Ties between nations of the south must be strengthened in order to tackle the ever increasing challenges faced by developing countries, said Dr Mahathir Mohamad, founder of the long-running Langkawi International Dialogue (LID).

The former prime minister told Bernama in a recent interview that LID would provide developing nations with a chance to "renew their vows".

Although he has confirmed his attendance at the three-day event in his favourite island resort, Mahathir will not be presenting a paper this time.

At the LID 2004, Mahathir was appointed Commonwealth Partnership for Technology Management Fellow Emeritus.

The 8th edition of the LID, based on the theme of "Poverty Eradication through Human Capital Development and Capacity Building", will begin tomorrow. Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the host patron, will kick off the event with a press conference.

Over 500 participants from 45 developing and under-developed countries, mostly from the African continent, are expected to attend. Besides current and former heads of state, academicians, officials of non-governmental organisations, social activists and businessmen will also be present.

Countries participating include Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, St Vincent and Grenadines, Kenya, Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Sudan, Swaziland and Lesotho as well as Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Thailand. It is the first time that the event will be open to leaders from outside the Commonwealth.

Increased trade

The dialogue will include segments in which women and youths can express and discuss their views on various socio-economic issues.

Malaysia, which has successfully reduced the number of citizens living below the poverty line from over 50% to less than 5% over a period of 50 years, will lead discussions on how nations can break free from the clutches of poverty. Poverty has been one of the major issues hampering the economic development of southern nations.

Over the years, LID has aimed to foster the principles of Smart Partnership between nations, governments and businesses through enabling the co-operative and collaborative discussion of experiences and ideas. The issues covered include the governmental, economic and socio-political arenas.

The event has also successfully resulted in increased trade between Malaysia and several African states, whilst enabling the establishment of networks between Malaysian firms and their overseas counterparts.

As Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar noted in a recent interview with NST , "This is not just about creating friendships for the moment but to create long-term mutually beneficial relationships".

Through the government's encouragement of local firms, Malaysia's total investment in Southern developing nations for 2006 amounted to US$4.8 billion (RM16.51 billion).

At the end of the dialogue, an outcome document laying down practical steps will be produced based on the issues and ideas discussed.