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Asia-Europe Business Forum opens in Laos

The 13th Asia-Europe Business Forum (AEBF-13) opened in Vientiane, Laos, on November 4 with the participation of over 300 businesses from both continents.
The 13th Asia-Europe Business Forum (AEBF-13) opened in Vientiane, Laos, on November 4 with the participation of over 300 businesses from both continents.

Addressingthe forum, Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong stressed the forum’simportance in the context of the world facing challenges stemming fromthe financial crisis that directly impact economic development as wellas people’s life.

He called on business leaders of Asia andEurope to share and discuss their views in order to find propersolutions to cushion the impact and boost economic growth, trade andinvestment in a strong and sustainable manner.

Themed Caring forthe Earth for Sustainable Economic and Business in Asia and Europe, thetwo-day forum will discuss issues of concern, including the currenttrend and future of economic and business ties between Asia and Europe,prospects for growth in both continents, good governance of the stateand business sectors to facilitate trade and investment in the tworegions, and financial access. Other items on the agenda includechallenges on environment, food and energy security, the sustainablemanagement of natural resources, markets and linkages between Europeand Asian sub-regions with the Mekong Greater Sub-region as a focus.

Proposals raised and discussed at the forum will be submitted to the 9th ASEM Summit scheduled on November 5-6./.

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