Cambodia has decided to host the 13th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) via video conference as concern about Coronavirus mutations continue, prompting countries to restrict international travel and making delegates increasingly reluctant to attend face-to-face events. The Kingdom is hosting the event on Nov 25 and 26.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the decision to hold a virtual summit was driven by the wave of new Covid-19 infections in many countries, along with the emergence of new strains. It says the move was made in accordance with the recommendations of the National Committee for the Prevention of Covid-19, which said a physical summit would not be safe for leaders of the countries in ASEM.

The government says the summit will still bring more investment and attract foreign companies to Cambodia despite the decision to hold it virtually. The Kingdom still has access to opportunities and should be ready to welcome a series of new investors once the Coronavirus pandemic has eased, a senior government official said.

Asian and European leaders will have a lot to discuss at the November summit. The meeting comes two months before the Kingdom takes over as chair of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Also, in 2022 the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement is likely to come into effect, creating the world’s largest free trade bloc. ASEAN members have agreed to trade freely with China, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea, creating a market comprising nearly one third of the world’s population, one third of global gross domestic product and one third of the world’s total exports.

Although Coronavirus has forced many events to be held by videoconference, the UK hosted a face-to-face meeting of the Group of Seven leaders in the county of Cornwall in June. In 2020 the US cancelled the leaders’ summit because of Covid concerns.

• Tags: ASEM, coronavirus