The APB Symposium will be a two-day series of workshops, November 9-10, held in conjunction with APEC Leaders’ Week. The event is sponsored by the Pacific Basin Economic Council (PBEC), the East-West Center (EWC) and supported by the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). The Symposium will be a gathering of business leaders from around the Asia-Pacific Region, including many attendees of APEC Leaders’ Week, to discuss various topics related to trade, sustainability, and other issues of importance to the region.

East-West Center

The East-West Center is an internationally recognized education and research organization promoting a stable, peaceful and prosperous Asia Pacific community. The East-West Center serves as a hub for cooperative research, education and dialogue on critical issues of common concern to the Asia Pacific region and the United States.

Pacific Basin Economic Council

The Pacific Basin Economic Council has been committed and actively engaged in promoting free trade and investment through open markets leading to regional economic cooperation and development.

APEC Business Advisory Council

The APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) was created by the APEC Economic Leaders in November 1995 to provide advice on the implementation of the Osaka Action Agenda and on other specific business sector priorities, and to respond when the various APEC fora request information about business-related issues or to provide the business perspective on specific areas of cooperation. ABAC comprises of up to three members of the private sector from each economy. ABAC members are appointed by their respective Leaders, and represent a range of business sectors, including small and medium enterprises. The economy determines the term of membership of each appointee as well as its own administrative arrangements and staff support.

Aloha Connects

Aloha Connects is a collaborative project designed to connect Hawai'i businesses with their counterparts in the APEC member economies resulting in increased trade, business expansion, capital investment and job creation.