48th Session of the APO Governing Body
13–15 June 2006, Seoul, Republic of Korea
The Governing Body of the APO meets once a year in a member country to receive the annual report of the Secretary-General and the audited financial report for the preceding year, and to make policy decisions. This year’s meeting, jointly organized by the Korea Productivity Center and the APO Secretariat, was held in Seoul, Republic of Korea from June 13 to 15 with more than 50 delegates comprising of APO Directors representing the governments of member countries, their advisers and observers from other organizations.
Inaugural
Address
by Mr. Jong-Kap Kim
Vice Minister, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy
Chairman Taito Waqa, Secretary General Shigeo Takenaka, Distinguished delegates and observers,
First of all, I'd like to thank Mr. Waqa for his very kind in the duties.
I am very pleased to join you for the 48th session of the APO Governing Body.
As far as I know, this round of talks is focusing on policy, strategy, and plans for the future of the APO. It is our great honor and privilege to host this auspicious gathering. On behalf of the Korean government, I welcome you all to Korea.
Ladies and Gentlemen!
Building a regional community is becoming urgent, perhaps now more than ever since we are living in the world where economic, cultural, and social issues of one country almost instantaneously affect those in neighboring countries.
In this respect, I'd like to note that Asia is becoming an increasingly important player in the world economy. It is no wonder therefore that Asia is seen as the engine that will drive the world economy for the years ahead. The IMF, in its 2006 report, stated that the global economy is expected to grow at 4.9%, while growth in Asia will be 7%. The Asian Development Bank has stated that Asia is within reach of sustainable growth given the large and relatively young population, and its commitment to building a regional economy through free trade.
With this in mind, I would like to draw your attention to what may go towards setting the future direction of the APO so that it may continue to take the lead in forming cooperation and building regional networks in the Asia Pacific region.
Since 1961, the APO has been advisor and think-tank for productivity improvement in Asia. Green Productivity Movement is a very good example of the initiative taken APO in 1994. Eventually, the success of the Green Productivity Program propelled many European countries to adopt it as their own. I believe this exemplifies the APO’s direct relevance and its creativity in addressing and solving Asian concerns; and I would like to thank APO Secretary General and the secretariats for their dedication to that end.
You have an agenda of great importance for this meeting. In closing, I would like to ask you for your full participation, and look forward to these meetings concluding with agreements that are effective and beneficial to all.
Thank you.
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