"We must connect rural areas in the region with economic centers. ASEAN must also strengthen cooperation in facing global challenges such as food and energy security issues," said the vice president.
According to a United Nation`s prediction, Boediono said, in 2045 the world`s population would reach nine billion. While ASEAN alone has 590 million people.
In response to the growing number of world`s population, he said, ASEAN leaders had agreed to increase cooperation to secure the availability of food and energy, and in 2009, ASEAN members adopted the ASEAN Integrated Food Security Framework and Strategic Action Planning Towards Food Security.
"Considering the importance of the committment made in 2009, ASEAN leaders in their 18th summit in Jakarta agreed to prioritize research and development, and renewing their call for more investment in the food sector," said Boediono.
The vice president said ASEAN already had an International Rice Research Center in the Philippines and food research centers in each member country.
"With such resources, I see no reason for ASEAN to feel not confident in securing food supplies for its people and the world," he said.
With regard to energy security, Boediono said ASEAN leaders have made a commitment to improve access to electricity for people in the region and at the same time try to reduce its dependence on fossil fuel.
Boediono said ASEAN had no other choice but find new energy sources. (*)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
