Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa will depart for Bangkok on October 18 to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum's 11th Economic Leaders Meeting.

The meeting's two main themes are "Partnership for the Future" and "Counter-Terrorism".

On October 20 and 21, leaders will exchange views on a range of topics, including APEC's economic outlook and further cooperation to promote trade and investment liberalisation in the region. In particular, they will give a strong political push to the WTO Doha Development Agenda negotiations.

Chief executive to lead business discussions

Mr Tung will lead discussions at the first session of the leaders' retreat on October 20 regarding the APEC Business Advisory Council's recommendations on ways to improve intra-APEC business cooperation and facilitation.

In the evening, Mr Tung will attend a gala dinner and cultural performance hosted by Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Mr Tung will also hold bilateral meetings with other economic leaders to exchange views on trade matters and issues of common interest.

Hong Kong delegation members

The Hong Kong delegation will include Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang; Director-General of Trade & Industry Kevin Ho; Deputy Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority Norman Chan; and Government Economist KY Tang.

Mr Tung's wife Betty and his private secretary Robin Ip will accompany him, along with the his Office Director WK Lam and Director of Information Services Yvonne Choi.

During Mr Tung's absence, Chief Secretary Donald Tsang will be the Acting Chief Executive.