Asia And Europe Boost Labour Ties At Germany Meeting
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Adanan joined Labour and Employment Ministers from ASEM member countries and the Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunity of the European Commission for the first ASEM Labour and Employment Ministers Conference held in Potsdam, Germany on September 3-5, 2006.

It carried the theme "More and Better Jobs -Working Jointly to Strengthen the Social Dimension of Globalisation". The meeting was chaired by German Vice Chancellor and Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Franz Muntefering who emphasised the important role of the ASEM process as a platform for the dialogue and cooperation between Asia and Europe.

He welcomed the first opportunity for Labour and Employment Ministers to contribute to the ASEM process in response notably to the mandate by the 2004 Hanoi ASEM Summit to expand cooperation in areas like employment and to address strategic and long term dimensions of major economic policy issues such as globalisation and its related social changes. The conference coincided with the 10th anniversary of the ASEM process.

The ministers underlined the importance of a close and productive dialogue and cooperation between Asia and Europe on employment and social policy.

They recalled the increasing importance of Asia-EU relations and underlined the key role of full and productive employment, decent work for all and social cohesion for sustainable socioeconomic development.

The ministers discussed opportunities and challenges related to globalisation, the international division of labour and restructuring and prospects and appropriate policy responses to jointly maximise the benefits ofglobalisation and extend its benefits to all.

The ministers welcomed the exchange of `best practices' on labour market and employment policies and social protection in the ASEM context.

They addressed concrete ways to strengthen the social dimension of globalisation and promote decent work for all in three separate workshop sessions entitled "Growth and employment - How can positive interaction be enhanced?", "Investment in human capital - Key factor for economic progress and social inclusion" and "Regional Cooperation to strengthen the social dimension of globalisation".

At the end of the conference, ministers agreed to cooperate in the relevant international arena and take note of the need for ASEM in the future to strengthen the substantive dialogue and cooperation in a number of areas, including employment and social policy.

The next ASEM Labour and Employment Ministers' Conference will be held in Indonesia in 2008. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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