The Gulf Research Center (GRC) is conducting a series of webinars focused on developing GCC-ASEAN ties in various sectors, from political and regional security affairs and economic, trade, investment, and energy relations to education, culture, and tourism. Overall, the webinar series will allow discussion from both sides in order for them to exchange views and present their perspectives as well as put forward concrete outcomes for policy implementation in coordination with the upcoming GCC-ASEAN Summit towards the end of October. The webinar aims to bring together officials from the GCC and ASEAN and their member states and representatives from think tanks to share views on common issues, explore opportunities for cooperation, and consider appropriate mechanisms for developing relations.
Issues: Status of Relations, Priorities, Development of Cooperation
Questions: What is the view from both the GCC and the ASEAN states in terms of moving forward and developing cooperation? What are key priority areas to focus on? How can one ensure that the current momentum can be carried forward?
Issues: Maritime Security, Counter-Terrorism, Smuggling and Environmental Crimes, Piracy, Water Security
Questions: How can the GCC-ASEAN security relationship be enhanced? What role do arms sales play in this equation? How can freedom of navigation and maritime security be assured in line with the Maritime Domain in ASEAN? What lessons are learned from counter-terrorism cooperation so far and what next steps should be taken? How can both regions increase collaboration on security issues? How can ASEAN help maintain de-escalation in the Gulf region?
Issues: Economic Diversification, Business Partnerships, Joint Ventures, Investment Opportunities, Labor Systems
Questions: What is the current status of the GCC-ASEAN Trade and Investment Partnership? What are current trends that are impacting economic ties? Can an idea of GCC-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement be visited? What are the primary areas that could be complementary for both sides? How can investment opportunities be capitalized on and how can challenges be addressed? How can labor systems and labor mechanisms be developed in the GCC? How can the GCC-ASEAN establish a platform for economic cooperation to explore investment opportunities?
Issues: People-to-people relations, Higher education, Tourism Sector, Historic & Cultural Ties
Questions: How can student mobility between the ASEAN and the GCC states be enhanced? How can awareness about suitable programs for which the GCC countries are eligible be increased in order to create broader participation? What types of research partnerships can be envisioned? What other types of program, for example, in vocational training can be pursued? What are the ancient historical ties that links the two region? How can investment in the tourism sector between the two regions be developed? What is the current status of the cultural ties?
Questions: What are the opportunities and barriers for cooperation in the field of energy, nuclear, and renewable energy? What are the strategic importance of crude oil production & export from the Gulf to ASEAN? What are the prospects for the expansion of the Gulf Natural Gas Industries in the ASEAN region? What role do pipeline politics play in the energy domain?
Issues: GCC and ASEAN as Institutions, Institutional Engagement & Development, Partnership Agreements, Capacity-Building, Organizational Exchanges
Questions: How can one best strengthen the institutional arrangements for GCC-ASEAN cooperation? How can on improve and enhance existing framework? How does one best combine bilateral engagement with a sustained regional partnership? What are flagship activities to be considered? What need to be considered as far as current Partnership Agreements is concerned? How can cooperation in terms of policymaking and public diplomacy coordination be improved? What platforms can be created for exchange?
