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

Date 4 May 2007
Press Release No. N/24/2007

Asia-Pacific Business Forum 2007 To Focus on Central Asia

Meeting in Almaty 18-19 May

Bangkok (United Nations Information Services)--Prominent business leaders, senior government officials, and civil society representatives will gather together at the fourth Asia-Pacific Business Forum during the 63rd Commission session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in Almaty, Kazakhstan, 18-19 May 2007.

The fourth Asia-Pacific Business Forum (APBF) will provide a region-wide platform for dialogue on the roles of governments and enterprises in exploring opportunities and meeting the challenges of globalization in Central Asia.

“Central Asia’s increasing integration in the global economy calls for structural economic and financial policy adjustments,” says Mr. Kim Hak-Su, ESCAP Executive Secretary.

“It is now time for Central Asia to mobilize resources and major stakeholders to reach sustainable economic growth. Governments, business leaders and civil society representatives should work closely together in the development of innovative business and investment approaches for sustainable economic growth in line with the Millennium Development Goals,” notes Mr. Kim.

Confirmed speakers at the Forum include H.E. Mr. Karim Massimov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, Secretary-General, UNCTAD; Mr. Tariq M. Rangoonwala, Chairman, International Chamber of Commerce, Pakistan; and Mr. Wang Jinzhen, Vice Chairman, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

Over 250 key business leaders, senior government officials, academics and civil society representatives from Central Asia and across the Asia-Pacific are expected to participate.

The Forum is organized by UNESCAP in close cooperation with the Kazakhstan Government, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the National Union of Businessmen and Employers of Kazakhstan.

The Opening Plenary will discuss opportunities and challenges for trade and the effects of globalization on patterns of production in Central Asia. Topics for discussion in the six breakout sessions include diversification of exports, financial services, trade competitiveness, regional cooperation, the contribution of business to development, business and the health sector, and strategies to improve the business climate in Central Asia. The meeting will also include a high-level consultation on Pacific Connectivity.

Two of the sessions of the Forum will also serve as the first meeting of the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) Economic Forum to be followed by the second meeting in November this year in Berlin. The two meetings are expected to highlight shared interest of Asian and European partners in strengthened regional economic cooperation and a positive business and investment climate in Central Asia.

Online registration for APBF 2007 and additional information on the meeting are available on the ESCAP webpage at www.unescap.org/apbf. APBF 2007 is being organized as part of the 63rd UNESCAP Commission Session and will be opened to policymakers, business representatives, civil society and academia from across the Asian and Pacific region.

Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, UNESCAP is the largest of the UN’s five Regional Commissions, in terms of population served and area covered. ESCAP aims to promote economic activity and social progress in the developing countries of the Asia-Pacific region. More information is available at www.unescap.org.

For further information on APBF 2007, please contact:
Ms. Marit Nilses
Trade and Investment Division
Tel: +(66-2) 288-1432
Fax: +(66-2) 288-1026
E-mail: nilsesm@un.org

For media inquiries, please contact:
Ms. Thawadi Pachariyangkun
United Nations Information Services Bangkok
Tel. +(66-2) 288-1861-69
Fax: +(66-2) 288-1052
Email: unisbkk.unecap@un.org