Greater Participation in APEC Offer from Pacific Basin Economic Council's 1,000 Business Members
The President of the Pacific Basin Economic Council (PBEC) has proposed an increasingly active contribution from the council's membership in the APEC process of facilitating regional free trade and investment.
PBEC President, Mr Dalton Tanonaka, offered the further strengthening of links at a meeting with APEC Executive Director, Ambassador Piamsak Milintachinda, in Honolulu this week.
Ambassador Piamsak said he welcomed the prospect of increased involvement of PBEC members in promoting trade and investment liberalisation in the region.
"PBEC has offered a more active contribution to the APEC process from their 1,000 business members," said Ambassador Piamsak.
"Initially this contribution is likely to include the preparation of a major report outlining businesses views on key trade sector issues.
"PBEC is a well respected organisation pursuing similar objectives to APEC of fostering free trade and investment, economic growth and community development in our region.
"I am confident this offer of increased participation from PBEC will be well received by contributors to the APEC process such as our own APEC Business Advisory Council with whom PBEC held a joint business meeting last year."
Ambassador Piamsak also briefed Mr Tanonaka on arrangements for the APEC CEO Summit that will be held in Bangkok in November 2003.
"PBEC has offered to assist the organisers of this year's CEO Summit by attracting guest speakers, sponsors from their membership and in facilitating logistical arrangements."
The meeting between Ambassador Piamsak and Mr. Tanonaka took place at the start of the OECD-APEC Digital Economy Forum currently taking place in Honolulu.
At the forum Ambassador Piamsak outlined APEC plans and initiatives for 2003 APEC year hosted by Thailand.
Under the central theme of: "A World of Differences: Partnership for the Future," this year APEC will give priority to five key areas including opening access to the knowledge based economy.