Jakarta

PRESS RELEASE

Bridging development and trade gaps can make AsiaPacific world economic centre of gravity, ESCAP tells global forum in Indonesia
21 July 2011 | Jakarta (UN ESCAP) Wide gaps in human development together with inadequate physical infrastructure and intra-regional trade are holding back the Asia-Pacific region from taking its rightful place as the global economic centre of gravity, the top regional United Nations official said here today. Changes taking place in the world economy are likely to catapult the Asia-Pacific region as the centre of gravity of the world economy with China, India and Indonesia emerging as the growth poles for not only the region, but also the entire world, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Dr. Noeleen Heyzer told the Indonesia International Conference 2011 in Jakarta. However, the region must address major challenges before it can realize its economic potential and reclaim the pre-eminent position it had for most of human history, the ESCAP chief cautioned. The Indonesia International Conference 2011 brought together leading thinkers, Governments, multilateral agencies, international trade bodies and civil society representatives to analyze critical global political, economic and social issues. One should not underestimate the downside risks and policy challenges that the region faces in sustaining its dynamism that is so critical for closing the development gaps and catching up with the advanced countries, Dr. Heyzer noted in her keynote address. Other key speakers included Dr. Mari Pangetsu, Minister of Trade, Indonesia and Dr. Marty Natalegawa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Indonesia. An immediate concern is the sharp rise in global food and energy prices which, according to ESCAP estimates, could delay and reverse progress in poverty reduction in many countries in the region. The emerging economies in the region also have to cope with the adverse impact of volatile capital inflows which threaten economic stability. The most basic challenge facing Asia-Pacific economies in the medium term is to reduce their traditional reliance on export markets in the slowing developed economies by deepening intra-regional trade and investment, Dr. Heyzer said. ESCAP analysis shows that consumption has failed to keep pace with growth in East Asian countries while investment has failed to keep up in ASEAN countries including Indonesia. There is considerable potential for a further boosting of trade among Asia-Pacific countries which has grown much faster than the regions trade with the rest of the world. ESCAP studies show the presence of considerable complementarities in terms of matching imports of one country to buy exports of partner countries, within and between subregions, Dr. Heyzer noted. Realizing this potential will require improving physical and trade connectivity within the region by developing transport links and harmonizing international business procedures. These challenges provide the region with a historic opportunity to rebalance its economic structure in favour of itself to sustain its dynamism with strengthened connectivity and balanced regional development, and to make the twenty-first century a truly Asia-Pacific century, the ESCAP chief concluded.
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Ms. Francyne Harrigan Chief, Strategic Communications and Advocacy Section, ESCAP T: +66-2-288-1864 M: +66 81 835 8677 E: harriganf@un.org Ms. Thawadi Pachariyangkun Public Information Officer, ESCAP T: (66) 2 288 1861 M: (66) 81 634 3876 E: pachariyangkun.unescap@un.org

UN Information Centre in Jakarta | Menara Thamrin Building 3A Floor, Jl.M.H. Thamrin kav. 3, Jakarta 10250 INDONESIA Tel: (6221) 3983 1011/1013; Fax: (6221) 3983 1014; Email: unic-jakarta@unic.jakarta.org, http://www.unic-jakarta.org