• Establish a database on post-doctoral exchange programs, other exchange and fellowship programs, facilities open to other member economies, and opportunities for joint research collaboration. Ministers noted that this work should build on existing ISTWG initiatives such as the APEC Science and Technology Network (ASTN) and the APEC S&T Web (AST Web).
  
  
• Undertake a survey on barriers to the mobility of S&T personnel in the region. This survey should identify both general barriers, and specific barriers that affect the mobility of S&T personnel.
  
  
• Undertake a survey of public awareness programs in member economies. Ministers particularly noted the importance of programs directed at the youth in stimulating an ongoing interest and commitment to a career in S&T.

• Ministers reaffirmed the importance of public awareness of S&T as a common issue in the APEC region, and noted that Japan would be hosting a symposium on this issue.
  
  
• The United States described a recent policy to assure the international community of continued free access to its Global Positioning System (GPS) and the meeting welcomed this announcement, particularly the removal of selective availability within the coming decade. It was noted that this policy should enhance the contribution of GPS to sustainable development, and Ministers asked the ISTWG to explore possibilities for the innovative use of GPS in solving regional issues.
  
  
• Ministers commended the ISTWG for accepting the challenge of developing a Cleaner Production / Clean Technology Strategy. Ministers were pleased to learn about the progress already made in drafting the terms of reference for the Cleaner Production / Clean Technology Task Force and developing elements of the strategy.
  
  
• Noting the importance of health issues in sustainable development, Ministers expressed appreciation of progress made through the ISTWG to address emerging infectious diseases.
  
  
• Ministers requested the ISTWG to explore the need for a code of ethical conduct for researchers in APEC.

10. Seoul Declaration

Ministers adopted the Seoul Declaration which set the following goals for enhancing researcher mobility and creativity in the APEC region:

• Promote greater sharing of S&T information, training and research programs, and research facilities;

• Strengthen the exchange of scientific and technical men and women across the region through measures that might include:

  - lowering institutional and non-institutional barriers; and
  - developing new and enhanced mechanisms for exchange.

• Attract creative and talented young people to take up careers in science and technology.

Member economies will also develop individual plans and work toward achieving these goals by the year 2010. The Declaration constitutes a significant step toward recognizing and fulfilling the vision of the creation of an Asia-Pacific community through cooperative effort in the domain of S&T.

11. Next Ministers' Conference

Ministers welcomed and accepted the generous offer by the Mexican government to host the 3rd APEC S&T Ministers' Conference in 1998 and looked forward to meeting again at that time.

12. Closing Statements

In closing, the Chair, Dr. Bohn-Young Koo, thanked the delegates for their cooperation and active contributions to the Conference and noted with pleasure the agreement and progress made on the key themes of the Conference. Ministers thanked Dr. Koo for his excellent chairing of the meeting, and the government of Korea for their excellent arrangements and warm hospitality.