The ninth ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ASEAN-BIS) will take place in Phnom Penh soon, expecting to attract a record 1,000 participants, according to a press release of the ASEAN Secretariat.

Jointly organised by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) and the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, this is an official side-event to the ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit (EAS), which will be held late November in Phnom Penh.

Cambodia Minister of Commerce and ASEAN Economic Ministers Chair for 2012 Cham Prasidh said the large attendance at the event this year shows that the global business community places very high relevance on this marketplace and its important role in the region and the world.

The delegates will discuss the potential for renewable energy in ASEAN, inter-ASEAN connectivity and infrastructure developments, how to create more opportunities for entrepreneurs and SMEs, the socialisation of the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA), and how to further promote good corporate governance in ASEAN.

The press release stressed that the 2012 ASEAN-BIS continues to serve as a prime platform for knowledge exchange and networking between the regional business community and ASEAN’s political leaders. The summit provides insight into ASEAN developments by leading corporate, governmental and academic experts who are a major driving force for further ASEAN integration.

One of the highlights of the event is the ASEAN Business Awards (2012 ABA ), which recognise the “Most admired ASEAN enterprises”.-VNA