MAPUTO, Aug 20 (AFP) - Political leaders from Africa and Malaysia opened three days of talks on Sunday with commerce, industry and labour chiefs aimed at thrashing out economic development plans for the crises-hit continent.

The main objective of the Southern African International Dialogue (SAID) is to examine the implications of global issues and trends on emerging economies and how to counter any resulting negative impact.

The meeting, being held for the fourth year running, looks set to be dominated by health, social and political problems facing sub-Saharan Africa.

The heads of states and government met Sunday behind closed doors, while their spouses met separately to examine social and health issues which they said were usually accorded only peripheral attention at such gatherings.

The leaders in attendance, which included seven African presidents and prime ministers, as well as Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, later went into another session with selected journalists, mainly handpicked from state-media organisations of the participating countries.

Attending this year's forum are Presidents Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Sam Nujoma of Namibia, host Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique, South Africa's Deputy President Jacob Zuma, Vice President Justin Malewezi of Malawi, Prime Minister Barnabas Dhlamini of Swaziland, Pakalitha Mosisili of Lesotho and Mozambique's Prime Minister Pascoal Mocumbi.

Some 400 participants -- including commerce and industry chiefs -- are taking part in the conference, which has borrowed the Malaysian concept of 'smart partnership' which seeks to improve the economy and help end poverty.

The meetings will also review progress in implementing projects in the tourism, transport and power industries.

"Smart partnership adds value to ongoing efforts for the resolution of various problems facing Africa ... we are faced with many problems including political and armed conflict," South African Deputy President Jacob Zuma said before the meeting.

"For too long, lots of activities have taken place between the north and the south, now we want cooperation on a south-south basis," said Sir Martin Laing, a British businessman, who also co-chairs SAID's advisory council.

In their separate meeting, the first ladies warned that if health and social issues were not addressed and taken seriously, all plans for economic development would be in vain.

Zimbabwe's first lady Grace Mugabe said of primary concern were civil wars, killer diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria, poverty, the growing number of street children and the low level of women's participation in politics.

"Our economies are struggling because we are spending more money to treat HIV sick people rather than prevent it (HIV/AIDS)," said Ruth Labode, a Zimbabwe doctor attending the conference.

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