HIDUP stages APEC environmental event<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Officials and businessmen from several APEC
\nmembers gathered here yesterday evening in what the organizers
\ncalled the only environmental event in coincidence with the APEC
\nmeetings that focused on economic issues.<\/p>\n
The reception was hosted by HIDUP -- Indonesia's trade
\nassociation of companies dedicated to promoting environmental
\nproducts, services and technology -- at the Clipper Restaurant.<\/p>\n
It was attended by Minister of Environment Sarwono
\nKusumaatmadja and leaders of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce
\nand Industry (Kadin) such as its chairman Aburizal Bakrie, Tony
\nAgus Ardie and Soy Pardede.<\/p>\n
"While the APEC leaders' initiatives will propel our economy
\nto high growth, we here are concerned that the growth will be
\nenvironmentally sustainable," Sarwono told the 100 officials and
\nbusinessmen at the reception.<\/p>\n
He also assured the guests from six of the APEC members that
\nIndonesia's environmental efforts are no less advanced than those
\nin the developed countries.<\/p>\n
Sarwono took the opportunity to introduce the 1994-1998
\nstrategic guidelines for the Environmental Management Agency.
\nThese guidelines include programs to increase commitment to
\nenvironmental management, law enforcement and improvement of
\nsupport institutions.<\/p>\n
"We gather here to convey the message that concern for the
\nenvironment must be an integral part of the economic development
\nprocess among the APEC member economies," HIDUP's Vice Chairman
\nArian Ardie noted.<\/p>\n
Ardie said the gathering is part of an ongoing campaign by
\nHIDUP to develop the understanding among the business community
\nthat the environment is not only a quality of life issue but also
\nan economic development issue.<\/p>\n
HIDUP's main task is to continue to demonstrate that
\nintegrating environmental standards into the production process
\nwill not only benefit the environment, but constitute a sound
\nbusiness practice as well, he added.<\/p>\n
He said he was glad to observe the steadily increasing
\nawareness on the part of the public and business community about
\nthe need to preserve the environment.<\/p>\n
"Our association grouped only eight companies at its founding
\nlast November. Now it has 43 members, comprising companies that
\nsupply clean process technology and services, conduct
\nenvironmental audits, operate hazardous waste treatment plants
\nand use waste water and effluent treatment systems," Ardie said.<\/p>\n
Sarwono said the rapid development of HIDUP reflects the
\ngrowing commitment of the private sector to environmentally
\nsustainable development. (vin)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/hidup-stages-apec-environmental-event-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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