Seminar on APEC Korea 2005 Outcomes, Plans for APEC Viet Nam 2006 and Discussion of APEC's Future Challenges

Outgoing Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat,Ambassador Choi Seok Young, will discuss the major issues of the recent APEC Leaders' Declaration at a Seminar hosted by the Institute of South East Asian Studies on Wednesday.

In his address Ambassador Choi will discuss the outcomes from APEC 2005, hosted by Korea and take questions from the audience.

Ambassador Choi will discuss issues contained in the Leaders' Statement on advancing freer trade, human security and preparations for the future as well as the Leaders' statement calling for the timely conclusion of the current round of WTO negotiation.

Ambassador Choi will also look into challenges facing APEC such as the proliferation of FTAs/RTAs, the expansion of non-trade agenda issues and the emergence of the East Asia Summit. He will also discuss APEC's long-term vision including the moratorium on membership, APEC reform and sensitive internal challenges.

Incoming Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat, Ambassador Tran Trong Toan, will then elaborate on the themes, sub-themes and priorities for the APEC 2006 year hosted by Viet Nam.

Media are invited to attend the Seminar and put questions to the Ambassadors.

Time: 10.30 am - 12.00 noon, Wednesday, 7 December
Venue: ISEAS Seminar Room II, 30 Heng Mui Keng Terrace