Traditional costumes add color to APEC

Canadian PM to attend APEC

WELLINGTON -- The issues to be discussed at this month's Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Meeting in Beijing are well aligned with New Zealand's own priorities, Prime Minister John Key, who will attend the meeting, said Monday.

"This year's APEC is focusing of advancing regional economic cooperation and promoting innovative development, economic reform and growth, which fit well with New Zealand's own economic priorities," Key said in a statement.

Key will be one of 21 political leaders attending this year's APEC meeting, which is being hosted by China, on Nov. 10 and 11.

Key will also hold bilateral meetings with other political leaders and speak at the parallel APEC CEO Summit on "Securing the Future of Global Finance."

Key will then visit the city of Chengdu, in south China, to open a new New Zealand Consulate before flying to Nay Pyi Taw, the capital of Myanmar, to attend the East Asia Summit (EAS) meeting on Nov. 13 and 14.

"The EAS gives New Zealand a voice at the table, alongside major countries in the Asia-Pacific region, to discuss key issues that affect our security and prosperity," said Key.

"Our largest trading partners will be at these summits, so it's a great opportunity to promote New Zealand as a good place to do business and invest in. Around 44 percent of global trade now takes place among APEC economies and 74 percent of New Zealand's total goods exports by value is with APEC economies."

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully and Trade Minister Tim Groser will also travel to Beijing to attend ministerial meetings as part of the APEC Leaders week.