APEC leaders to appoint first fixed-term executive director of Secretariat

SINGAPORE, Nov. 15 — Leaders of the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum said on Sunday that they will appoint a first fixed-term executive director of the group's Secretariat to strengthen its capacity to meet growing demands of member economies and other key stakeholders.

The position of the executive director of the APEC Secretariat was previously taken by people from the rotating Chair member and was changed on a yearly basis.

Malaysia's Muhamad Noor Yacob, 57, is expected to serve as the first fixed-term executive director, the Secretariat said Sunday. His term starts on Jan. 1, 2010 and will last for three years.

The U.S.-trained Yacob previously served as Malaysia's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO). He was elected Chairman of the General Council of the WTO on February 7, 2007.

"A revitalized APEC is crucial to meet the challenges of sustaining recovery and to deal with the region's 21st century economic challenges," said the APEC leaders' declaration, issued before the group's annual summit ended here on Sunday. "The appointment of the Secretariat's first Executive Director for a fixed term is an important first step to strengthen the capacity of the APEC Secretariat to meet the growing demands of member economies and other key stakeholders." (PNA/Xinhua) scs/rsm

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