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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, will leave for Busan, Korea, next Wednesday (November 16) to attend the 13th Economic Leaders' Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) on November 18 and 19.
The theme of this year's meeting is "Towards One Community: Meet the Challenge, Make the Change¡¨.
The economic leaders will have in-depth discussions on global and regional economic issues, including the future directions of the World Trade Organization Doha Development Agenda, proliferation of regional trade arrangements and free trade agreements, health security (including an exploration for collective measures to counter avian influenza), measures to strengthen co-operation in counter-terrorism, energy security and anti-corruption collaboration.
Mr Tsang will also attend the APEC CEO Summit on November 17, at which President Hu Jintao will deliver a keynote speech. He will join the Dialogue with the APEC Business Advisory Council on November 18.
In the margins of the APEC meeting, Mr Tsang will take the opportunity to hold bilateral meetings with other economic leaders to exchange views on matters of mutual concern.
The Hong Kong, China delegation will include the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr John Tsang, and the Director-General of Trade and Industry, Mr Raymond Young.
The Chief Executive will be accompanied by the Director of Information Services, Miss Yvonne Choi, and the Chief Executive's Private Secretary, Mrs Jessie Ting.
Mr Tsang will return to Hong Kong on November 19. During his absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Rafael Hui, will be the Acting Chief Executive.
Ends/Friday, November 11, 2005
Issued at HKT 16:01
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