MAIN PAGE | EVENTS & PROGRAMS | 2002 | IGM | AVAILABLE SPEECHES | STEVE OLSON
PACIFIC BASIN ECONOMIC COUNCIL
MAIN PAGE | EVENTS & PROGRAMS | 2002 | IGM | AVAILABLE SPEECHES | STEVE OLSON
Striving for Growth
in a Challenging Environment PBEC 35th International General Meeting
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia May 3-7, 2002 Steve Olson The Pacific Basin Economic Council held its 35th International General Meeting (IGM) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, under the theme, "Striving for Growth in a Challenging Environment." Over four hundred high-level business representatives from throughout the Asia-Pacific region gathered at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel from May 3-7, 2002. Over 260 international media representatives covered the event. An impressive number of regional leaders took an active role in this year's IGM. The Honourable Dato Seri Dr. MAHATHIR bin Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia, Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal ARROYO, President of the Philippines, and CHEN Jinhua, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee shared their perspectives on their economies and the region. These leaders were joined by sixteen ministers, including twelve who shared their observations as speakers in a wide range of sessions. During his opening address, Prime Minister Mahathir of Malaysia advised PBEC to "work together to interpret and reinterpret globalisation, so as to implement it with the results in mind" [ as part of rebuilding investor and customer confidence in the challenging environment in which the region -- and the world -- operates ]. This theme tied together the many plenary sessions in which delegates took part. Plenary sessions addressed a wide range of topics including: [ The Challenges of Economic Growth: ] The War on Terrorism; Charting an Effective Economic and Financial Policy [ : Two Perspectives ]; Facilitating Growth in the Pacific; Partnering China for Growth; Fostering FDI in the Pacific Basin; Bridging the Divides; and Rebuilding Confidence- The Challenge for Business. In addition, parallel sessions provided more detailed regional and industry outlooks. A focal point of the meeting was the presentation of the fourth annual PBEC Environmental Award to Hyundai Motor Company of Korea, Gold Award; Oji Paper Company of Japan, Silver Award; and POSCO of Korea, Bronze Award. Finalists included CLP Power [ Hong Kong ], Ebara Corporation, Fonterra Co-operative Group, MTR Corporation, NEC Corporation, and United Plantations Berhad. The PBEC Environmental Award honors PBEC member companies that have made particularly outstanding contributions to global environmental protection. Presentation of the award reflects PBEC's commitment to promoting environmentally responsible business practices and can serve as a model for others seeking to achieve this worthy goal. PBEC's Steering Committee and Board of Directors adopted three policy statements across a broad range of regional issues. On the topic of trade and security, PBEC urged governments to move the coordination and analysis of these issues to the forefront of national agendas. On the topic of food security and trade, PBEC urged governments to decrease hunger through meeting their commitments set at the World Food Summit, achieving an APEC Food System and moving forward at WTO agriculture negotiations. On the topic of transparency within APEC, PBEC urged regional economies to implement transparency principles. PBEC extended its sincere gratitude for the leadership of Mr. Kosaku Inaba of Japan as the outgoing Chairman; and welcomed Mr. S.R. Cho of Korea as its incoming Chairman. John Wadsworth, Jr. of the United States was re-elected as the organization's Treasurer. PBEC expressed its sincere appreciation to the Kuala Lumpur IGM Organizing Committee for hosting a highly successful meeting, and to its many generous sponsors. PBEC invited its members and regional leaders to gather in Seoul, Korea in May 2003. |
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