Thailand all set to host Apec Economic Leaders’ Week
Substantive and logistical preparations are underway to welcome Apec leaders, ministers, delegates and the international media to key meetings and a summit under the theme “Open. Connect. Balance”.
From November 14 to 19, Thailand will host the first in-person Apec Economic Leaders’ Week (AELW) in four years at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok.
The AELW programme begins with a Concluding Senior Officials’ Meeting on November 15 and 16 in which top Apec officials will work together to sum up the important work since the beginning of the host year, including negotiations of the AELW draft outcome documents and prepare for the 33rd Apec Ministerial Meeting on November 17 and the 29th Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting on November 18 and 19.
Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-o-cha will chair this meeting in which Apec leaders will discuss how to take the Asia-Pacific region forward towards sustainable and inclusive economic recovery from Covid-19 amid ongoing global economic challenges.
International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva will also attend the meeting to share her views on the global economic outlook.
Apec leaders will meet with official guests and the business sector represented by the Apec Business Advisory Council. Thailand, as this year’s host economy, has invited special guests, namely the Cambodian prime minister as the chair of Asean, the Saudi Arabian Crown Prince and prime minister and the French president to discuss how Apec and its trading partners can work together to promote sustainable trade and investment amid economic challenges.
Two important activities involving Apec business leaders and youth will be organised in parallel with the AELW, including the Apec CEO Summit from November 16 to 18 and “Apec Voices of the Future 2022” from November 12 to 19.
On the occasion of the AELW in Bangkok this year, Their Majesties King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana will graciously grant an audience to all Apec leaders or their representatives attending the AELM as well as official guests.
Thai cuisine and delicacies, arts and crafts as well as cultural performances will be showcased throughout the week to highlight Thailand’s cultural identity and unique hospitality.
The AELW will also adhere to the concept of a “green meeting” in line with the Bio-Circular Green Economy model, which is the overarching theme of Apec 2022.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
