Today's key meetings, workshops and symposiums were convened by the following APEC groups:

Five new project proposals were approved by IEG delegates. They will be submitted to the Committee on Trade and Investment later this week. These projects are expected to build capacity for targeted stakeholders, to strengthen the policy dialogue between international organizations and APEC, and to reduce impediments to investment.

The IEG works to enhance transparency of investment regimes, facilitate investment activities and promote investment liberalization within the region. Investment is integral to economic growth and development in the Asia-Pacific region.

Australia shared with other delegates the results of the Human Resources Development Working Group's project, "Measures Affecting Cross-Border Exchange and Investment in Higher Education."

Members also discussed ongoing work and completed projects focused on an energy services seminar and how to measure services trade and education services. Also noteworthy was the discussion on the impact of liberalization of services trade and environmental services.

GOS also endorsed two proposals - "Trade in Health Services Capacity Building Workshop" and the "APEC Legal Services Initiative" - which are under consideration for 2009.

To encourage further growth and development in this sector, GOS works on trade and investment liberalization and facilitation issues related to trade in services, and coordinates APEC's work in this area. Service related Working Groups include Telecommunications and Information; Transportation; Tourism; and Energy.

Michael Chapnick at (51) 98975 3702 in Peru or at mc@apec.org

Anita Douglas at (51) 98927 4391 in Peru or at ad@apec.org