Minister Lim Hng Kiang to attend the
15TH ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Retreat
in Siem Reap, Cambodia, 4-5 May 2009 

Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr.Lim Hng Kiang will attend the 15th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Retreat in Siem Reap, Cambodia, from 4 to 5 May 2009.

Following the February 2009 signing of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA), and the Protocol for the 7th Package of Commitments under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS-7), the Ministers will now focus on ensuring quick entry-into-force of the agreements and implementation of obligations. The Ministers will also discuss initiatives to further facilitate business operations in the region and will look into the progress of implementation of the economic integration measures under the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint.

In addition to deepening internal integration, the Ministers will look at ways to further enhance external relations with Dialogue Partners so that ASEAN continues to be well linked to global economies. The Ministers will also touch on global economic issues, such as the importance of being open to trade and investment and the avoidance of protectionism.

Minister Lim will be accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Trade and Industry.


MINISTRY OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY
4 MAY 2009