New APEC Secretariat Executive Director
Ambassador Juan Carlos Capuñay will become the 16th Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat on January 1.
A diplomat in the Peruvian Foreign Service since 1972, Ambassador Capuñay has extensive APEC experience having served as Peru's Senior Official to APEC for four years. Ambassador Capuñay is also the former Chair of the APEC SOM Steering Committee on Economic and Technical Cooperation that coordinates and manages APEC's economic and technical cooperation agenda.
Ambassador Capuñay has also been posted to Peruvian Diplomatic missions in China, Singapore, Japan, the Organization of American States and the United Nations.
As the start of APEC Peru 2008 nears, Ambassador Capuñay said he anticipates 2008 will be an important year for APEC as the organization seeks to advance its work program in the face of regional economic challenges.
"Building on the commitments made by APEC Leaders in November this year, APEC will contribute to what we hope will be a successful conclusion to the WTO's Doha Development Agenda negotiations, strengthen the security of people and trade and enhance prosperity in the region," Ambassador Capuñay said.
"The Asia-Pacific has experienced very positive growth over recent years, and by working together we will ensure continued growth and will overcome any challenges that could lay ahead.
"During APEC Peru 2008 the host economy is committed to enhance regional growth through increased attention to the social issues relating to the APEC agenda.
"I anticipate this will include increased attention to issues such as expanding access to information technologies and education, the development of greater public-private partnerships including corporate social responsibility, as well as strengthening efforts to deal with corruption."
The APEC Peru 2008 Year will incorporate a range of meetings at official and political levels. This includes ministerial meetings for issues such as small and medium enterprises, tourism, finance, education and trade, structural reform as well as four Senior Officials' Meetings, working group events and finally the APEC Leaders Meeting in November.
In preparation for Singapore's hosting of APEC in 2009 the 2008 Deputy Executive Director will be Mr. Michael Tay of Singapore .
Additional information about Ambassador Capuñay is available.