Nusa Dua, Bali - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono expressed optimism that ASEAN economic growth would reach 5.7 percent to 6.4 percent in 2011.

    In his remarks at the first ASEAN Supreme Audit Agencies or ASEAN Supreme Audit Institutions (ASEANSAI) Summit at the Bali International Convention Center (BICC), here, Wednesday, he said ASEAN countries continued to show resilience against the global financial crisis from the Euro Zone.

     "ASEAN`s economic development is strong and shows resilience in the midst of the global financial crisis," the president added.

     ASEAN has a developing market, stable foreign exchange rate and peaceful regional situation so that it remains attractive as a place of business and investment.

     Such a situation requires governmental adjustment to balance its function as regulator and facilitator, said the president who also served as 2011 ASEAN Chairman.

     "As a result, the government is currently applying constant and rigorous audits on the world demands for transparency, accountability, and open participation of all parties," he said.

    Therefore, Indonesia as the ASEAN Chairman welcomed the ASEANSAI establishment as a forum for cooperation Supreme Auditing Agencies from ten ASEAN member countries.

    President Yudhoyono hopes that ASEANSAI can realize an ASEAN Community that embraces the principles of good governance.

    According to President Yudhoyono demands for transparency and good governance is in line with changes in the international order which requires a responsive government to the needs of its people.

    "Because a responsive government to the needs of its people are most able to cope with the challenges of the time. No country in the world is immune to regional and global challenges," he said.

     With the support of its people, any government can overcome all challenges and would become even more powerful because of the support of other countries in the region," he said.

    At present, the ten ASEAN members are dynamic countries with a common goal to build a community of Asia`s mutual caring and share.

    ASEAN, also has undergone a transformation as it was formed in 1967 which originally only five countries to be an organization that has attracted worldwide attention.

    "As an example of successful regional integration, ASEAN has sought to bring peace and stability in Southeast Asia and beyond," said President Yudhoyono.
 -Antara, 16 November 2011-

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