REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) officially opens Asean Latin Business Forum held on July 9-10 in Shangri-La Hotel Jakarta. With a theme of 'Towards a Sustainable Future', the forum will discuss trade and investment business opportunities in the ASEAN and Latin American region.

On his opening speech, SBY appreciated the economic growth in Latin America, following his visit to the region. "I witnessed the strong growth and dynamic economy in Latin America," he said on Monday.

The United Nations Economic Commission in Latin America and Caribbean (UNECLAC), he explained, predicted that Latin America and Caribbean would grow around 4.1 percent this year. Compared to world economic growth, it is an achievement for Latin America despite the number is lower than last year.

"I was also impressed with the fact that Latin America GDP reaches 6.87 trillion USD," he said.