An official website of the United States government         Here's how you know         
**Official websites use .mil**
A **.mil** website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
**Secure .mil websites use HTTPS**
 A **lock (lock )** or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Skip to main content (Press Enter).

U.S. Indo-Pacific CommandUSINDOPACOM

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command

Search

Search
Search

-  Home		 
-  Leadership    -  Commander         
  -  Deputy Commander         
  -  Chief of Staff         
  -  Senior Enlisted Leader 
-  About USINDOPACOM    -  History         
  -  USPACOM Area of Responsibility         
  -  USPACOM Previous Commanders         
  -  Women, Peace and Security 
-  Organization    -  Organization Chart 
-  Media    -  News      -  Spotlight 
  -  Photos         
  -  Speeches / Testimony         
  -  Freedom of Information Act      -  FOIA - Reading Room         
    -  Submit FOIA Request         
    -  Request Status         
    -  FOIA FAQS 
-  Resources    -  Travel Requirements         
  -  Useful Theater Information         
  -  FAQ         
  -  Useful Links 
-  Newcomers		 
-  Contact    -  Directory         
  -  Media Inquiries         
  -  Industry Engagements 
-  JTF - Red Hill		 

Home : Media : Speeches / Testimony

# Halifax International Security Forum 2018: Introduction to Indo-Pacific Security Challenges

By ADM Phil DavidsonU.S. Indo-Pacific Command

**ADM Phil DavidsonCommander, U.S. Indo-Pacific CommandHalifax International Security ForumHalifax, Nova Scotia, Canada**November 17, 2018*As Prepared for Delivery*

Thank you, Peter, for the kind introduction – I appreciate that – and thank you for the invite to speak here at the Forum. On behalf of everyone here, Peter, thank you for the addition of the McCain Award added to the Forum's program. It is a wonderful way to remember the Senator and his contribution to the forum.

 

If you’re not already sold on the economic potential of the Indo-Pacific, consider the following: 
                                - The Indo-Pacific is home to 10 of the 20 fastest growing economies;
                                - The Indo-Pacific currently contains over a third of global GDP and 60% of the global GDP growth; 
                                - By 2050, the Indo-Pacific is projected to account for over 55% of global GDP, largely due to a growing middle class;
                                - Speaking of which, 87 percent of the next one billion middle class entrants will come from the Indo-Pacific;
                                - And by 2030, 65% of the world’s middle class will reside in the Indo-Pacific, representing an unrivaled amount of purchasing power.

 

It is our collective responsibility – all of us – to ensure the continued freedom of the seas and skies... more on this in a minute.Second, the vast majority of nations in the region share a common vision of the economic strength of the Indo-Pacific.£ As I said at the beginning, economists know the future of global economic growth is in the Indo-Pacific, and that free and open trade are the keys to that future. This is why the United States is the single largest source of cumulative foreign investment in Southeast Asia – larger than China or the European Union – and why the United States does more two-way trade with the region than anyone else.Sixty percent of the same APCSS students I mentioned polling a few moments ago also said the most powerful country is the one that has the largest economy – but we know all nations can advance together in ways that benefit everyone involved, and we want to do it fairly. 

For example, the United States’ Overseas Private Investment Corporation has a portfolio of $3.9 billion invested in the Indo-Pacific and has done so alongside American firms in energy, healthcare, and banking. For every dollar that OPIC has invested, the private sector has more than doubled it.

And just this past September, the United States passed and placed into law the Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development Act, or BUILD Act, that will make it even easier for America’s private sector to invest in developing countries to create economic partnerships and stimulate economic growth. 

We know nations can advance together without sacrificing sovereignty or making corrupt backroom deals, because the power of private investment has lifted billions out of poverty since the end of World War II, and we are confident that it will continue to do so. 

Third, the vast majority of nations in the Indo-Pacific also share similar security concerns and challenges – and in fact, cooperating on security is at the heart of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. 

 

**                    SHARE                

**                    PRINT