Asia-Pacific countries review merits of closer regional integration

 Representatives  of  60  governments  in  the region are attending the 68th session  of  the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the  Pacific  (ESCAP)  against  a  backdrop of stalling growth in developed countries  together  with high and fluctuating commodity prices threatening Asia-Pacific  economic   dynamism and  progress  towards  international development goals.
 “If  2011  has  shown us anything, it is that Asia and the Pacific is again confronted  by a deeply challenging external environment, and that the path to shared future prosperity can best be travelled together,” United Nations Under-Secretary-General  and  ESCAP  Executive Secretary Noeleen Heyzer said  in  her  address  to  the  Senior Officials Segment of the Commission session.
 “Regional  solutions,  through  regional cooperation, are the way for us to forge  more  sustainable  economic growth, close development gaps, and lift tens  of  millions  of  people  out  of poverty. Let’s work together for an inclusive,  resilient  and  sustainable  future  for Asia and the Pacific – where we grow together and share collective prosperity.”
 The May 17-23 ESCAP Session which has as its theme ‘Growing together – Economic integration for an inclusive and sustainable Asia-Pacific century’ will  focus  on  a  four-track  strategy to promote shared, sustainable and inclusive  growth  in  the region by promoting market integration, physical connectivity,  financial  cooperation  and  joint  action to address common vulnerabilities arising from shrinking resources and climate threats.
 It will be followed by a high-level Ministerial Segment from May 21 to May 23.
 The  senior  officials  meeting will finalise recommendations for political endorsement  by Asia-Pacific countries during the ministerial segment which will  be  opened  by  Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatre. The Prime Minister of Samoa  and senior government leaders from other Asia-Pacific countries will attend  the  Commission session next week which will feature two high-level panel  discussions on regional economic integration and promoting inclusive development amidst global economic and financial turbulence.
 A  high-level  consultation  on May 23 will provide Asia-Pacific developing countries  an opportunity to help articulate a regional perspective for the upcoming G20 Mexico Summit.