******************************************
The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, has today (October 20) joined APEC economic leaders for the start of the 2001 annual meeting in Shanghai.
Mr Tung and 18 other APEC Economic Leaders were welcomed by President Jiang Zemin to the International Convention Centre, an impressive waterfront complex in Shanghai's Pudong business district.
The leaders were later briefed on this year's agenda, which incorporates discussions on global efforts to combat terrorism in the wake of the September 11 attacks in the United States.
Other areas to be discussed will include the launch of a new round of global trade talks, trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, strengthening international financial architecture and a 'Shanghai Accord' which will map out a clearer, longer-term vision for APEC in the 21st Century.
Mr Tung and other economic leaders also took part in the annual dialogue with the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), which has made a wide range of recommendations on ways to improve intra-APEC business co-operation and facilitation.
The ABAC has made recommendations in the five areas of finance, trade and investment, action plan monitoring, technology, and small and medium enterprises.
Mr Tung said that Hong Kong supported all of the ABAC recommendations.
He backed a new initiative to establish an APEC SME Portal that would provide access to programmes and services available to small and medium enterprises.
The portal would provide information on such areas as financing, skills training, management tools and market opportunities within each APEC economy.
The Trade and Industry Department would provide data on Hong Kong's services and initiatives once the portal was up and running.
This morning, the Chief Executive met with Prime Minister Thaksin of Thailand and President Arroyo of the Philippines to exchange views on economic issues.
Later tonight, Mr Tung will join other economic leaders for the traditional welcome dinner and cultural performance that will this year be followed by a fireworks spectacular.
Tomorrow, Mr Tung will take part in the economic leaders' retreat, to be held at the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum.
The Leaders' Declaration is due to be delivered by President Jiang shortly after 4pm.
Ends/Saturday, October 20, 2001
NNNN
- Photo
1: The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, is greeted by President
Jiang Zemin at the start of the APEC Economic Leaders Meetings in Shanghai.
- Photo
2: The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, (fourth from left) joins
other APEC Economic Leaders for an official photo following the start
of their annual meetings in Shanghai.
- CE
in bilateral talks with Prime Ministers (19.10.01)
- IC's
transcript in Shanghai (19.10.01)
