APEC focus on post-crisis recovery

The week-long 20th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings opened in Singapore on Sunday, beginning with the two-day Concluding Senior Officials' Meeting. The recovery from the global financial crisis will be the focus.

The theme of this year's APEC meetings is "Sustaining Growth, Connecting the Region." The meetings also include the APEC Business Advisory Council meeting, the annual Ministerial Meeting, a CEO Summit, and the 17th Economic Leaders' Meeting.

The focus for this year's meetings will be on overcoming the financial crisis and positioning member economies for a sustainable recovery in the post-crisis world.

According to Societe General's chief economist for Asia, APEC economies will play a key role in the global recovery from the financial crisis.

Glenn Maguire, Chief economist of Social General, said, "They are at the vanguard of this recovery dynamic that brings with it some unique responsibilities. They essentially have stewardship for now how the global economy will recover."

The APEC meetings will culminate with the 17th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting over two days from this Saturday.

APEC has represented the most economically dynamic region in the world, with member economies accounting for approximately 40 percent of the world's population, more than a half of the world's GDP and more than 40 percent of world trade.