The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, arrived in Vancouver today (Sunday, Hong Kong time) to attend his first APEC summit as the leader of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

"Personally, I am particularly honoured, as this is my first time representing Hong Kong, China at the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting," Mr Tung said after touching down.

"As a member economy of APEC since 1991, Hong Kong has participated actively in a wide range of activities under APEC.

"I am confident that both this Summit and the Leaders Meeting will be a great success."

Mr Tung starts a full programme today with a keynote address at a luncheon for the influential APEC CEOs Summit, which brings together the top business executives from the 18 APEC member economies.

After the lunch, Mr Tung will hold a bilateral meeting with this year's APEC chair, the Canadian Prime Minister Mr Jean Chretien.

Later, he will attend a reception hosted by the Vancouver Board of Trade and the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association, before being guest of honour for a reception and dinner for Overseas Hong Kong Chinese community leaders.

From Monday (Tuesday HK time), Mr Tung joins the other 17 economic leaders for the two-day Leaders Summit and Retreat.

The Chief Executive is due back in Hong Kong on Friday morning.