APEC To Launch Handbook For Investment Negotiators

Jakarta, Jan 31 (ANTARA) - The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) will soon launch a handbook for investment negotiators, which is expected to help officials in the region negotiate bilateral and multilateral investment agreements, according to an official. "The book can assist negotiators in handling potential investment agreements with officials from other countries. It contains information about the protection, promotion and liberalization of investment policies in 21 APEC economies," Director for Regional Cooperation from Indonesia`s Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Rizar Indomo Nazaroedindi said here on Thursday. Speaking after attending the Investment Experts` Group (IEG) meeting of APEC held in Jakarta on Thursday, Rizar said the �content of the handbook is based on research conducted by officials from APEC members and private consultants�. Indonesia is hosting the APEC meeting for the second time since the inception of the organisation. In 1994, Indonesia hosted the APEC Summit in Bogor, West Java. In 2013, the APEC meeting will focus on the expansion of trade and investment, as well as on structural reforms. As part of APEC�s efforts to achieve sustainable growth with equity in the region, the meeting will also focus on financial inclusion, food security and health. It will also discuss ways to improve the global competitiveness of SMEs. In order to improve regional connectivity, APEC will focus on physical connectivity (by increasing investment in infrastructure development), maritime connectivity (blue economy), institutional connectivity and people-to-people connectivity. Established in 1989, APEC is an economic cooperation forum for 21 Pacific Rim countries: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.