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APEC 2011 USA: Engagement in Asia-Pacific Critical to Economic Recovery

"APEC 2011 is a wonderful way, along with the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement and Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, to help improve our global economic engagement," said United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk. "It is critical that we all articulate to the American public how our economic future is tied to our partners in the Asia-Pacific region."

2011 will mark the first time that the United States will host the APEC Summit since its inception in 1993. NCAPEC is working on behalf of the U.S. private sector to provide the business community with a collective voice as the United States works with APEC member nations to improve trade and ultimately, the global economy.

"The government and the private sector must come together to open America's doors for APEC 2011. This premier organization of 21 economies deepens trade and economic ties among its members. It fosters relationships among developed and developing economies. And it encourages its members to tear down their trade barriers and open their markets," said Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), Chairman of Senate Committee on Finance in his address at last night's reception. "That's why I am so proud that the United States is hosting APEC in 2011. And that's why I worked so hard to bring the APEC Trade Ministers meeting to Big Sky, Montana."

The 21 member economies of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) include Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, the United States of America and Vietnam. APEC 2011 USA will gather 21 world leaders and more than 60 ministers. The meeting is expected to attract over 8,000 delegates and 2,000 accredited international media.

"I commend the Host Committee's formation and was pleased to speak at its launch with Senator Baucus, Ambassador Kirk, and Under Secretary Hormats," said Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX), House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member and House APEC Caucus Co-Chair. "We must work together to make the most of the fact that the United States is hosting APEC next year and to increase our economic engagement in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific. Among other things, we need concrete deliverables. The most compelling would be a Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement by November 2011 to open more markets for U.S. goods and services. I look forward to working with the committee, the Administration, and my fellow Members of Congress to help ensure the United States hosts a successful APEC 2011."

"The inauguration of the Host Committee demonstrates the private sector's commitment to APEC, and its readiness to partner with the U.S. government to ensure a successful APEC year," said Craig Mundie, Chairman APEC 2011 USA Host Committee; Chief Research and Strategy Officer, Microsoft Corporation. "This means taking our international engagements on economic issues to the next level, and spreading the word in the private sector here and abroad about the promise of greater engagement with our partners in the Asia-Pacific."

By hosting APEC 2011, the United States can spark discussions to strengthen the trade partnerships that are foundations of economic growth. A number of Ministerial meetings, the APEC Leaders Meeting and numerous other major related business events are expected to take place in a number of U.S. cities over the course of 2011.

"The APEC 2011 USA Host Committee's theme is '21 Economies for the 21st Century', reflecting our core belief that future growth in America is tied to this region," said NCAPEC President Monica Whaley. "We look forward to receiving the baton from this year's host, Japan, in November 2010 to activate our partners and re-energize the U.S. private sector for a year of success."

About the National Center for APEC

The U.S. National Center for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (NCAPEC) is the only U.S. business association focused exclusively on facilitating American private sector input to the APEC process. The United States will chair APEC in 2011, and the National Center is coordinating the APEC 2011 USA Host Committee, the private sector host of business activities for the 2011 APEC Meetings. The National Center also functions as a conduit for U.S. businesses into APEC by serving as the Secretariat for the three U.S. executives who are appointed members of the APEC Business Advisory Council.

For more information about the APEC 2011 USA Host Committee, visit: www.apec2011usa.org

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National Center for APEC
Monica Whaley, 206-441-9022
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Monument Policy Group
Andrew Howell, 202-441-3830
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Media Contact:
Fleishman-Hillard
Christopher Morris, 212-453-2388