DANANG, Vietnam, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries will develop a master plan to enhance regional connectivity, according to a Special Meeting of the ASEAN Coordinating Council held here on Thursday.

    A task force, comprising representatives from ASEAN countries with comprehensive knowledge on economics, transportation and information technology, will be set up to map out the plan, according to a press release issued after the meeting.

    ASEAN foreign ministers, their representatives and ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan attended the meeting.

    Participants said that ASEAN countries should speed up the development of infrastructure, telecommunications, information technology, mobility of people and facilitation of trade to improve connectivity.

    ASEAN should also further enhance linkage with external partners, especially in East Asia, according to the meeting.

    The master plan will be submitted to ASEAN leaders at the 17th ASEAN Summit in October this year.