20/06/2011 (Bernama) - The Ninth Langkawi International Dialogue which gets underway on Sunday will be preceded for the first time by a business forum and exhibition that will add greater value to the dialogue which was incepted in 1995.

Its a new and timely feature amid the rising importance of smart partherships which have been the hallmark of LID and Southern African International Dialogue initiated 16 years ago.

Themed "Enhancing Smart Partnership for Socio-Economic Transformation," this year's LID focus will be on efforts to transform and advance the dialogue towards enhancing socio-economic development of the participating countries.

The business forum starts tomorrow while Prime Minister Datuk Najib Tun Razak opens the three-day dialogue on Sunday.

"We believe that new and innovative ideas on transformation and socio-economic policies will emerge from the LID 2011 for mutual benefit," Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Anifah Aman told Bernama earlier this week.

Malaysia will offer its home grown concept of 1Malaysia, which focuses on People First, Performance Now, Government Transformation Programme, Economic Transformation Programme and the New Economic Model, he said.

A total 16 head of states and governments as well as ministers have confirmed their attendance for LID2011.

They include Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, Prime Minister of Lesotho, Pakalitha Bethuel Mosisili, Prime Minister of Swaziland Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini and Vice-President of Kenya Kalonzo Musyoka.

"Most African countries have expressed their interest to learn more from Malaysia's four pillars as most African countries regard Malaysia as a model for development. Our success is admired by these countries," said Anifah.

This is precisely the reason for moving LID from Langkawi to Putrajaya, as many leaders wanted to see the development of Putrajaya, Malaysia's administrative capital, at the last dialogue in Uganda in 2009.

As a result, LID will for the first time would be held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, which has the capacity to house 10,000 delegates.

Among the highlights of LID2011 is that the business forum will provide a good platfrom for businesses to explore the many possibilities in Africa and vice versa.

The African continent saw an economic resurgence especially between 2001 and 2010, where Africa's Gross Domestic Product growth averaged 5.2 per cent annually, which was higher than the global GDP rate of 4.2 per cent.

The business forum themed "Exploring New Dimensions" will focus on the importance of enhancing economic and business relations between Malaysia and Africa, given the changing socio-economic landscape.

Deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will officiate the forum, while former Prime Minister and founder of LID, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad will be delivering a keynote address.

The business forum will conclude with a networking lunch for all delegates.

As for the LID, the business forum and exhibition which is a newly-introduced format, will focus on three topics, namely, realising national visions through socio-economic transformation, innovative financing for transformation and poverty eradication.

These sessions will be held on the first day of the LID 2011 whereby Najib and Muhyiddin, heads of states and government and eminent personalities will be the panelists for the session.

The "Dialogue in the Field," is another new segment of LID 2011, whereby participants will go on field visits as well as attend workshops at various venues such as Proton, Sirim and the Malaysian Palm Oil Board based on the five sub-issues of business agriculture, competitiveness in manufacturing, promoting ICT enterprises, nurturing SME start-ups in biotechnology and climate change, and sustainable development.

The outcome of the field trip will be reported to the leaders during the plenary session.

For the first time also, a retreat session will be held for the heads of states/government to exchange views on current issues on food and energy security, social media for transformation and future direction of the LID Smart Partnership."

Najib will also share his ideas on the "Global Movement of the Moderates," which he introduced during the 65th United Nations General Assembly in New York last year.

With the new changes and format, the LID will undoubtedly continue its tradition of being an important medium which encourages free flow of ideas and exchange of information among developing countries.

Malaysia believes LID 2011 will make significant and lasting contributions towards achieving its goals of smart partnership and finding feasible solutions in addressing various global issues.

The enhancement and value added changes to the format and programme of LID 2011 is one of the strategic measures for Malaysia to strengthen ties between Malaysia and Africa countries as well as Caribbean states.

The outcome of the dialogue will be contained in the "Outcome Document - The way Forward LID 2011."