Asia-Pacific Region Forecast to be Global Economic Growth Hub

Nusa Dua, Bali, (Antara) - The Asia-Pacific region is forecast to be the main source of global economic growth within the next two to three decades, Chairman of Open Government Partnership Steering Committee Kuntoro Mangkusubroto noted here Tuesday. "The prediction is based on the Asia-Pacific region's advantages, such as a large population, technology, trade, and resources, thereby making it the inevitable target market of the world," Kuntro remarked while opening the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia Pacific Conference in Nusa Dua, Bali, on May 6-7, 2014. However, the Asia-Pacific region is also bogged down by its own problems, such as poverty, corruption, inequality, and violence also non-violent political mobilization, Kuntoro claimed. "Economic growth achieved by the Asia-Pacific region is often overshadowed by problems that have their repercussions on the society, politics, and security. These are the consequences that need to be resolved by the government," Kuntoro reiterated. As the host of 2014 Open Government Partnership Asia Pacific Conference, Indonesia is also supporting the government's openness in an effort to establish good governance in the region. "Good governance in the region is needed to build a more inclusive cooperation among the countries," Kuntoro emphasized. The Open Government Partnership is a movement to encourage governmental transparency and openness, which will involve various stakeholders starting from the civil society, such as NGOs, academicians, grassroots organizations, and the private sector. This movement was initiated in 2011 by Indonesia and seven other countries, such as Brazil, Mexico, Norway, the Philippines, South Africa, Britain, and the United States. Within three years, the number of participating member countries have increased to 64, where currently Indonesia is co-chairing the partnership along with Mexico. (*)