The Asia-Europe Business Forum (AEBF) is part of the official ASEM cooperation. It is created to strengthen economic co-operation between the business sectors of Asia & Europe and to formulate business’ recommendations that are addressed to the governments of the Asian & European countries participating in the ASEM Summit. The AEBF consists of 2 main components; plenary sessions with speeches by high profile business leaders and political figures, and working group discussions.

Every 2 years, the Forum convenes in parallel with the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit. The Forum involves government officials and business representatives in a direct dialogue – chambers of commerce, business organizations, multinationals and SMEs from ASEM Partners.

AEBF11 was held on 21-23 October 2008 in Beijing, China, and organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). Under the theme Seize the Trend, Time for Action and Public-Private Partnership AEBF11 will not only bring together senior business leaders from ASEM members, but also invite some state leaders of ASEM countries to address the Forum and meet participants. Business Matchmaking Program during the AEBF11 to create added value. Approximately 800 high level business leaders from ASEM countries are expected to participate in AEBF11.