APEC Gives Solves and New Course of Action

The APEC Ministerial Meeting on Avian and Influenza Pandemics, which was organised on May 4-6 in Da Nang (Vietnam), was an important and significant event during the APEC YEAR 2006 in Vietnam.

According to statistics by the APEC Avian and Influenza Pandemics working group, Avian influenza has over the past 3 years developed into a very serious pandemic that has spread quickly around many areas of the world. In the period of 2003-2005, avian influenza was discovered in just 15 countries and regions, but in the first 5 months of 2006 there were 30 additional countries and regions affected with this deadly virus.

 

Most recently, on 27 April 2006, Dr. David Nabarro, the UN Coordinator on Avian Influenza Pandemic, confirmed that since early this year avian influenza pandemic has transmitted to 30 countries, thus bringing the number of countries affected with H5N1 so far up to 45 since its first case appeared in 2003. According to the WHO's latest report, by the end of April, there were 204 cases of humans infected with avian influenza virus H5N1. Out of these 113 people died, while Dr. Nabarro anticipated that the number of people infected with H5N1 might be much higher than the official statistics. Over 200 million poultry have been culled so far and this has made the life of numerous poor farmers more miserable.

 

In recognition of Avian Influenza as a global disaster, efforts have been made to bring the world together in the combat to control Avian Influenza and prevent a possible Influenza Pandemic. Within the APEC economies, a high level meeting on Avian Influenza was held in Brisbane, Australia on 31 October to 1 November 2005. And again, the APEC Ministerial Meeting is being held in Da Nang, Vietnam. These hectic activities indicate the determination and mounting efforts of the APEC economy members to join hands together and in union with the world community for controlling Avian and preventing Influenza Pandemics.

 

To facilitate the Ministerial Meeting, in the Preparatory Meeting, the delegates discussed three topics. Firstly, strengthening of cooperation among APEC economy members in preparing for and preventing Avian and Influenza Pandemics; secondly preparation of the APEC Action Plan on the Prevention and Response to Avian and Influenza Pandemics to be submitted to the APEC Ministers for endorsement, and thirstly preparation of the Ministerial Meeting Agenda.

 

In his speech at the Avian and Influenza Pandemics Meeting on 4-6 May 2006 in Da Nang, Viet Nam, Mr Tran Trong Toan, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat to the Ministerial Meeting expressed the believe that the Ministerial Meeting would have fruitful deliberations on various important issues on its agenda and would come out with clear directions for strengthening regional cooperation in the fight against avian and influenza pandemics. This demonstrated the high level of commitment and determination of APEC economies in dealing with infectious diseases and pandemics in order to ensure a healthy living and business environment that was very important to economic growth and development in our region. This will also contribute significantly to the further enhancement of the spirit of community among APEC economies.

 

A strategic review of the APEC Tourism Charter and the launch of and APEC Tourism Fair are some of the outcomes that will go to ministers following the Tourism Working Group (TWG) Meeting on 10-11 May, in (TWG) Meeting on 10-11 May, in and the launch of and APEC Tourism Fair are some of the outcomes that will go to ministers following the (TWG) Meeting on 10-11 May, in Shizuoka, Japan. The TWG will also propose to hold an "APEC Tourism and Investment Forum" on the margins of future ministerial meetings with the intention of drawing investment for the ongoing development of tourism in the Asia-Pacific. The 4th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting will be taken place on October 12-19 in Hoi An, Viet Nam.

 

According to the Chair of the TWG Meeting, Mr. Pham Quang Hung, the issues that were put forward by the TWG for the ministerial meeting will boost the tourism industry in the Asia-Pacific region.

 

Tourism is one of the greatest employers in the APEC region and the outcomes of the upcoming ministerial meeting will provide a substantial boost to jobs and incomes" said Hung.

 

Tourism opportunities in the APEC region are diverse and have ever increasing market potential in both the Asia-Pacific region and the rest of the world.

Addressing issues such as the review of the APEC Tourism Charter and undertaking activities to enhance tourism investment will help keep the industry focused on the future.

The Strategic review of the 2000 Tourism Charter will ensure a work program that will identify and addresses the challenges affecting tourism in the coming years.
B.T