Welcome to the Official APEC2000 Website

The Asia Pacific Cooperation (APEC) was established in 1989 in Canberra, Australia, in response to the growing interdependence among Asia-Pacific economies. What began as an informal dialogue group has since become the primary regional vehicle for promoting open trade and practical economic cooperation. Its goal is to advance Asia-Pacific economic dynamism and sense of community. Despite the financial instability of 1997-98, Asia Pacific remains one of the fastest growing regions in the world. It is a major contributor to global prosperity and stability.

Today, APEC includes all the major economies of the region and the most dynamic, fastest growing economies in the world. Peru, Russia and Vietnam became the latest members of the APEC community at the 10th APEC Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 1998. APEC's 21 member economies had a combined Gross Domestic Product of over US$16 trillion in 1996 and 45 per cent of global trade. The member economies represent the rich diversity of the region as well as differing levels of economic development. Despite such differences, there is a growing sense of common purpose and cooperation aimed at sustained regional and world growth.

The APEC meetings in 2000 will be hosted primarily in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city and it promises to be a new and unique experience for each and every one of the delegates.

As host for the APEC2000 meetings Brunei Darussalam is proud to take on the challenges posed, both logistically and substantively by hosting this significant event in the history of the Asia-Pacific region.