Chilean chat: Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa holds a bilateral meeting with Chilean President Ricardo Lago Escobar in Bangkok ahead of the 2003 APEC Annual Economic Leaders Meetings.

APEC remains a very useful forum for boosting closer economic ties in the Asia-Pacific region, Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa said in Bangkok today.

Speaking before the start of the APEC Annual Economic Leaders Meeting, Mr Tung said one of its greatest strengths was that it provided a valuable mechanism for ongoing dialogue among the 21 member economies.

He said this has helped foster more free and open trade within the APEC family since its establishment in 1989.

Mr Tung said APEC can also play an influential role in getting global trade talks restarted following the impasse at the World Trade Organisation's recent Ministerial Meeting in Cancun, Mexico.

He hoped that this year's APEC meetings will provide a new impetus and momentum to conclude negotiations of the Doha Development Agenda under the WTO.

APEC programme underway

Mr Tung started his APEC programme today by attending a keynote speech delivered by President Hu Jintao at the APEC CEO Summit. He then held a bilateral meeting with Chilean President Ricardo Lago Escobar.

A wide range of issues was discussed, including the Doha Development Agenda negotiations, China's rapid economic development and Hong Kong's role within the burgeoning Pearl River Delta economic caucus.

Mr Tung later hosted a reception for Hong Kong delegates to the APEC CEO Summit and members of the Thailand-HK Business Council.

More sessions on Monday

Tomorrow, Mr Tung will have breakfast with President Hu, during which he will personally convey Hong Kong's pride and happiness over last week's successful manned space flight. He will also update him on the current situation in Hong Kong, and discuss this year's APEC agenda.

Mr Tung will then hold bilateral meetings with Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Singaporean Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong.

He will take part in the first session of the annual Leaders' Retreat, which will deal with future economic and trade issues within APEC, and he will lead discussions on the recommendations of the APEC Business Advisory Council to leaders.

Tomorrow night, Mr Tung and his wife will join other leaders and their spouses for an audience with the Thai king and queen before attending the Leaders' Gala Dinner and cultural performance.