 |
UNESCAP
eNews Bulletin United Nations Economic
and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific |
April 2004
 |
UNESCAP to launch economic forecast for 2004
The regional economy can expect continued high growth rate in 2004 despite SARS, according to UNESCAP’s Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2004. The Survey, due to be launched at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Hong Kong on 16 April as well as 15 capital cities in the region, analyses fiscal developments over the past year and looks at their impact on the 2004 regional economy. Intra-regional trade has led to strong economic growth in developing countries in 2003, and with inflation remaining in check, developing countries should enjoy a growth rate of 6 per cent this year. However, governments are advised to exercise caution in economic policy due to currently large account imbalances and the possible emergence of asset bubbles in stock markets and the real estate industry. Protectionist measures are also threating to undermine the robust global economy.
The regional economy can expect continued high growth rate in 2004 despite SARS, according to UNESCAP’s Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2004. The Survey, due to be launched at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Hong Kong on 16 April as well as 15 capital cities in the region, analyses fiscal developments over the past year and looks at their impact on the 2004 regional economy. Intra-regional trade has led to strong economic growth in developing countries in 2003, and with inflation remaining in check, developing countries should enjoy a growth rate of 6 per cent this year. However, governments are advised to exercise caution in economic policy due to currently large account imbalances and the possible emergence of asset bubbles in stock markets and the real estate industry. Protectionist measures are also threating to undermine the robust global economy.
 |
Ministers to gather in Shanghai for 60th Commission
Government ministers and high-level officials from over 60 countries in the region are expected to attend the 60th Commission Session in Shanghai, China, from 22-28 April. The Commission will focus on its theme of Meeting the challenges in an era of globalization by strengthening regional development cooperation. Special side events have also been organized, including a briefing on the UN High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Changes. The Panel was set up by Secretary-General Kofi Annan to analyse future threats to peace and security and to recommend clear measures to avert the threat. Side events highlighting the work of UNESCAP will also be featured. Accreditation for events can be obtained online.
Government ministers and high-level officials from over 60 countries in the region are expected to attend the 60th Commission Session in Shanghai, China, from 22-28 April. The Commission will focus on its theme of Meeting the challenges in an era of globalization by strengthening regional development cooperation. Special side events have also been organized, including a briefing on the UN High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Changes. The Panel was set up by Secretary-General Kofi Annan to analyse future threats to peace and security and to recommend clear measures to avert the threat. Side events highlighting the work of UNESCAP will also be featured. Accreditation for events can be obtained online.
 |
| UN Secretary General, Mr. Kofi Annan, will address the Visionary Panel in Shanghai. |
Regional luminaries to head Visionary Panel
Five former regional heads of state will address the High-level Visionary Meeting for Asia and the Pacific 2020 during the 60th Commission Session. The focus will be to identify the key challenges facing the region as it approaches the year 2020 and identify measures, particularly through regional cooperation, to meet those challenges. The Panelists include; Mr. Anand Panyarachun, former Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr. Fidel Ramos, former President of the Philippines, Mr. Farooq Leghari, former President of Pakistan, and Sir Peter Kenilorea, former Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands. UN Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, will also be in attendance to share his views on the global challenges that will have a far-reaching impact on the Asia-Pacific region.
Five former regional heads of state will address the High-level Visionary Meeting for Asia and the Pacific 2020 during the 60th Commission Session. The focus will be to identify the key challenges facing the region as it approaches the year 2020 and identify measures, particularly through regional cooperation, to meet those challenges. The Panelists include; Mr. Anand Panyarachun, former Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr. Fidel Ramos, former President of the Philippines, Mr. Farooq Leghari, former President of Pakistan, and Sir Peter Kenilorea, former Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands. UN Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, will also be in attendance to share his views on the global challenges that will have a far-reaching impact on the Asia-Pacific region.
 |
Asian highways to one day link Tokyo to Paris
After over 40 years of ground work, the first Intergovernmental Agreement to establish international highways across Asia to Europe will be signed during the Commission Session. Representatives from approximately 20 regional governments are expected to participate in the signing on 26 April. The landmark event is the final step in the formalization of the Asian Highway Network, and follows the unanimous adoption of the Agreement by 32 UNESCAP member countries in November 2003. The main obligations of the Contracting Parties within the Agreement are to adopt the Asian Highway Network as a coordinated plan for the development of highway routes of international importance and to bring the network in conformity with the Asian Highway classification and design standards. The economic and social benefits of the highways are immense. It is envisaged that soon products from Singapore or Shanghai will be delivered to buyers in Central Asia, and adventurers may drive to Europe from Tokyo.
After over 40 years of ground work, the first Intergovernmental Agreement to establish international highways across Asia to Europe will be signed during the Commission Session. Representatives from approximately 20 regional governments are expected to participate in the signing on 26 April. The landmark event is the final step in the formalization of the Asian Highway Network, and follows the unanimous adoption of the Agreement by 32 UNESCAP member countries in November 2003. The main obligations of the Contracting Parties within the Agreement are to adopt the Asian Highway Network as a coordinated plan for the development of highway routes of international importance and to bring the network in conformity with the Asian Highway classification and design standards. The economic and social benefits of the highways are immense. It is envisaged that soon products from Singapore or Shanghai will be delivered to buyers in Central Asia, and adventurers may drive to Europe from Tokyo.
 |
Exploring business opportunities for prosperity
UNESCAP in collaboration with the National Development and Reform Commission of China (NDRC) will hold the Asia-Pacific Business Forum during the up-coming 60th Commission Session in Shanghai. More than 300 participants from regional governments, academic institutions and the private sector are expected. The Forum aims to facilitate an effective dialogue among the business community on emerging global and regional economic issues in order to provide business perspectives to policy-makers at national, regional and global levels. Both public and private sectors will have the opportunity to exchange views on how to work together to achieve sustained economic growth in the Asia and Pacific region.
UNESCAP in collaboration with the National Development and Reform Commission of China (NDRC) will hold the Asia-Pacific Business Forum during the up-coming 60th Commission Session in Shanghai. More than 300 participants from regional governments, academic institutions and the private sector are expected. The Forum aims to facilitate an effective dialogue among the business community on emerging global and regional economic issues in order to provide business perspectives to policy-makers at national, regional and global levels. Both public and private sectors will have the opportunity to exchange views on how to work together to achieve sustained economic growth in the Asia and Pacific region.
 |
| Mr. Kim Hak-Su (2nd from right), opens the Library. |
Library gets a much anticipated facelift
The newly-renovated UNESCAP Library was officially opened on 23 March 2004, by UNESCAP Executive Secretary, Mr. Kim Hak-Su, and Mr. Moon Jong Nam, Chairperson of the Advisory Committee of Permanent Representatives. The Library facelift took approximately three months to complete and was the first renovation since the then Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE) Library opened its doors in 1974. The opening was also used to inaugurate the new online catalogue system, EBISNET, along with a number of other electronic information products.
The newly-renovated UNESCAP Library was officially opened on 23 March 2004, by UNESCAP Executive Secretary, Mr. Kim Hak-Su, and Mr. Moon Jong Nam, Chairperson of the Advisory Committee of Permanent Representatives. The Library facelift took approximately three months to complete and was the first renovation since the then Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE) Library opened its doors in 1974. The opening was also used to inaugurate the new online catalogue system, EBISNET, along with a number of other electronic information products.
Up-coming
Events
- World Health Day (7 April)
- Launch of the UNESCAP Economic and Social Survey (Hong Kong, 16 April)
- 60th UNESCAP Commission Session (22-28 April)
- World Book and Copyright Day (23 April)
UN
News Centre
|
UN
Works
|
The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily
reflect the official views or policies of the United Nations.
The information contained herein may be freely reproduced.
UNESCAP eNews Bulletin is edited and published by the United
Nations Information Services/Bangkok.
Telephone: (+662) 288 1234 : Fax: (+662) 288 1052 : E-mail: unisbbk.unescap@un.org