[asia-apec 1652] Brunei - APEC SOM

[APEC Monitoring Group]

Borneo Bulletin, Brunei

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2000 

  SOM a prelude to Apec Summit
  By Azlan Othman
   



  The informal Senior Officials Meeting, a prelude to the 12th Apec Ministerial Meeting, kicked-off yesterday at the plenary hall of the International Convention Centre, where plans were finalised for a two-day annual Ministerial meeting scheduled on Sunday. 

  Dato Paduka Pehin Lim Jock Seng, who is chairing the senior officials meeting, said "we think this year's Ministerial meeting will be very productive, as we have several deliverables for the Ministers". 

  He declined to give details of the deliverables, saying that "we are only the foot soldiers of Apec. We'll leave any decisions on announcement to the Ministers." 

  The meeting of the foreign ministers and ministers responsible for trade is to be followed by a two-day summit of Apec economic leaders on November 15 and 16. 

  Senior officials are expected to focus on three broad themes; building stronger foundations, creating new opportunities and making Apec matter more. 

  In addition to reports on traditional APEC subjects such as trade and investment liberalisation and facilitation, the officials were set to consider on the new economy, electronic commerce and interaction with the community. 

  Meanwhile. the atmosphere at the International Media Centre is back to its busiest stage as in the case of the last 20th Southeast Asian Games, which attracted 1,500 media people. Hundreds of journalists are already gathered to cover the event, and hundreds more will come in the next few days. 

  Complimentary books, magazines, brochures are distributed free of charge to the press. These include state mufti monetary issue books, Time magazine, Apec folders plus a continuous flow of snacks and drinks. 

  Press kits are also distributed but currently only to the foreign press. In addition, there are 60 computers available for the press. . 

  JTB, DST, Postal service booth, medical centre, bank, airline booth and grocery shop are some of the facilities available at the ICC. 

  Yesterday, some media people already visited the medical centre to seek minor treatment including headaches. Treatment for minor illness is free for all. Specialist consultation and treatment is chargeable for non-Bruneians. For economic leaders and Ministers, the specialist treatment is free. 

  The ICC, the main venue for the Apec summit grew in size over the period of 10 years, from a floor area covering only a few thousand squares metres to the present 40,000 sq. metres, making it one of the largest buildings in the country. 

  The ICC floor area can comfortably accommodate three standard football fields, with room to spare. The largest hall, the plenary hall, can seat 5,000 people. Apec information is continuously available to the press. 

  For those who miss the information, it is available at the Apec's news centre website.