Indonesia to host East Asian World Economic Forum in June

Xinhua, January 22, 2011

Indonesia was to host East Asian World Economic Forum on June 12 to 13, 2011 in Jakarta, a media reported Saturday.

Trade Minister MAri Elka PAngestu quoted by the Jakarta Post as saying that Indonesia had been officially chosen to host the forum.

"We will take this opportunity as this coming October we will also be hosting the ASEAN Summit (KTT ASEAN)," said Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu.

"We will show ASEAN and other East Asian nations that Indonesia is ready to assume a leadership role in the region," she said.

This is the first time Indonesia has received the honor of hosting such an event. Singapore, Japan, Malaysia and Vietnam have all hosted similar economic forums.

"For the first time, Indonesia has been given the trust to preside over such an event, which coincides with the 20th WEF in Davos, Switzerland. We want Indonesia to take on the role of a leader and become a significant player in the East and Southeast Asian region," she stated.

The minister said the East Asian WEF would talk about global issues such as the volatility of commodity prices, and energy and staple food sufficiency. Other issues include the involvement of the private sector to boost national economies, sustainable development and investment for the development of agriculture.

Indonesia's participation at WEF is not only intended to demonstrate the country's progress but also to bring benefits such as on increased bilateral cooperation, both with state players and the international business community.