASEAN Working Group on Coastal and Marine Environment (AWGCME), under the guidance of ASEAN Environment Ministers, has adopted progressive standards for marine water quality and is looking to harmonise and implement these.
An AADCP-RPS project titled “Capacity Building for Implementation of the ASEAN Marine Water Quality Criteria” aims to help member countries develop expertise and mechanisms for this purpose. The Australian Coordinating Partner is Australian Marine Science and Technology Ltd (AMSAT), working with AWGCME and the ASEAN Secretariat.
The project has a budget of AUD485,083 and runs from December 2003 to June 2005. To assist in strategic planning, the project has sponsored a detailed study of each ASEAN member country's laws and standards for marine water quality. Completed after extensive peer review, this report offers clear recommendations on steps to harmonise implementation of the criteria throughout ASEAN.
A capacity building workshop held in Malaysia in March-April 2004 was attended by 18 participants involved in marine water quality monitoring, from all ASEAN countries except land-locked Laos. The workshop provided training in program design, field sampling and measurement techniques. It also reviewed draft water quality criteria and agreed on arrangements for model implementation trials.
The project has since completed a review of monitoring programs in each country to identify best practice. Inter-comparison trials have enabled laboratories testing for heavy metals and nutrients to compare their performance with their ASEAN counterparts. A final workshop is planned to present the project findings to the AWGCME and develop a strategy for further implementation of the ASEAN Marine Water Quality Criteria.
Water - A Shared Focus of ASEAN Development aadcp newsletter
The protection is ASEAN’s water resources is critical for regional growth and development. Photo by Sommay S, provided through the ASEAN Photo Competition 2004, organised by the Ministry of
Culture, Arts and Heritage Malaysia, the National Art Gallery of Malaysia, and the ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information (COCI).
Resources Management
AusAID has recently published the Safe Water Guide for the Australian Aid Program 2005 (www.ausaid.gov.au/publications). This document is the Australia Government's framework for managing water quality activities implemented under the Australian aid program.
Maintaining the Coastal and Marine Environment
June 2005 ● 6th - 17th: Laboratory quality systems consultancy under RPS Establishment of a Reference Laboratory for Southeast Asian Foot and Mouth Disease Control Program, Thailand ●
13th - 14th: Workshop on regulatory best practice for cosmetics sector under PS Project Strengthening ASEAN Standards Conformity Assessment Systems, Myanmar ●
70A Jl. Sisingamangaraja Jakarta 12110 INDONESIA Tel. +62 21 724-3372, 726-2991 ext. 411 Fax +62 21 722-9028 Email: [email protected] Shelagh Pepper Melbourne University Private Ltd 442 Auburn Road Hawthorn VIC 3122 AUSTRALIA Tel. +61 3 9810 3205 Fax. +61 3 9810 3100 Email: [email protected]
John Cunningham Facility Coordinator The ASEAN Secretariat, Ground Floor
Susan Majid Acting Executive Program Director ACIL Australia Pty Ltd 854 Glenferrie Road Hawthorn Vic 3122 AUSTRALIA Tel. +61 3 9819 2877 Fax +61 3 9819 4216 Email: [email protected] Tracey Johnson Acting Program Manager ACIL Australia Pty Ltd 854 Glenferrie Road Hawthorn Vic 3122 AUSTRALIA Tel. +61 3 9819 2877 Fax +61 3 9819 4216 Email: [email protected]
70A Jl. Sisingamangaraja Jakarta 12110 INDONESIA Tel. +62 21 724-3372, 726-2991 ext. 150 Fax +62 21 7278-7252 Email: [email protected] Sarah Hamilton Project Manager ACIL Australia Pty Ltd 854 Glenferrie Road Hawthorn Vic 3122 AUSTRALIA Tel. +61 3 9819 2877 Fax +61 3 9819 4216 Email: [email protected]
Maria Eloida Cruz Balamiento Project Coordinator The ASEAN Secretariat, Second Floor
The timing of the activities listed above is subject to change.
aadcp
newsletter events contactsSelection and Review Panel Meeting, Jakarta ● Project presentation under PS Project Enhancing Skills Recognition Systems in ASEAN, Indonesia ● Information Training System Workshop under the PS Project Strengthening Animal Health and Biosecurity in ASEAN, Laos
Septeber 2005 ● 19th - 23rd: Standards Development and Internationalisation Train the Trainer Workshop under PS Project Strengthening ASEAN Standards Conformity and Assessment Systems, Philippines ● 26th Sept - 1 Oct: Training workshop to use the evaluation tools and processes, under RPS Project Development of Evaluation Framework and Impact Assessment Tools for ASEAN (COST) Programmes ● and Projects, Indonesia Mid: Program Stream - Third Program Coordination Committee (PCC) Meeting, Jakarta ● Mid: Regional Partnerships Scheme - Seventh Joint
9th - 11th: ISO/IEC Lab Accreditation Training Course under the PS Project Strengthening ASEAN Standards Conformity and Assessment Systems, Singapore ● 29th Aug - 2nd Sept: Standards Development and Internationalisation Train the Trainer Workshop under PS Project Strengthening ASEAN Standards Conformity and Assessment Systems, Singapore ● Late: Post Harvest Workshop, under PS Project Quality Assurance Systems for ASEAN Fruit and Vegetables, Brunei
August 2005 ●
2nd - 4th: ISO/IEC Lab Accreditation Training
Course under PS Project Strengthening ASEAN
Standards Conformity Assessment Systems,
Malaysia ●8th - 12th: Standards Development and
Internationalisation Train the Trainer Workshop
under PS Project Strengthening ASEAN Standards
Conformity and Assessment Systems, Indonesia
●July 2005 ●
4th - 8th: Workshop to develop Draft Country
Implementation Plans to achieve effective transition
to the agreed best practice cargo processing
arrangements under PS Project Enhanced Customs
Capacity Building in ASEAN, Cambodia ●5th- 8th: ISO/IEC Guide 61 and 65 Training Course
under the PS Project Strengthening ASEAN
Standards Conformity Assessment Systems,
Cambodia ●12th - 15th: ISO/IEC Guide 61 and 65 Training
Course under PS Project Strengthening ASEAN
Standards Conformity and Assessment Systems,
Vietnam. ●18th: Implementation Guidelines Workshop under
PS Project Legal Infrastructure for E-Commerce in
ASEAN, Malaysia ●18th - 19th: Regional Economic Support Facility
(REPSF) Research Priorities Committee Meeting,
Indonesia ●Late: Workshop to present Draft Strategic Plan to
Joint Task Forum for Tourism Development under
the RPS Project Developing ASEAN Common
Competency Standards for Tourism Professionals,
PhilippinesFood Safety and Quality Assurance Workshop under PS Project Quality Assurance Systems for ASEAN Fruit and Vegetables, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam
28th: Regional Workshop to discuss Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam's (CLMV) National Development Models under PS Project Strengthening ASEAN Standards Conformity and Assessment Systems, Laos ●
16th - 19th: Workshop to establish ASEAN Plus 3 laboratory based surveillance system and a network of reference laboratories under RPS Project ASEAN Emerging and Resurging Infections: Surveillance and Response Program, Malaysia ●
13th - 14th: Project Inception Workshop under RPS Establishment of a Reference Laboratory for Southeast Asian Foot and Mouth Disease Control Program, Thailand ● 16th - 17th: Workshop on regulatory best practice for pharmaceutical sector under PS Project Strengthening ASEAN Standards Conformity and Assessment Systems, Thailand ●