APEC SOM DISCUSSES ECONOMIC CRISIS, RECOVERY PREPARATIONS

SINGAPORE, Nov 9 (Bernama) –- Senior officials of the 21 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies continued their second day meeting today,

with a plenary session discussing how APEC member countries will manage the world economic crisis and prepare for recovery.

One of the highlights of the meeting, according to the organiser at a media briefing today, is that the officials would look into the findings of the second APEC Trade Finance Survey conducted by Singapore between October and November this year.

The Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) will also re-affirm their commitment to eschew protectionism and introduce a regular regional peer review process.

The meeting will also focus on further improving business environment and connecting the region in the next phase of Asia-Pacific growth.

On accelerating regional economic integration, it has been APEC's traditional role of keeping regional markets open and the roles will be enhanced in the years ahead.

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ZAW TOM