"It is time to promote partnership in a mutually beneficial cooperation for the regional and global welfare," Yudhoyono said.New Delhi (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said he hopes free trade area agreement between ASEAN and India would benefit countries in this region.
Cooperation between the regional countries provides greater strength to ward off global crisis, Yudhoyono said in the ASEAN-Indian summit meeting here on Thursday.
"It is time to promote partnership in a mutually beneficial cooperation for the regional and global welfare," he said.
He said he hoped the ASEAN-Indian cooperation, which has entered the 20th year, would expand in trade as well as in investment and other sectors.
He said there are a number of important goals in the cooperation between ASEAN and India including in trade, food and energy, education and maritime sector.
He cited expansion of trade target between ASEAN and India from from US$80 billion in 2011-2012 to US$100 billion in 2015 and to US$200 billion in 2022.
He said food and energy cooperation is important with fast growing demand for food and energy both in ASEAN and India
He said cooperation in the food and energy sectors is through joint research in the two sectors.
He also stressed the importance of cooperation in the the maritime sectors.
"Almost 19 percent of world trade and oil transport are through the regional waters," he said.
The ASEAN-Indian summit meeting is held in New Delhi to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Indian-ASEAN cooperation.
Also attending the summit meeting include Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Thai Prime Minister Yinluck Sinawatra, Brunei Sultan Hasalan Bolkiah, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, ASEAN secretary general Surin Pitsuwan and other ASEAN leaders.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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