APEC
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
The Telecommunications and Information Working Group (TEL) :
The Telecommunications and Information Working Group (TEL) of APEC aims to improve telecommunications and information infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region by developing and implementing appropriate telecommunications and information policies, including relevant human resource and development cooperation strategies.
This is reflected in the TEL’s expanded vision of promoting the transition from an Asia Pacific Information Infrastructure into the Asia Pacific Information Society.
The TEL’s work contributes to the overall APEC goals of trade facilitation, investment liberalization and economic/technical cooperation. Its priorities are set by both Telecommunications and Information Ministers and Leaders and currently focus on :
- reducing the digital divide;
- next generation networks and technologies;
- e-government;
- mutual recognition arrangements;
- regulatory reform;
- capacity building;
- protecting information and communications infrastructure;
- and cybersecurity.
The TEL’s priorities include - combating SPAM. The TEL is working with other fora on a collaborative basis in this area.
At the 2005 APEC Telecommunications and Information Ministerial Meeting the LIMA DECLARATION was released which included the APEC Principles for Action against Spam.
The 33rd APEC Telecommunications and Information Working Group Meeting was held 23-28 April 2006 in Calgary, Canada. The meeting included a workshop entitled: Symposium on Spam and Related Threats. The agenda, presentations and report on the symposium can be found here.
The Electronic Commerce Steering Group (ECSG)Â :
The Electronic Commerce Steering Group (ECSG) of APEC promotes the development and use of electronic commerce by creating legal, regulatory and policy environments in the APEC region that are predictable, transparent and consistent.
The ECSG provides a coordinating role for APEC e-commerce activities, based on the principles set out in the 1998 APEC Blueprint for Action on Electronic Commerce.
Recent Key Developments
In 2004, the ECSG continued its work on data privacy, consumer protection, cyber-security, paperless trading, trade facilitation and initiatives to counter spam.
