2003 APEC Themes: Security & Economic Development Regardless of Differences

The theme and sub-themes for the 2003 APEC year have been released by the host economy, the Kingdom of Thailand.

The central theme of the 2003 APEC year is:

"A World of Differences: Partnership for the Future" The incoming Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat for the 2003 APEC year, Ambassador Piamsak Milintachinda, said the 2003 theme is most suitable for the current regional economic climate.

Many of the challenges confronting the APEC region today do not respect borders or cultural differences.

To meet the challenges of economic instability, corporate governance and terrorism, we must build on our strengths to work together.

The terrorists behind acts in Russia, the Philippines and Indonesia did not discriminate between cultures and community identities. We must work together in pursuit of APEC's twin goals of enhancing security against terrorist threats while continuing to promote trade growth and economic development within the APEC region.

Working in partnership we can also reduce the cost of doing business across borders and expand the benefits of new technologies and skills to all members of APEC.

By drawing strength from our differences and working in partnership we can set common standards and regulations that all economies will observe and respect. Building greater uniformity of standards and regulations makes it easier for small and medium sized business to trade across borders and ultimately creates jobs.

"Regardless of their level of economic development, resources and financial strength, all APEC economies must forge a sense of strong partnership to foster regional economic growth."

Ambassador Piamsak said the main theme of the 2003 year is supported by a series of sub-themes that will assist APEC Working Groups and Forums to better articulate their goals for the year. These themes are listed on the attached fact sheet.