The Asia-Europe Business Forum (AEBF) is a meeting of business leaders, created to strengthen economic co-operation between the business sectors of Asia and Europe. The AEBF convenes in parallel with the ASEM Summit. The first AEBF was organised in 1996 in Paris.

The AEBF strives to deepen relations between business leaders and governments in the ASEM countries. The AEBF develops recommendations that are addressed to the governments of the Asian and European countries participating in the ASEM process. The recommendations aim at enhancing economic co-operation between the two continents, based on the experience and knowledge of business leaders.

The AEBF consists of two main components; plenary sessions with speeches by high profile business leaders and political figures, and working group discussions.

The AEBF10 will be held on 10-11 September 2006 in Helsinki, Finland. The Forum takes place during the Finnish EU Presidency and is organised by the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK. Approximately 300-400 high level business leaders from ASEM countries are expected to participate in AEBF10.

Themes for 2006: Globalisation, Competitiveness and Energy

The themes for AEBF10 are selected to represent topical economic issues and to support the ASEM6 agenda.

The AEBF10 provides Asian and European business leaders with an excellent opportunity to address important issues, including consideration of practical ways to strengthen trade and economic co-operation between the two continents. The AEBF has over the years succeeded in facilitating economic growth and mutual co-operation among the ASEM countries.