November 12, 2009 13:14 PM

APEC Finance Ministers Discuss Economic Crisis

SINGAPORE, Nov 12 (Bernama) - The Finance Ministers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation's (Apec) 21 economies on Thursday began their one-day retreat session at the Suntec International Exhibition and Convention Centre here.

Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah is representing Malaysia at the meeting chaired by Singapore's Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

The meeting is expected to discuss issues related to the global economic crisis,trade finance, public-private models for the development of large-scale infrastructure projects and capital market development.

Meanwhile, the Apec Trade and Foreign Ministers continue their final meeting today with a plenary session chaired by Singapore's Foreign Minister George Yeo and Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang.

The meeting is expected to finalise the Joint Ministerial Statement that will endorse, among other things, the initiatives to improve the ease of doing business in the region and simplifying custom procedures and documentation related to Rules of Origin.

The ministers will also be updated on the preparations by Japan on the next Apec meeting to be hosted by it next year.

-- BERNAMA

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