ABAC Meeting Place, Da Nang



Welcome Remarks

The ABAC third meeting for 2009 will be held on August 24 at Da Nang in Vietnam, and ABAC representatives and their staffers from 21 APEC member economies have arrived here. The promotional flags could be seen along the way from Da Nang International Airport to the hotel. Though the local temperature is as high as more than 30 degrees with humid climate, but the warm-hearted volunteers and the organizing committee have well prepared for the meeting.

The meeting will review the work program for 2009 and finalize the letter to leaders and ABAC 2009 report to APEC economic leaders for the preparation of 2009 Singapore APEC CEO Summit. In addition, the Finance and Economics Working Group (FEWG), Capacity-building and Action Plan Working Group (CBAPWG), Sustainable Development Working Group(SDWG), Facilitation Working Group(FWG) and Liberalization Working Group (LWG) will also hold sessions during the meeting.

Mr. Zhang Lijun, China ABAC representative and Chairman of China APEC Development Council, appointed his staffers to attend this meeting. During the meeting, they will meet with ABAC rotating presidency of ABAC and the president of Singapore Business Federation Mr. Teng Theng Dar for detailed discussions about the exchange activities with Singapore business community.

Located in central Vietnam, Da Nang is one of Vietnam's three major cities in the east connecting the South China Sea. Since ancient times, Da Nang has deep water with its back towards mountain. It has built three airports, of which Da Nang Airport can accommodate hundred of jets, so it is very important for its strategic position. French colonialists and Japanese invaders had considered Da Nang as a bridgehead to invade Vietnam. During the Anti-US war, the United States had vigorously expanded Da Nang to become a large military base. Da Nang is rich in fisheries and tourism resources, an ideal resort for holidays.

Reported by China APEC Development Council