Connectivity  ASEM

„Connectivity is about bringing countries, people and societies closer together. It facilitates access and is a means to foster deeper economic and people-to-people ties. It encompasses the hard and soft aspects, including the physical and institutional social-cultural linkages that are the fundamental supportive means to enhance […] economic, political-security, and socio-cultural ties”

ASEM Connectivity covers all modes of transport (aviation, maritime, rail and road) and also includes, among others, institutions, infrastructure, financial cooperation, IT, digital links, energy, education and research, human resources development, tourism, cultural exchanges as well as customs, trade and investment facilitation.

Becker, William; Domínguez-Torreiro, Marcos; Neves, Ana Rita; Moura, Carlos Tacão; Saisana, Michaela, Jorge, Carlos 2019: Exploring ASEM Sustainable Connectivity. What brings Asia and Europe Together?

Connectivity in the multi-dimensional understanding of ASEM describes the connecting of countries, people, and societies and is closely linked to sustainability. However, connectivity is not a concept exclusively associated with ASEM. „Connectivity strategies can be found in a number of other intergovernmental organisations” (Becker et al. 2021), for example, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Its diffuse definition and dimensional emphasis vary from context to context.

The Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) is an informal, interregional dialogue forum of European and Asian states.