The 11th ASEM Finance Ministers’ Meeting opened in Milan, Italy, on September 12.
Finance Ministers from 49 members of the Asia- Europe Meeting (ASEM) called on Asia and Europe to foster growth through an enhanced partnership that facilitates trade and investment flows.
With the theme of “A new strategic alliance to create sustainable and profitable growth”, the ministers discussed a range of global issues and stressed the need for Europe and Asia to collaborate in boosting productivity.
They welcomed the growth enhancing policies of European countries in order to support their growth, as well as the steady recovery and positive performance of Asian economies.
They affirmed economic cooperation between Europe and Asia continues to be a major driver for global and regional growth.
The meeting stressed the importance of consolidating, trade and investment relations between their regions, including the enhancement of the role of the private sector.
The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to increase investment and trade flows while calling for more efforts to fully realise Bali agreement.
Launched in 1996, ASEM groups 29 European countries and 20 Asian nations.-VNA
