Asia-Pacific Business Forum: Debate on ‘Partnership towards a Sustainable Asian Century’
Saturday, 29 November 2014 00:00
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The Asia-Pacific Business Forum (APBF) held its 11th session from 25-27 November in Colombo. The forum was organised by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in partnership with the Board of Investment Sri Lanka (BOI). Debate and discussion was centred on the theme ‘Enhancing Regional Business Sustainability and Investment’.
An interactive debate on ‘Partnership towards a Sustainable Asian Century’ was among the sessions held. It was moderated by Dr. Watcharas Leelawath, Director of Mekong Institute. Panellists included Dr. Aditi Haldar, Director, Global Reporting Initiative Focal Point India, Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Mr. Sunmyung Hwang, Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) of Korea, Country Director, Sri Lanka Resident Mission, Veronique Salze-Lozac’h, Senior Director, The Asia Foundation and Asanga Abeyagoonasekera, Executive Director, Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKIIRSS).
Bribery and corruption, its related social issues and the need for strengthening institutions in the Asian region were among the main topics addressed. Best practices of sustainability, and the need for its implementation in both the Government sector and non-Governmental entities were addressed.
Attention was paid to existing and future fresh approaches to Public and Private Partnerships (PPP) in the field of innovation and development. The panel focused on different mechanisms and measures needed in achieving an Asian century sustainably, while respecting the dignity of life while enhancing business collaboration.
