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The 9 most significant moments in APEC history
If you think not a lot has happened in 20 years, read this list. You might change your mind. Then again you might not
The start of something big'ish. Workers hang an APEC sign in preparation for APEC's first Economic Leaders conference in Seattle in 1993.It hasn't all been pie charts and cocktail receptions since APEC was first called to order in 1989. Herewith, the big moments you might have missed.
9. Curtain callU.S. President George W. Bush exits world stage after his final summit with world leaders at Peru APEC in 2008.8. All together nowAdmission of Russia, Vietnam and Peru in 1998 brings APEC membership to current 21 “member economies.”
7. Nastiest battleIn Australia, some of 5,000 protestors rallying against APEC clash with police in 2000.
6. First stepInaugural APEC convened in 1989 in Canberra, Australia, as informal ministerial-level dialogue group with 12 members.
5. Language lessonAt 1993 Seattle APEC, former Australian foreign minister and first APEC chairman Gareth Evans calls organization, “Four adjectives in search of a noun.” Comment will dog APEC's "do nothing" reputation and serve as rallying point for critics. Update: noun not yet found.
4. Economic responseSingapore’s 2009 CEO Summit will see largest number of attendees since the event’s inception in 1996. More than 1,500 will gather for agenda titled, “Rebuilding the Global Economy: Crisis and Opportunity.”
3. Arrival of big gunsFirst annual meeting of APEC Economic Leaders held near Seattle, Washington, in 1993.
2. Framework establishedAdoption of Bogor Goals in 1994 intended to achieve “free open trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific by 2010 for developed economies and 2020 for developing economies.” “Bogor” will serve as APEC guiding framework for next decade and beyond.
1. Diplomatic success
Backed by UN General Assembly, U.S. President Clinton and APEC members in New Zealand in 1999 successfully pressure Indonesian government to accept an international force to restore peace in East Timor.
Did we miss a memorable APEC moment? Share yours in the comment box below.
