What a heck APEC is?

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a group of Pacific Rim countries who meet with the purpose of improving economic and political ties. It has standing committees on a wide range of issues, from communications to fisheries.
The heads of government of all APEC members (with the exception of Chinese Taipei,) meet annually in a summit called "APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting" rotating in location among APEC's member economies. APEC is famous for its tradition of having attending leaders dress in the national costume of the host nation.


Founding members, November 1989:
Australia
Brunei
Canada
Indonesia
Japan
Malaysia
New Zealand
Philippines
Singapore
South Korea
Thailand
United States
3rd Ministerial Meeting, Seoul, South Korea, November 1991:
People's Republic of China1
Hong Kong, China2
Taiwan (Republic of China)3
1st Summit, Seattle, USA, November 1993:
Mexico
Papua New Guinea
2nd Summit, Bogor, Indonesia, November 1994:
Chile
6th Summit, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia November 1998:
Peru
Russia
Vietnam

APEC Viet Nam 2006

The Viet Nam Year will be held under the theme:
“Towards a Dynamic Community for Sustainable Development and Prosperity”
The theme is supported by the following sub-themes:
Enhance Trade and Investment with the Busan Roadmap and the Doha Development Agenda.
Strengthen Economic and Technical Cooperation for Gap Bridging and Sustainable Development.
Improve Secure and Favourable Business Environment.
Promote Community Linkages.