Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) has three Official Observers: the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Secretariat, the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. These observers participate in APEC meetings and have full access to documents and information related to these meetings. The observer groups provide partnership, expertise and insight that assist APEC to attain its goals and implement its initiatives.
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat The ASEAN Declaration states that the aims and purposes of the Association (
http://www.aseansec.org) are -
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to accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint endeavours in the spirit of equality and partnership in order to strengthen the foundation for a prosperous and peaceful community of Southeast Asian nations, and
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to promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law in the relationship among countries in the region and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter.
Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC) PECC (
http://www.pecc.org) is a unique tripartite partnership of senior individuals from business and industry, government, academic and other intellectual circles.
All participate in their private capacity and discuss freely current, practical policy issues of the Asia-Pacific region.
PECC aims to serve as a regional forum for cooperation and policy coordination to promote economic development in the Asia-Pacific region, based on the following premises -
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The respective strengths of business and industry, government, academic and other intellectual circles can be better focused to promote the acceleration of economic growth, social progress, scientific and technological development and environmental quality in the region, and
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Trade, joint ventures, mutual aid and other forms of linkage, when developed in a spirit of partnership, fairness, respect and genuine cooperation, strengthen the foundation needed for a prosperous, progressive and peaceful Pacific Region.
Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretariat PIF (
http://www.forumsec.org.fj) is the paramount regional inter-governmental forum in the South Pacific. PIF addresses issues such as regional trade, economic development, the environment and regional law enforcement, cooperation and security in the South Pacific.