Forum expands range of issues discussed

New Straits Times
11-22-2000
Forum expands range of issues discussed
Edition: Main/Lifestyle; 2*
Section: National
Memo: Langkawi International Dialogue (LID) (November 19-22, 2000 : Langkawi).

THE success of the Langkawi International Dialogue, established five years ago to introduce the broad concept of Smart Partnership between the public and private sectors, largely for participants from outside Malaysia, can now be further gauged by the range of issues being addressed by its participants.

In addition to discussing matters centred on the economies of smart partners, the labour movement, social issues and media sectors have today found a place on the LID agenda.
"The cross-pollination of ideas and proposed initiatives will significantly improve the quality of outcomes of this and future dialogues," Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad said yesterday when outlining the progress made by the dialogues which began in 1995.

This, he said, had been further reinforced this year, thanks to an aim and action for greater co-operation among ministers, senior officials and the business sector.

"We must continue to refine and streamline these relationships.

"This can ensure that we can face up to the developing impact of negative influences and the multi-faceted complications of globalisation to achieve meaningful results for the short and long- term benefits of all our people."

These points and more will take the smart partners to the next dialogue (known as the Southern Africa International Dialogue 2001) in Kampala, Uganda next August.

Delegates will dialogue around the theme "Investment Climates and Problems of Attracting Foreign Direct Investments".

The Global 2000-LID focused on making visions happen. This dialogue also discussed the need to adequately finance the Commonwealth Partnership for Technology Management (CPTM) hub in London for tools to support and implement the growing list of suggestions.

The basic structure of the Smart Partnership movement, the Prime Minister explained, included hubs which would continue to disseminate its principles.

The difference between Smart Partnership dialogues and other fora is the lack of rules inhibiting frank and open exchanges and sharing of views and experiences.

The following smart groups are set to making visions happen via various strategies:

* Ministers and Senior Officials Group - identify focal points within each hub to co-ordinate issues of common interest in each country,

* Social Issues Group - ensure that mainstream social issues, like killer diseases and poverty eradication find their way to agendas and activities of national hubs,

* Business Link - which focused on trade and Internet communication at this LID, is set to effect an electronic mail link of participants.

(Copyright 2000)