The 16th World Economic Forum on East Asia concluded on Monday after two-day's deliberations on the current challenges facing Asia.

Under the theme "The Leadership Imperative for an Asian Century," the forum brought together over 300 business, government and civil society leaders from 26 countries to go through four program pillars -- Asian Leadership, Risk Management, Sustainable Growth and Competitiveness.

Speaking at the closing session, Singapore's Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said good leadership is critical to achieving strong economic growth in the region.

"If you don't have a government that understands the importance of macroeconomic policies, investment in education, and how to manage socioeconomic divisions in a country, it would be difficult for an economy to thrive," Goh said, citing the success of China, India and his own country.

During the closing session, Goh and other panellists also discussed the results of a survey of participants aimed at identifying the top priorities for East Asia.

Nor Mohamed Yakcop, Malaysia's second minister of finance, invited participants to take part in the next World Economic Forum on East Asia in Kuala Lumpur on June 15-16, 2008.

Source: Xinhua