Counter Terrorism Public-Private Partnership Boost at STAR Conference

Ha Noi, Viet Nam, February 24, 2006 -- The Fourth Secure Trade in the APEC Region (STAR) Conference began today in Ha Noi with Viet Nam's Trade Minister calling for increased cooperation across the APEC region between business and the government sector on security issues.

The annual two-day event will provide an opportunity for business representatives to contribute to recommendations on strengthening counter-terrorism preparedness that will be presented to APEC Leaders in November.

In his opening address to the conference, Minister Truong Dinh Tuyen said citizens of the region have a responsibility to cooperate so as to build and strengthen a secure and favorable environment that ensures human security as well as trade and investment facilitation.

"There are differences in understanding and enforcement of security measures among different member economies, organizations and authorities that have created difficulties for the business community and others," Minister Truong told the meeting.

"Security measures within the region are also often implemented inconsistently."

Minister Truong said delegates at the STAR Conference have the opportunity to help overcome these problems by contributing to the development of coordination mechanisms for trade-related security measures.

"STAR 4 emphasizes the participation of the private sector and the collection of ideas from various sources, particularly form those that are directly affected by trade-related security measures.

"APEC has long been an active hub, attracting huge amounts of trade and investment flows with intense competitiveness and it is our duty to maintain this advantage.

Senior business executives and government representatives from around the APEC Region will make presentations and engage in two round table discussions during the meeting covering various perspectives of enhancing public and private sector partnerships.

At the conclusion of the meeting summary reports from the Aviation Security Round Table and the Maritime Security Round Table will be made available. These can be downloaded from the APEC Secretariat Website.

A webcast from the opening of the STAR Conference is available for download:

Webcast:

Welcoming Remarks
by H.E. 1st Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam
2006 APEC SOM Chair 2006, Mr. LE Cong Phung

Keynote Address
by Ambassador Benjamin Defensor Jr
Chairman, APEC Counter-Terrorism Task Force (CTTF)

Opening Speech
by H.E. Mr Truong Dinh Tuyen, Minister of Trade