ASEAN ECONOMIC MINISTERS ARRIVE FOR AEM RETREAT

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 26 (Bernama) –- Several ministers and senior officers have
arrived for the 16th Asean Economic Ministers' Retreat here which is being held
amidst a challenging time as economies embark on recovery measures to tide over
with the global economic and financial crises.

There are also uncertainties, especially in Europe, where several European
countries are grappling with high public debt, particularly Greece.

Ministers who arrived Friday were Brunei Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and
Trade Lim Jock Seng, Cambodia Senior Minister and Minister of Commerce Cham
Prasidh and Myanmar Minister of National Planning and Economic Development U Soe
Tha arrived .

Others are expected to fly in Saturday for the retreat which is being held over
the weekend.

The participants include Malaysia's International Trade and Industry Minister
Mustapa Mohamed, Indonesia's Minister of Trade Dr Mari Elka Pangestu, Laos
Minister of Industry and Commerce Dr Nam Viyaketh and Philippines Trade and
Industry Secretary Peter B Favila.

Other attendees are Singapore Minister of Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang,
Thailand Vice-Minister of Commerce Alongkorn Ponlaboot and Vietnam Minister of
Industry and Trade Dr Vu Huy Hoang.

Asean secretary-general Dr Surin Pitsuwan will also attend the two-day retreat
Saturday.

Among issues to take centrestage are the full implementation of the Asean Free
Trade Area (AFTA) agreement, liberalisation of services under the Eight Package
for 2010, facilitation of investments into the region and address gaps in
creating a single Asean market.

The ministers will also delve into issues of future strategic direction of Asean
over the next few years and beyond the Asean Economic Community 2015 and
boosting Asean's profile in major source countries of investments.

They will discuss ways to enhance intra-Asean trade beyond the current level of
21 to 25 per cent total trade and promote integration of manufacturing processes
within the region to strengthen industrial linkages in creating higher
value-added activities.

The retreat, which begins Saturday, is aimed at allowing ministers to exchange
views and deliberate on strategic issues in relation to Asean economic
integration and external economic links with dialogue partners.
-- BERNAMA