Press Release.............................. UNESCAP News Services

Date 24 April 2004
Press Release No: G/08/2004

ASIA-PACIFIC BUSINESS FORUM BEGINS

China needs the world, and the world, China

Shanghai (United Nations Information Services) -- Increased cooperation between the public and private actors is imperative if the tremendous growth in the region is to benefit the poor Mr Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, told a distinguished gathering of world leaders in business.

" I believe that by working together we can finally be able to combat poverty, and create a world that gives opportunities for all," he said.

"China needs the world and the world needs China. The development of the Asia Pacific region has brought opportunities to China, while China's development also brings a larger market and more business opportunities to the region," said Mr Zhang Xiaoqiang, Vice Chairman , National Development and Reform Commission, Government of China. "China's development represents the growth of a peaceful power and will make more contributions to the stability of the region.''

Over 200 business leaders are attending the first ever Asia-Pacific Business Forum in Shanghai, China from 24 to 26 April 2004.

The event, organized in collaboration with Government of China, is part of UNESCAP's 60th Commission Session to be held in the Shanghai International Conference Centre from 22-28 April 2004.

Guest speakers include the Rt. Hon. Jenny Shipley, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand; Mr. Park Yong Sung, President-elect of the International Chamber of Commerce; Hon. Clive Brown, Minister for State Development, Government of Western Australia; Mr. Tim Chen, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft; Mr. Henry Chow, Chairman and CEO of IBM Greater China Group; and Mr. Steven Schneider, Chairman and CEO of General Electric Company in China.

The Forum seeks to promote an exchange of views between public and private sector participants on regional trade and investment opportunities. Participants will deliberate on current global and regional economic policy issues and their implications for the business sector. It also aims to provide a platform for networking and forming partnerships on an Asia-Pacific wide basis.

The program hosts three panel discussion sessions covering topics ranging from financial development and cooperation in the region, the impact of multilateral trade agreements on emerging regional trade opportunities, the role of foreign direct investment in stimulating business opportunities, as well as new business opportunities in China after its entry into the WTO.

For further information, please contact:

Mr. Ravi Ratnayake, Director, Trade and Investment Division, UNESCAP,
86-21-503-70185 X1380/1381
86-21-50370000X1331
Email: ratnayaker@un.org

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