[2]  Business participation in the APEC process and the role of ABAC

A number of consultative groups have advised governments of APEC member economies. Important among these were the APEC Eminent Persons Group and the Pacific Business Forum (PBF). In its final report, the PBF generated a set of policy recommendations aimed at making APEC more relevant to business.

In their 1995 Osaka meeting, APEC Economic Leaders adopted most of these recommendations, including the establishment of ABAC. We anticipate that those recommendations, already adopted by APEC, will be implemented in a timely fashion. We note, however, that APEC has yet to act on the PBF's other important recommendations, including those on investment, infrastructure, and the APEC Business Visa. We address these issues in this report.

As the primary vehicle for business sector advice to APEC Economic Leaders, we have been tasked to identify concrete policy recommendations that will have the most significant impact on the ability of enterprises to strengthen regional economic integration. We are also expected to regularly assess APEC's progress in addressing the concerns of the business community, and to respond to APEC's need for information about business' perspectives on issues and areas of cooperation. We intend to perform these tasks not only as a body appointed by the Economic Leaders, but as true representatives of the business sector, articulating its concerns.

In carrying out this mission and to achieve our vision of a regional business community, we will: (a) enlist the broadest possible participation of the Asia-Pacific business community in the realization of APEC's vision; (b) seek business sector support for measures that promote the vision of free and open trade and investment and economic and technical cooperation; and (c) identify actions that the business sector can undertake to support the APEC process.

We also aim to contribute to the development of human resources, ensuring that our region's people participate fully in the opportunities created by increasing trade and investment liberalization. We aim to play a role in deepening the spirit of community in the Asia-Pacific region by involving business not only in issues directly related to commercial goals, but also in matters that affect the common good of society and the wider environment within which business operates.