Key facts about the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit
( 2003-10-20 11:39) (Agencies)
WHO: Attending will be Cabinet ministers and heads
of state from Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia,
Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines,
Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.
The leaders include US President George W. Bush, Russian President Vladimir
Putin, Chinese President Hu Jintao and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro
Koizumi. Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will act as host.
WHAT: An annual summit to strengthen ties in the Pacific Rim. This year's
topics include terrorism, the world economy and Asian trade and currency
liberalization. APEC began as an informal dialogue group in 1989. Its members
account for more than 2.5 billion people and about half the world's GDP and
trade. APEC operates on the basis of nonbinding commitments.
WHERE: Bangkok, the sprawling, vibrant capital of Thailand, known for
glittering temples, anything-goes nightlife and traffic jams. A major cleanup of
beggars, prostitutes and stray dogs has preceded the conference.
WHEN: Senior officials meet Oct. 14-15, Cabinet ministers Oct. 17-18, and
leaders Oct. 20-21. Pacific Rim businessmen gather at a CEO Summit Oct.
18-21.
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