The Helsinki summit will mark the 10th anniversary of the ASEM process.

The theme of the summit is "10 years of ASEM: global challenges - joint responses".

Topics will include strengthening multilateral relations, and addressing security threats, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue. Leaders will also discuss topical regional and international developments, and are expected to make a decision on the further enlargement of ASEM.

Jose Manuel Barroso, EU Commissioner president, said ahead of the summit: "Over the past decade, ASEM has provided a unique framework which has allowed the partnership between Asia and Europe to grow through increased interaction and cooperation.

"I expect the ASEM 6 Summit to reconfirm ASEM as a prime point of convergence in Asia-Europe relations, capable of providing a clear focus on issues where ASEM partners have the combined weight to advance shared goals in the international arena."

Aviation sector : Asian airline growth at 6.5 per cent

Anthony Phillips, regional communications representative of France's aircraft-maker, Airbus, said the aviation industry in Asia was growing at an average of 6.5 per cent a year, higher than the global rate of 5 per cent.

China has the top growth at 8.5 per cent and Airbus has a 50-per-cent of that market.

He added that Asian countries, particularly China and India, had made orders for 500 aircraft.

Budget airlines are also targeted. AirAsia has already ordered 100 aircraft.

Suvarnabhumi Airport : Employment opportunities abound

Living standards in communities near Suvarnabhumi Airport are improving as household incomes rise due to job opportunities at the new airport.

Vichian Nokyu, a Pracha Ruamjai community leader in Lat Krabang district, said many members of his community would be able to afford better lives for their families with hundreds of new job openings at the new airport.

Pracha Ruamjai is 3.5 kilometres to the north of Suvarnabhumi Airport and home to about 1,500 people.

Vichian said that at least 30 community members were already working at the new airport, most of them maids. Many more have applied for work and are waiting to be hired.

Nittaya Namcharoensombat, a Wat Pholmanee community leader in Lat Krabang, said officials had contacted her regarding numerous job vacancies at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

She has already relayed the message to her community of about 2,000 people.

Atcharaporn Dilokphutthamongkhol, a Wat Pholmanee resident, is already employed by New Inter Company Ltd, working as a maid in a Thai Airways International hangar and earning about Bt5,000 a month.

Based on government statistics, the average income in these districts is between Bt3,200 and Bt4,000 a month.