ASEF’s significant role in reinforcing the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) process was re-emphasised at the 6th ASEM Culture Ministers’ Meeting, on 19-21 October in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The Ministers commended ASEF’s efforts in facilitating bi-regional co-operation in arts and culture among the 51 ASEM members, and, in particular, its role in supporting the 6th ASEM Culture Ministers’ Meeting, which focused on the creative industries.
Referring to the rapidly-growing creative industries sector, ASEF Executive Director, Ambassador ZHANG Yan, presented recommendations from cultural experts and creative professionals to the Ministers of Culture gathered in Rotterdam. One of the key points of the recommendations focused on the role of governments in supporting the creative industries through policy, specifically on the key areas of creative cities, skills and entrepreneurship.
During the Meeting, the Ministers also highlighted ASEF’s contribution in developing and managing the online platform culture360.asef.org, which promotes the exchange of information on arts and culture in the ASEM region. ASEF’s long-standing support to the Asia-Europe Museum Network (ASEMUS), which currently includes over 100 member museums from 38 countries, was also acknowledged.
In conjunction with the Ministerial Meeting, ASEF also organised the 7th ASEF Public Forum on Creative Industries in Asia and Europe: Enabling Crossovers on 18 October 2014 in Amsterdam. The forum focused on the rapidly-growing creative industries sector of Asian and European economies as a key means of addressing social and economic challenges. It was attended by over 150 representatives from cultural organisations and government delegations of Asia and Europe.