Former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke and Other Regional Leaders to Lead Public Globalization Debate at APEC Secretariat Building Opening
As part of the program to officially open the new APEC Secretariat Building this Saturday, September 6, a public seminar on "APEC and Globalization" will be held and include the participation of:
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Hon Bob Hawke, Former Prime Minister of Australia
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Dr Lin Fang-mei, Minister, National Youth Commission, Chinese Taipei
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Mr Tej Bunnag, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and 2003 Chair of the APEC Senior Officials Meeting
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Mr Timothy Ong, Prominent Business Leader and Publisher of Asia Inc.
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Mr David Parsons, Director General of the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council Secretariat
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Dr Richard E. Feinberg, Professor of International Political Economy, and Director APEC Study Center, University of California
Following the "APEC and Globalization Seminar" the APEC Secretariat building will be officially opened at a ceremony beginning at 6pm.
The APEC Secretariat building is a purpose built facility that is provided by the Government of Singapore. Further details concerning the opening of the APEC Secretariat building will be provided by Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs later in the week.
APEC Secretariat Executive Director, Ambassador Piamsak Milintachinda, said that discussions and debates on globalization are essential so as to seek solutions to the more complicated issues involved in the globalization process.
"Globalization is a controversial issue, but at the same time is a process that is both unstoppable and offers many benefits to the people of the regional and global economy," Ambassador Milintachinda said.
"Increasing the economic, cultural and social interaction between the people of the world carries with it great potential to increase trade, create jobs and raise living standards.
"It is important for all stakeholders in the global economy to take an interest in this process and debate the best ways for globalization to benefit all people.
"We hope the issues discussed by members of the government and private sector at this APEC forum will contribute to APEC's contribution to the global economy and increased globalization.
"The participation of such esteemed officials from government, the private sector and academia highlights the importance and relevance of this debate on APEC and the globalization process."
Date: 6 September 2003
Time: 2:30pm APEC and Globalization Seminar
6:00pm Official Opening of the APEC Secretariat Building
Venue: APEC Secretariat Building, 35 Heng Mui Keng Terrace, Singapore.