ANGARA CALLS ON ADB TO RELINK ASIA AND LATIN AMERICA

Senator Edgardo J. Angara today called for stronger links between Asia and Latin America at the 45th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of The Asian Development Bank.

During the Session, "Shaping the Future of the Asia-Latin America and the Carribean Relationship," keynoted by ADB President Haruhiko Kurod and Inter-American Development Bank President Luis Moreno, Angara reminded the assembly composed of both foreign and local leaders, of the strong links between the two regions brought about by the Galleon Trade.

"As the center of global production moves to Asia by 2025, predicting the region to be the leader in research and development, creativity, and global output. However as we move forward, and as mentioned earlier, there is an issue of connectivity that must be addressed."

Angara mentioned that during his trip to Buenos Aires in Argentina during his stint as Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, it took him 27 days to complete the trip from Manila.

"The Galleon Trade route is the natural link between Asia and Latin America, which back then combined efforts and economies of what are now 37 independent countries. And yet now in this age of globalization, we are not making use of this historical connection of trade and cultural affinity," said Angara.

"We in Asia have the technologies and investments in research and development, not to mention the expertise and manpower, to contribute to the Latin American economy. Whereas the Latin American region can augment our food supply among many others," he continued. "We have to reconnect our countries once again and reenergize the relations between our two regions."

Angara, who initiated the International Dia Del Galeon celebration, has recently been appointed as Associate Member of the Hispano-American Royal Academy of Science, Arts and Letters for promoting cultural ties between Spain and the Hispanic nations of Latin America.

The ADB Annual Meeting, which runs from May 2 to 5 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila, brings together almost 4,000 delegates from around the world, comprised of policymakers, academic and business leaders, media and civil society organizations to discuss regional developmental challenges.