"The 18 countries have confirmed to the Indonesian government that they would take part in the meeting in Manado," a North Sulawesi provincial government spokesman, Christian Sumampow, said here on Monday.
The regional government held a meeting here on Monday to discuss preparations for the holding of the Asean Economic Ministers meeting in the capital of North Sulawesi province.
The meeting was led by North Sulawesi Governor Sarundajang and Director General of International Trade Cooperation of the Ministry of Trade Gusmardi Bustami.
Christian said that the 18 countries which had expressed readiness to take part are 10 Asean countries and eight dialog partner states, namely the United States, China, Japan, Russia, Australia, New Zealand and two from Europe.
It is expected that the meeting will be attended by about 700 participants and will be opened by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on August 10, 2011.
(Uu.A014/HAJM)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
