Strengthening Regional Economic Resilience, ASEAN Now Has an ATF Treasury Forum

Deputy Minister of Finance II Thomas Djiwandono gave a key speech at the launch and first meeting of the ASEAN Treasury Forum (ATF), Bali, Thursday (3/8). (Doc. Public Relations Ministry of Finance)

ASEAN member countries officially formed the ASEAN Treasury Forum (ATF) as a forum to strengthen state treasury management. This forum is considered important to support regional economic sustainability and resilience.

“This initiative is designed to support regional economic stability and financial integration. It functions as a collaborative platform for fair learning to improve the public financial and treasury management capabilities of ASEAN member countries,” said Director General of Treasury of the Ministry of Finance Astera Primanto Bhakti when giving a speech at the Launch and Meeting First ATF in Bali, Thursday (3/10).

He added, through this treasury forum, ASEAN countries can learn about the advantages of other member countries and improve their treasury management. It is also hoped that this space for sharing experiences and information will be able to produce solutions for each member’s state financial treasurer.

Also read: ASEAN Treasury Forum to be Inaugurated Tomorrow

At the inaugural meeting, the ATF will focus discussions on three things, namely matters related to the management of public financial spending, state treasury management and accounting matters, as well as digitalization in the treasury.

During the event, Deputy Minister of Finance II Thomas Djiwandono said that ATF could play a role in supporting regional economic integration. Therefore, strengthening treasury management is important to navigate future challenges and opportunities.

“This collective effort will not only improve our respective economies but also contribute to the stability and prosperity of the ASEAN region as a whole,” he said.

Thomas said, through platforms such as ATF, member countries can collaborate to share best practices, strengthen fiscal governance, and develop innovative solutions, thereby increasing the stability and prosperity of the region as a whole.

ASEAN countries, he added, need to develop effective cash management. According to him, this is important to provide comprehensive insight into government finances throughout the fiscal year. (E-2)