Jane's Consultancy Director to Give Keynote Address on Security, Technology and Trade at Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Event in Chile

Peter J. Baxter, Jane's Director of Global Consultancy Operations, will deliver the keynote address at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum Conference in Vina Del Mar, Chile, this evening. He will address an audience of trade representatives from throughout the world, speaking on such issues as the changing nature of collective security, security technology, and the relationships between government and industry in pursuit of secure trade.

In his speech, Mr. Baxter will examine the issue of government and private-sector spending on security technology, and will question whether this increased spending will ultimately prove to be an unsuccessful solution to security concerns that have arisen in the post-9/11 world. "Over the next few years, there will be tens of billions of dollars spent on security technology," says Baxter. "The only number that is more staggering is the percentage of that investment that will be proven to be a waste." He will address this issue as viewed through his experience as the director of Jane's Consultancy operation, which serves a global group of clients in a variety of market segments who require reliable assessments of international risk.

Mr. Baxter will also comment on the changing nature of collective security in the post-9/11 world, and the impact that these changes will have on international trade. "The nature of collective security
arrangements will likely change to reflect the transnational non-state threat targeting international trade," he says.

The speech, which is open to media delegates, will be delivered as part of a dinner to be held this evening as part of the two-day APEC conference, which is taking place today and Saturday. (END)

About APEC: The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) was established in 1989 in response to the growing interdependence among Asia-Pacific economies. Starting out as an informal dialogue group, APEC has now become the primary regional vehicle for promoting open trade and practical economic cooperation. Its goal is to advance Asia-Pacific economic dynamism and sense of community. APEC has 21 members - referred to as "Member Economies" - which account for more than 2.5 billion people, a combined GDP of 19 trillion US dollars and 47% of world trade. For more information, visit www.apec.org.

Jane's Consultancy provides focused and customised solutions to meet each client's individual needs, including rigorous red team security assessments; on-site analytical support; and impartial, thoroughly researched market evaluations. In his role as Director of Jane's Global Consultancy Operations, Peter Baxter orchestrates a worldwide network of managers and analysts to meet client proprietary requirements in the areas of defence, security, aerospace and transportation. In December 2003, Jane's Information Group was officially granted "Recognised Security Organisation" (RSO) status by the United Arab Emirates. Jane's Consultancy offers the high degree of personalised analysis required by the UAE. For further information, please visit http://consultancy.janes.com.