Current Regional Issues to Feature at Bangkok APEC Business Advisory Council Meeting on 17-21 October
Asia-Pacific business executives will hold their annual joint forum with the Leaders of APEC Member Economies in Bangkok on Monday, October 20.
The dialogue will take place during the APEC Leaders' Meeting to be held on October 20-21 and the meeting of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) on October 17-21.
ABAC Chair, Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya, said the annual meeting with APEC Leaders is an opportunity for the Asia-Pacific business community to have its collective voice heard by the leaders of economies representing over half of world trade.
"There are a number of issues that have a direct impact on regional business that ABAC will discuss with the Leaders," Dr. Viphandh said.
"Continuing uncertainty in the global economy, recent terrorist acts, the SARS epidemic and the latest developments in the WTO Doha Development Agenda that have eroded business confidence are some of the issues that require ongoing collective responses between the private and public sectors."
"These developments highlighted our interdependence and the importance of maintaining relations and regional coordination in responding to transnational problems."
"Regional safety and security are essential for stable markets and the facilitation of a business environment that provides jobs and increased prosperity for all.
"ABAC is looking forward to presenting the views of the APEC business community to the Leaders in our October meeting."
ABAC recently released its Report to APEC Economic Leaders, "Harmony in Diversity: Achieving Balanced and Equitable Growth."
The report is ABAC's formal set of recommendations to Leaders and this year calls for:
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Renewed Leadership in advancing the Doha Development Agenda and in achieving the Bogor Goals.
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The ongoing implementation of initiatives to enhance secure and efficient trade and finance.
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Focus on capacity-building measures.
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Measures to strengthen good governance and transparency.
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Improve APEC's ability to respond to future crises.
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Keep APEC accessible to business.
The private-sector arm of the APEC forum, ABAC is made up of up to three senior business representatives from each of APEC's 21 member economies. These representatives are appointed by their respective heads of economy to advise APEC Economic Leaders and Ministers on issues affecting regional business.
Press Arrangements:
The Press will be welcome to photograph the beginning of the Opening Plenary Session at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, 18 October, at Ballroom I of the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers, 2 Captain Bush Lane, New Road, Siphya, Bangkok 10500; Tel: +66 2 266 0123; Fax: +66 2 237 2154.
The Press will be welcome to photograph the beginning of the Opening Plenary Session at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, 18 October, at Ballroom I of the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers, 2 Captain Bush Lane, New Road, Siphya, Bangkok 10500; Tel: +66 2 266 0123; Fax: +66 2 237 2154.
The will be a press conference with the ABAC Chair and Working Group/Committee Chairs at 11:50 a.m., Tuesday, 21 October, at the Pompadour Room of the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers, 2 Captain Bush Lane, New Road, Siphya, Bangkok 10500; Tel: +66 2 266 0123; Fax: +66 2 237 2154.