ASEAN and Latin American countries have many things in common particularly in the food security sector and therefore, it would be appropriate and timely if ASEAN could enhance its trade and investment, prioritizing in that particular sector.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan has endorsed the ASEAN Foundation`s initiative to hold an ASEAN-Latin American Business Forum in 2012.

He expressed his support when receiving a team of the ASEAN Foundation led by Executive Director Dr. Makarim Wibisono at the trade ministry recently, the foundation said in a press statement here, Tuesday.

Gita said his Ministry would support the Forum to help boost ASEAN-Latin American trade and investment to a more promising business level.

He believed that ASEAN and Latin American countries have many things in common particularly in the food security sector and therefore, it would be appropriate and timely if ASEAN could enhance its trade and investment, prioritizing in that particular sector.

Dr. Makarim thanked the Minister for his guidance and for sharing his trade and investment outlook and business perspectives.

He also confirmed to the Minister that the forum which will be held on 23-24 February 2012 will be attended by n Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa and other high profile government and non-government personalities as well as representatives from the private sectors and diplomatic missions from the host country, ASEAN and the Latin American countries.

According to Makarim, the forum will be an important undertaking by the ASEAN Foundation as well as ASEAN in promoting and harmonizing the trade and investment relations and business opportunities between the two regions.

The Forum is part of the ASEAN Foundation, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) partnership to enhance awareness of inter-regional collaboration between ASEAN and Latin American Countries on trade and investment opportunities.

It will be the last leg of the ASEAN Foundation project "Transfer of Knowledge between Southeast Asia and Latin American countries on Trade and investment" funded by the IDB which was inaugurated in 2009 marked by the convening of the first forum in Jakarta and in Bangkok in 2010.

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Editor: Ella Syafputri
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