1. Economic Ministers from the ten ASEAN Member States and the Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation met on 5 August 2016 in Vientiane, Lao PDR, for the Fifth AEM-Russia Consultations. The Consultations were co-chaired by H.E. Mrs Khemmani Pholsena, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Lao PDR, and H.E. Alexey V. Ulyukaev, Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.

2. Russia commended the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015 as a major milestone in regional economic integration. Russia also welcomed the new AEC Blueprint 2025, which envisages an AEC by 2025 that is highly integrated and cohesive; competitive, innovative and dynamic; with enhanced connectivity and sectoral cooperation; a more resilient, inclusive, and people-oriented, people-centered community; and integrated with the global economy.

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