REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Prime Minister of United Kingdom David Cameron said to the ASEAN countries to prepare to establish an economic community by the end of this year. The UK will support these efforts by providing technical assistance to improve economic policy, planning and implementation.

“This will strengthen the business environment, increase the attractiveness of the region to international companies, and give a real boost to prosperity for the people of South East Asia. And as British businesses step up their interest in the region, this will help them invest and grow as the region does,” said the Prime Minister of UK, David Cameron on writing statement received by ROL on Monday, July 27. The PM will touch down in Jakarta this afternoon, July 27, on the start of a four day visit to South East Asia.

The PM has also appointed a trade envoy specifically for the ASEAN Economic Community. Member of Parliament, Richard Graham will take on the role alongside his existing role as trade envoy to Indonesia and will join the Prime Minister for talks with the ASEAN Secretary General later today. Becoming the first British Prime Minister to visit ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta, Cameron will call for the EU and ASEAN to jump start negotiations talks on a free trade agreement.

As part of the drive to firmly put economic growth at the top of the Government’s agenda, the members of the Prime Minister’s new Business Advisory Group have also been unveiled today.

The Group will act as a sounding board through which ministers can listen to and debate concerns and priorities facing industry, and can discuss the government’s economic and business policies around key areas such as productivity,  European reform and housing.  The first meeting of this new group is expected on this Autumn and after that they will meet on quarterly basis.  The industry leaders cover between them a wide range of sectors critical to the UK economy from manufacturing to retail.

“It’s a privilege to have been asked by the Prime Minister to join his Business Advisory Panel. I know how important the customer is to business success, and with over 30 years’ experience in retail, the importance of dedication and customer service has never changed - after all Britain is a nation of shopkeepers,” said Andy Clarke, Asda CEO and President, welcoming his appointment to the Business Advisory Group.

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