All you need to know about APEC 2009

As the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation turns 20 this year, world leaders are gathering in tiny Singapore to discuss global matters at stake, including trade agreements, economic recovery and other weighty affairs. It's going to be the water cooler topic of choice for quite a while, so here's some nuggets of information to keep you in the conversation.

During the APEC Leaders Week, over 10,000 delegates, business executives and visitors, including 21 leaders and 63 ministers from the 21 APEC member economies, will be coming to Singapore. Approximately 1,800 foreign and local reporters have been accredited to cover the event, while 1,700 volunteers are playing host to the meetings, for whom 11,451 hours of training have been provided.
As the G20 -- nearly half of which is represented by APEC member states -- gains prominence in the world stage, the relevancy of APEC is being called into question again. In 1993, Gareth Evans, former foreign minister of Australia and chairman of the first APEC meeting, famously quipped APEC was "four adjectives looking for a noun."
Economic recovery and growth will be the top topic for discussion for the APEC leaders, whose member economies will maintain stimulus packages until there is a "durable" recovery from the global economic slowdown. APEC may only comprise 21 members, but they represent some 54 per cent of the global economy, including the three biggest economies -- the U.S., Japan and China.
U.S. President Barack Obama is making his first trip to Asia as U.S. President. He will also use the opportunity to meet with a Myanmar leader at an historic US-ASEAN meeting, The trip also marks his first visit to China and South Korea.
Some 63 tons of food are expected to be consumed by 10,000 guests and ground staff throughout the week-long summit. Delegates can expect cuisine with a Singapore touch, but chefs at Suntec City Convention Centre will give full consideration to the dietary requirements of their guests -- including cutting down on the chili.
Hotels have made special preparations for APEC attendees -- many delegates and media can expect a specially concocted APEC mocktail when they check in, as well as welcome amenities like APEC souvenirs and a range of gifts and services.
During the APEC Leaders' week, a fleet of 600 BMW 5-series and 7-series cars will be used to shuttle delegates between events. A special APEC lane will also be implemented to facilitate traffic movement, while certain roads and lanes in the Esplanade, Marina Bay and Orchard areas will be closed from November 10 onwards.