Import Value Give Prospect to ASEAN and Latin America

Prospect of ASEAN economies and Latin America was considered quite good and promising. At least, the value of imports of Latin America to Asia recorded $ 15 billion, with total trade jumped more than 200 percent.

"ASEAN and Latin America represents a promising area. It's a growing market, with imports to Asia $ 15 billion and total trade of more than 200 percent," said Asean Foundation Executive Director Filemon Uriarte A, in the Workshop on Prospects of Economic Relations Between South Asia and Latin America, the ASEAN Secretariat, Jalan Sisingamangaraja, Jakarta, Monday (12/10/2009).

Two yan area is the potential for future growth, and became the basis of the two regions to cooperate. Based on statistics, exports and imports of Asean's total trade between ASEAN countries and Latin American countries approximately USD18, 37 billion and USD24, 07 billion, in 2006 and 2007.

In 2007 only five countries out of 10 Asean countries which trade with Latin America. Asean countries, comprising of Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

"I believe, that indication is that potensia steps for trade and greater investment between both regions," said Deputy Secretary General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Economic Community, HE Mr. Sundram Pushpanathan.