World Economic Forum on East Asia 2015

East Asia continues to be the world?s economically fastest-growing region and its most populous. Projected to maintain an average growth rate above 7% in 2015, it boasts some of the world?s most prosperous economies such as Australia, China, Japan, Singapore and South Korea. East Asia is further bolstered by the phenomenal rise of its emerging markets, including Indonesia, Myanmar and Vietnam. Underscoring this economic success, the region is now preparing for the launch of the ASEAN Economic Community by the end of 2015, heralding a new era in the free movement of people, goods and services across a contiguous economic bloc of 10 countries with over 600 million people. At the same time, waning trust between key players and geopolitical tensions present new challenges to East Asia?s regionalism and carry the risk of undermining future economic growth, compromising poverty reduction and detracting from shared prosperity. Additionally, hyperconnectivity and innovations present inspiring opportunities as much as ominous challenges. Ongoing resource scarcity, environmental degradation and shifting societal values further exemplify the pressures that will require renewed trust in public and private sector institutions, as well as much-improved dialogue between government and business to address these short-term and longer-term challenges. Marking a return to Indonesia after three years, the 24th World Economic Forum on East Asia will be held in Jakarta just months after the inauguration of Indonesia?s third democratically elected government under the leadership of President Joko Widodo. In this context, the meeting will be an ideal platform for senior decision-makers from different sectors to explore how enhancing trust can improve regional cooperation and advance critical decisions for accelerating sustainable socio-economic development.