APEC Reports Available To Media For Preview Ahead Of Shanghai Meetings

Four informative reports published by committees of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum are now available to media on an embargoed basis ahead of the Ministerial and Leaders' Meetings being held next week in Shanghai, People's Republic of China.

The reports offer analysis of economic activity in the Asia-Pacific region and capture the work of key APEC committees - including the Economic Committee, the Committee on Trade and Investment (CTI), and the Economic and Technical Cooperation (ECOTECH) Subcommittee. The reports will be presented to the APEC Ministerial Meeting on 17 and 18 October.

Media Can Receive Copies Of The Following Reports On An Emgargoed Basis (For 17 October) By Completing The Form Below:

1. "APEC Economic Outlook" : An annual publication of the Economic Committee since 1995, the Outlook reviews recent economic developments in the region and the economic performance and prospects of APEC member economies. The report was prepared amidst a cyclical slowdown of the world economy and it projects that prospects for the rest of 2001 remain weak. However, it also asserts that there is a reasonably good prospect for an early rebound in growth momentum in 2002, supported by a revival in global business activity and the electronics cycle. One reason given is that underlying inflationary pressures have been subdued in the APEC region, giving room for more macroeconomic policies to counter the slowdown. The topical structural issue that Outlook has chosen to focus on this year is the nexus among financial development, financial efficiency and economic growth.
   
   
2. "The New Economy and APEC" : Also a product of the Economic Committee, this report resulted directly from the 2000 APEC Leaders' Declaration, which called for bringing the benefits of the New Economy to all APEC members in a balanced way. The report addresses questions about the fundamental underpinnings of the New Economy, potential policy reform and structural adjustment, and the pace and feasibility of ongoing policy initiatives. It both reviews existing empirical research and develops new analysis; and it includes 16 case studies on how businesses, civil society and governments are being transformed by technologies and policy developments.
   
   
3. "Committee on Trade and Investment: 2001 Annual Report to Ministers" : The definitive source for tracking progress toward the Bogor goals of free and open trade and investment in the APEC region, the CTI report outlines accomplishments in areas such as non-tariff measures, services, customs procedures, standards and the mobility of business people. In addition to detailing the work of all CTI sub-fora, the report cites progress on Collective Action Plans (CAPs) and advances made in the delivery of electronic access to Inpidual Action Plans (known as the e-IAP system ). Updates on sectoral liberalization, review of the Osaka Action Agenda, strengthening markets and trade facilitation are also included. The bottom line is an increase in transparency of trade and investment policies, lowering of the transaction costs of cross-border trade, and greater certainty and predictability for the business community.
   
   
4. "2001 Report on Economic and Technical Cooperation (ECOTECH)" : Recognizing the need for "capacity building" among its member economies, APEC Ministers have designated the ECOTECH sub-committee to coordinate and manage activities that contribute to training, skills development and information sharing. This report assesses 148 projects within APEC contributing to the six broad ECOTECH themes of developing human capital; developing stable, safe and efficient capital markets; strengthening economic infrastructure; harnessing technologies for the future; promoting environmentally sustainable development; and encouraging the growth of SMEs (small- and medium-sized enterprises). Highlights of activities in areas such as energy, fisheries, telecommunications, transportation and tourism are provided.