PECC a unique partnership in Asia-Pacific economies

JAKARTA (JP): The Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC) is a unique partnership of business, government and research representatives from 22 Asia-Pacific economies.

They work on practical government and business policy issues to increase trade, investment and economic development in the region. PECC is a unique non-governmental organization because it brings business, government and research together.

Its agenda is independently set, yet there are direct links with the governments in the region. The most important link with government is through the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. PECC is one of the three observer organizations of APEC.

PECC was formed in 1980 at the initiative of the prime ministers of Japan and Australia. They believed it was necessary to have a regional mechanism for discussion on economic cooperation, which would in turn support the ongoing market integration that was already taking place then.

PECC's informal and tripartite mechanisms and original aspirations remain invaluable. With APEC as a channel for its work, PECC now concentrates more on forward looking policy changes involving key issues, which are not yet on the APEC agenda, and which are best introduced through the interaction of government, business and research.

PECC's membership includes Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, the Philippines, the South Pacific Forum Island Nations, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and the United States. Vietnam joined in 1994 as an associate Member.

The chairman of PECC in 1994-1995 is Li Luye, the chairman of the China National Committee. He is a distinguished diplomat who has served as China's Ambassador to the United Nations.

PECC's substantive work program is carried out by a range of forums, task forces and project groups covering trade policy, Pacific economic outlook, financial and capital markets, human resource development, small and medium enterprises, science and technology, minerals and energy, telecommunications, transportation, tourism, fisheries, food and agriculture.

The PECC International Secretariat is based in Singapore. Further information can be obtained from the office at 4 Nassim Road, Singapore 1025; telephone 65-7379823; facsimile 65-7379824; Email: PECCSEC@p1.apfnet.org.