Throughout 2007, Australia hosted the 16th round of annual Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings - the premier forum for supporting economic growth, cooperation, trade and investment in the Asia Pacific region. The 21 APEC Member Economies represent over 40 per cent of the world's population, 56 per cent of global GDP, and 48 per cent of world trade. Domestically, they account for 70 per cent of Australia's trade, almost 50 per cent of inward investment, and comprise eight of our top 10 export markets. The then Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources was responsible for hosting three Ministerial Meetings (Mining, Small and Medium Enterprises and Energy) and a number of related working groups and dialogues. Click here for a full list of the Department's involvement. Having hosted APEC 2007 is consistent with Australia’s commitment to work with its neighbours to strengthen the Asia Pacific community through mutual dialogue, economic growth and prosperity. A summary of the Department's involvement can be found in the publication below, Our APEC Year. |