Message from the APEC Secretariat Executive Director: A fond farewell
My time at the APEC Secretariat has reinforced my personal conviction of the critical importance of cooperation through trade to bring about development and sustainable growth, especially for developing economies.
It is with deep respect and regard for my colleagues and friends at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Secretariat – and for all members of the APEC family – that I take this opportunity to reflect on the three years that I have served as APEC’s first fixed-term Executive Director.
As 2012 draws to an end, so does my tenure here at the Secretariat. It has been both a privilege and an honor to be able to serve the members of our 21 economies and to work collectively towards the goals of free and open trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region.
My time at the APEC Secretariat in Singapore has reinforced my personal conviction of the critical importance of cooperation through trade to bring about development and sustainable growth, especially for developing economies.
These past three years has been a time of intense contribution by our member economies. It has been a time of creativity, learning and seeing rewarding results. Three of the region’s largest economies hosted APEC in 2010, 2011 and 2012 – and the road has since been paved for all members to bring the directions of our Leaders to fruition.
Under Japan’s stewardship in 2010, APEC Leaders in Yokohama provided a clear vision for members to realize an economically-integrated, robust and secure APEC community. The roadmap to realizing this goal is enshrined in the APEC Leaders’ Growth Strategy.
Then in 2011, with the United States as host, APEC Leaders in Honolulu took concrete steps toward building a seamless regional economy, addressing shared green growth objectives, and advancing regulatory cooperation and convergence.
Subsequently, under Russia’s guidance in 2012, APEC Leaders in Vladivostok implemented measures on trade and investment and regional economic integration, strengthening food security, establishing reliable supply chains, and fostering innovative growth. APEC Leaders in 2012 also endorsed a landmark APEC List of Environmental Goods that will directly and positively contribute to green growth and sustainable development.
APEC’s work is continuing and the organization is growing from strength to strength. The support function that the Secretariat provides to the entire APEC process is to help members achieve APEC’s shared goals.
Over the past three years, the Secretariat has taken a “customer service” approach towards serving the needs of member economies. This includes the continued professionalization of the APEC Secretariat to strategically meet the needs of our members and stakeholders.
The Secretariat has exerted its best efforts to support APEC’s short- and long-term priorities. This includes the Secretariat’s key involvement in logistical and technical services, research and policy support, as well as communications and media activities. The Secretariat has, therefore, implemented its operational responsibilities in a manner that is aligned with its strategic objectives.
Over the period, the Secretariat has developed an annual training plan based on an analysis of skills required by staff to meet the organization’s objectives. Further improvements to the project management process to cater for multi-year projects were also implemented. This will, no doubt, greatly facilitate capacity building and technical assistance among our economies.
The Secretariat also proposed the development of strategic plans by relevant fora, particularly to ensure alignment of for a work programs with APEC goals.
Indeed working closely with both the Secretariat staff and member economies has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional life. APEC’s successes have depended on the extraordinary talents and commitments of so many. My gratitude to the Secretariat would not be complete without thanking my colleagues.
But there is still much to do in the coming years to make sure that APEC and the region continue to work towards greater regional economic integration and truly be the vanguard for global recovery and growth. And for that reason, I am delighted that Dr. Alan Bollard will succeed me at the APEC Secretariat. He brings keen intellect, wisdom and dedication to this position.
I thank all in the APEC family for their passion and their commitment in building and creating APEC. We can take pride in the milestones and achievements we have collectively achieved over the last 20 years. And I trust that all will continue to work hard and stand by APEC to advocate our core convictions as we always have for a strong, dynamic and vibrant Asia-Pacific region.
With respect and gratitude,
Muhamad Noor