LatAm, Asia leaders to boost cooperation

Leaders at a gathering of nations from Latin America and Asia, including Australia, has called for closer economic cooperation to help combat the global financial crisis.

Argentine Foreign Minister Hector Timerman kicked off Thursday's gathering by underlining 'the need for concrete actions to strengthen biregional political and economic ties'.

Asia talks up super ambitions

A LEADING Asian official has talked up the region's future but admitted there are big, hurdles to overcome.

Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Asia could be "the continent of the future" but must first confront the challenges of rising demand for food, energy and water.

Speaking at the start of a two-day World Economic Forum on East Asia, an event drawing political leaders and industry chiefs from across the region, Yudhoyono said Asia's growth will put it at the heart of the global economy.