Under the framework of DELGOSEA, UCLG ASPAC in collaboration with OXFAM, FCM, and Rockefeller Foundation is holding the “Enhancing Inclusive LED and Good Local Governance in ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) 2015: Towards Inclusive Growth, SMEs Development, and Women’s Economic Leadership” to bring together government, the private sector, civil society, and academia to develop the capacity of local governments to pursue inclusive local economic growth by promoting and enhancing SME competitiveness, with a focus on enterprise development and women’s economic leadership.
Local economic development (LED) focuses on enhancing community well-being through improved productivity and competitiveness, and the promotion of inclusive economic growth. Small and Medium-Size Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of ASEAN economies; they account for more than 96 percent of all enterprises and provide employment for between 50 and 95 per cent in the member countries. In short, SMEs are the engine of growth and development for communities.They are also vital points of entry to stimulate young entrepreneurs and to create opportunities for women to participate in economic development.
The 2nd ASEAN Mayors Forum will be held in 2015. The 1st ASEAN City Mayors Forum took place in Surabaya, Indonesia, 24-25 October 2011. In this meeting, mayors of the ASEAN members states have conducted substantive and productive discussions under the theme of “ASEAN Cities Towards ASEAN Community 2015 and Beyond : Challenges and Opportunities of the 21st Century”.
Source: UCLG ASPAC