PACIFIC BASIN ECONOMIC COUNCIL
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Supplements & Quick Reference: · Main Page · Overview · Confirmed Speakers · Available Speeches · Photos · Media Information · Sponsorships   Visit the Official Site: www.pbec2002.com Striving for Growth in a Challenging Environment PBEC 35th International General Meeting Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia May 3-7, 2002 Selamat Datang! The Pacific Basin Economic Council (PBEC) Malaysia is proud to host the 35th International General Meeting of the organisation - the region's premier business conference - in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from May 3-7, 2002. Kuala Lumpur is a centre of growth and excellence for the region teeming with business opportunities for entrepreneurs. With modern skyscrapers amidst colonial architecture, Kuala Lumpur not only offers an attractive venue of old and new elements, but a bustling metropolis, a cosmopolitan culture and an international business environment. Malaysia's strategic location, investor friendly regime, liberal trade policies, developed infrastructure, and talented labour force have led to impressive growth and continued economic transformation. According to the World Trade Organisation, Malaysia is ranked as one of the top 20 trading nations of the world and the 17th largest exporter. Malaysia is increasingly becoming an important gateway to the entire ASEAN market. As a business and financial hub, Kuala Lumpur also has an enviable track record which includes organising the APEC Leaders and the G-15 summits, playing host to the Commonwealth Heads of Government, and providing the backdrop for the XVI Commonwealth Games, the Formula One Grand Prix, the Motor Cycle Grand Prix and the World Cup of Golf 1999. Kuala Lumpur is proud to host the 35th International General Meeting of PBEC which will provide the platform for debate on wide-ranging issues pertaining to achieving economic prosperity in a challenging business environment. Indeed, the Kuala Lumpur 2002 conference is welcomed by the PBEC business community which last met in Kuala Lumpur in May 1994 with more than 700 business leaders. As the PBEC economies continue to strive for growth in an international environment that is constantly changing, there will be challenges for all: the opportunities and threats posed by globalisation, the potential of technology, the call for structural adjustments and better corporate governance, the new rules of world trade, the implications of regional politics and security on business and the emergence of China as a catalyst for the entire region. As the "Voice of Business in the Pacific" for the past 35 years, PBEC has brought together the leading CEOs from throughout the Asia Pacific, heads of government, government ministers, leaders of international organisations, and other key decision makers. This senior level interaction has been a hallmark of the IGM experience, and has permitted PBEC to not only be the region's premier networking forum, but also to play an important role in influencing the development of business and policy issues in the region. The Kuala Lumpur IGM is expected to include the participation of several leaders from key PBEC economies, as well as Trade and Finance Ministers, outlining their views on the policy implications of the region's challenging business environment. Senior executives from the Asia Pacific's most dynamic companies will also attend, and share their thoughts on the most pressing issues facing business today. Malaysia's Prime Minister Dato Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad will deliver a keynote address and share his vision for the Pacific Basin. Issues & Sub-Themes Some of the issues that will be explored include: The challenges of economic growth: the security dimension Trade & Investment liberalisation: Playing by the new rules Facilitating growth in the Pacific Regional outlooks: China, ASEAN, the Americas Partnering China for growth Industry Outlooks: Biotechnology, Corporate Governance, Energy, Environment, Financial Markets, Food Fostering FDI in the Pacific Basin Rebuilding Confidence: the challenge for business Bridging the digital divide The 35th International General Meeting will include a number of special programs that promise to make the Kuala Lumpur IGM a truly unforgettable, and uniquely valuable, event: Breakfast Chats with Global Personalities: Delegates will have an opportunity to start their day with an intellectually stimulating breakfast chat with some of the leading personalities from the world of arts, media, and entertainment. Each day, before beginning the formal program of sessions on business and economic issues, these informal chats will allow IGM delegates to engage interesting global personalities over breakfast, in a relaxed, informal environment. Ministerial Roundtables: Special, off-the-record roundtable discussions with key ministers from PBEC economies. These small, intimate gatherings will allow IGM delegates to exchange views and gain insights from some of the pivotal governmental decision-makers in the region. Highlights: The Organising Committee has planned an exciting and varied conference programme supported by such highlights as: Teeing-off at the Mines Resort City, host of the World Cup Golf 1999 featuring Tiger Woods Visits to the famous Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest buildings in the world Visits to Malaysia’s twin cities of Putrajaya, the seat of government, and Cyberjaya, the intelligent city Putrajaya by Night: Gala Dinner hosted by the Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad Post-Conference Tours to Langkawi, Island of Legends, and Penang, Pearl of the Orient Side visits to watch fireflies at night and stake out for orang utans Accompanying persons’ programme that includes the Islamic Arts Museum, the National Art Gallery, City Tour, batik-painting and pewter-making.