ASEAN Foreign Ministers react during a family photo at Government House during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne, Australia, March 6, 2024. (PHOTO / AP)

VIENTIANE — Representatives from the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met in Laos to discuss plans to further strengthen the economic-financial sector in the region.

The representatives gathered in northern Laos' Luang Prabang province for the 11th ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors' meeting and related meetings, taking place from April 2 to April 5, Lao News Agency reported on Wednesday.

Under Laos' ASEAN chairmanship in 2024, the ASEAN Economic Priority Work Plan (PED) has been approved by defining three main strategic plans including economic integration and connectivity, creating a sustainable future for all involved, and transitioning towards a digital future.

During the meeting, participants emphasized the efforts of ASEAN in encouraging the financial and banking sector to be stronger amid the financial volatility and uncertainty in the world.