US strengthens economic and security ties in Africa and Southeast Asia
WASHINGTON: Confronting China's growing economic and diplomatic influence, US nominees told senators that Southeast Asia and Africa will be central to Washington's strategy in shaping the next phase of global competition.
Kevin Kim, nominated as US ambassador to ASEAN, described Southeast Asia as a strategic crossroads for global commerce and security. "South-East Asia straddles the sea lanes through which a third of global shipping passes every year," he said, adding that the United States must ensure the Indo-Pacific remains "free and open."
Kim emphasised that ASEAN economies, with a combined GDP of $4 trillion, represent a major export market for American goods. He said his priority would be to ensure the United States remains "the partner of choice" for ASEAN nations while expanding trade access, strengthening supply chains and shaping regional rules. Kim argued that the United States retains structural advantages, including its position as a leading provider of foreign direct investment.
"We still remain the largest provider of FDI into Southeast Asia," he said, noting that this allows Washington to help shape the region's economic norms.
In Africa, Ademola Adewale-Sadik, nominated as US executive director at the African Development Bank, said Washington must better leverage its role as a major shareholder to advance both economic and strategic interests.
"We are the second largest shareholder... and that has to mean something," he said, calling for reforms that would expand opportunities for American companies in development projects.
He described Africa as a long-term strategic frontier. "Africa's development is the single greatest expansion opportunity for global GDP," he said, arguing that stronger US engagement could deliver benefits for both American and African economies.
Adewale-Sadik also addressed competition with China, which has secured a significant share of infrastructure and development contracts across the continent. He said US firms offer higher long-term value, even if they do not always compete on price.
"Our private sector may not always win on price, but we will always win on value," he told senators.
Read also:
- India's Agriculture Minister Reviews Sector Progress Amid Heavy Rains, Crop Areas Up
- Sleep Maxxing Trends and Tips: New Zealanders Seek Better Rest
- Over 1.7M in Baden-Württemberg at Poverty Risk, Emmendingen's Housing Crisis Urgent
- Cyprus, Kuwait Strengthen Strategic Partnership with Upcoming Ministerial Meeting
