f e a t u r e d h i g h l i g h t e v e n t s
18
E K O N I D A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 6
insights on latest political, economic and strategic topics
and megatrends such as innovation, industry 4.0, mobility
and urbanization, as well as world and regional security.
Emphasizing on equal and long-term partnerships, Dr.
Lienhard called on “the benefits of open borders and the
free movements of goods and services which are enormous
for both the Asia-Pacific and for Europe.”
Thomas Lembong, Chairman of the Indonesian
Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) and representative
of the government of Indonesia at APK 2016, highlighted
the connection between digitization and urbanization.
“[...] Digitization will turbocharge urbanization. We need
Europe’s help to make cities pedestrian-friendly, not like in
the US […],” he said.
Mr. Lembong was called upon again at the closing of
the conference, when the torch was passed on to Indonesia
to host the next APK in 2018. EKONID will be the main
organizer for the APK, which will take place in Jakarta from
November 1 to 3.
The Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business was
first organised in 1986 and is held every two years in
various locations in Asia. Since then, it has evolved into the
largest German networking event in the region, regularly
attracting hundreds of business and political leaders from
both regions to meet and greet in this occasion.
APK 2016 was also supported by The Federation of
German Industries (BDI), the Association of German
Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), the German
Asia-Pacific Business Association (OAV), the Federation of
German Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services (BGA) and
the Association of German Banks (BdB).