APEC Ministers Begin Annual Meeting - WTO, Trade Facilitation and Anti-Corruption High on Agenda
APEC Ministers began their annual two-day meeting today at which they will address leading economic policy issues confronting the Asia-Pacific Region.
At the conclusion of the meeting a joint ministerial statement will be delivered that outlines the Ministers' assessment of the outcomes of a range of various initiatives and articulates recommendations for the coming year.
In his opening address to the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister of Viet Nam Pham Gia Khiem, highlighted the importance of the meeting for the regional and global economy.
"The 18th APEC Ministerial Meeting is one of the most important events in the APEC year 2006," Mr. Khiem said in his opening address.
"In our retreat and plenary we will review progress over the past year and discuss actions and initiatives for future cooperation in order to promote trade and investment and build a secure and favorable business environment for common prosperity in the region."
Mr. Khiem outlined some of the issues that Ministers would discuss throughout the day.
These include:
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Strengthening the multilateral trading system
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Regional Trade Arrangements (RTAs) and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
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The Ha Noi Action Plan to implement the Busan Roadmap
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Interaction with the APEC Business Advisory Council
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Counter Terrorism
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APEC reform and the future of the APEC process
World Trade Organization Director General, Pascal Lamy, also briefed the opening session of the meeting and updated delegates on the latest developments on efforts to advance WTO negotiations.
Other issues that have been prominent at an APEC ministerial, senior official and fora level throughout the year that will likely be discussed by Ministers include APEC's efforts to overcome Corruption and enhance Transparency, Human Security and capacity building and Technical Cooperation.