"AEM in Manado is a valuable opportunity for us to promote Manado and North Sulawesi to International community," Sarundajang said in his opening address.
Vice President Boediono on Wednesday officially opened the 43rd annual gathering of the ASEAN economic ministers in Manado to discuss intra-ASEAN economic cooperation.
Sarundajang said organizing of AEM meeting in Manado would make the city even more progress in economic and business aspect.
"Therefore we want to make all guests feel at ease and comfortable during their stay in Manado," the North Sulawesi governor said.
Sarudajang said he was even delighted with the presence of Vice President Boediono and Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu because the two leaders could give the motivation and spirit to all of the people in North Sulawesi.
Meanwhile Vice President Boediono said in his opening address at the 43rd AEM that economic conditions in all ASEAN member countries were still good amid the present global economic uncertainties.
However he said that "we, ASEAN member countries, must prepare national policies for such things as regional cooperation."
He said economic uncertainties were now troubling the US in connection with its credit ceiling and Europe too was in economic turmoil.
ASEAN member countries now needed to make efforts to bring about regional integration and ensure balanced and sustainable growth in themselves.
He said ASEAN was already able to make remarkable achievements in various sectors such as in the trade of goods whose tariff has been reduced up to 99 percent.
(Uu.O001/H-NG)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
