OECD Southeast Asia Regional Forum Held In Bali

Nusa Dua, Bali, March 26 (Antara) - Indonesian Finance Minister Muhamad Chatib Basri officially opened the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Southeast Asia Regional Forum here on Wednesday. "The forum is a kind of a dialog between ASEAN and OECD to discuss what can be done in Indonesia," the minister explained after the opening ceremony. The forum`s theme is "Regional Competitiveness for Sustained Growth". OECD Secretary General Anggel Gurria in her opening remarks expressed her hope that the meeting would reach an agreement that can boost the economy of ASEAN member countries. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) was officially born on 30 September 1961. Other countries joined in, starting with Japan in 1964. Russia, which has close relations with Brazil, China, India, Indonesia and South Africa through "enhanced engagement" program, is negotiating to become a member of the OECD. Together with them, the OECD brings around its table 40 countries that account for 80 percent of world trade and investment, giving it a pivotal role in addressing the challenges facing the world economy.