Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa arrives in Santiago today to attend the 12th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.  He is greeted by Chinese Ambassador Li Changhua.

Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa arrived in Santiago, Chile today to attend the 12th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting to be held on November 20 and 21.

Mr Tung said the meeting provided a platform to discuss issues vital to the future development of the Asia-Pacific region.

"We will discuss a wide range of subjects including economic issues, the Doha Round of WTO negotiations, oil prices, counter-terrorism, trade security and the control of infectious diseases," he said.

"These issues affect every part of the world. As a member of the global village, Hong Kong must work closely and actively with other trading partners to overcome the challenges brought about by these issues."

Hong Kong will play host to the World Trade Organisation Sixth Ministerial Conference in December 2005.

"I will take this opportunity to invite all APEC member economies to attend this important event and to see for themselves the most recent developments in the territory," Mr Tung said.

During his stay in Santiago, Mr Tung will meet President Hu Jintao and the President of Chile, Mr Ricardo Lagos. He will also attend the APEC CEO Summit, and hold meetings with the American Chief Executive Officers and the Hong Kong delegates attending the Summit.