APEC Science and Technology Ministers Meeting Schedule Released: Christchurch, New Zealand, 8-12 March 2004

Ministers, business leaders and scientists will meet in Christchurch, New Zealand, on 8-12 March 2004 for the Fourth APEC Science and Technology Cooperation Ministerial Meeting.

The first APEC ministerial level event for 2004, the meeting will convene under the theme of "Connecting Science, Policy and Business."

APEC Secretariat Executive Director, Ambassador Piamsak Milintachinda, said the Christchurch meeting will give clear direction and identify science and technology related objectives for participants in the APEC process.

"Cooperation on science and technology issues is essential for the development of trade, the creation of business opportunities and employment growth in the APEC region," Ambassador Milintachinda said.

"The convergence of traditional science, communications technology and emerging areas such as life sciences research cuts across many areas of APEC activities.

"The Science and Technology Ministers' Meeting will feed directly into the work agenda of APEC fora and working groups.

"New Zealand will host an agenda that will include a series of forums to discuss the latest research and development activities in APEC Member Economies, future directions for the sector and the development of science and technology capacity in the APEC Region.

"The meeting will showcase the best of the Asia-Pacific region's research expertise and forge greater collaboration and partnerships between APEC economies and businesses."

The meeting will also look at the progress of issues and themes established at the Third APEC Science and Technology Cooperation Ministerial Meeting that was held in Mexico City in 1998.

2003 APEC Science and Technology Cooperation Ministerial Meeting Schedule:

Visit the APEC Science Ministers' Meeting Secretariat Website at: www.apecscience2004.org.nz