Most Waitakere City residents will be aware that many world leaders are coming to Auckland for an Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) meeting this year.

The leaders’ meeting in Auckland this September will be the largest meeting of its type ever held in New Zealand. It will bring around 7000 delegates and media to the city. Leaders from APEC’s 21 member economies are expected to attend.

Waitakere City will have a part to play in APEC 99. The Task Force plans a visit to Arataki National Park for the spouses travelling with leaders and ministers in Auckland.

Most coming to the leaders’ meeting will be here for a short period of time and on reasonably tight schedules. The park is an ideal place to visit, showcasing the lush, green landscape Waitakere is so well known for.

Waitakere City has a strong business sector and many of its exporters stand to benefit from the trade facilitation work, designed to remove ‘red tape’. The red tape in the region adds costs and inhibits any businesses from moving into regional markets. Removing these barriers makes it easier to trade, boosting the potential to sell more products and employ more staff.

APEC 99 is a one-off chance to show the best Waitakere City has to offer.

Note: Waitakere City residents wanting further information about APEC should pick up an information leaflet from their local library.

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