WASHINGTON, DC -- 14 January 2003 -- New policies and tools to promote secure trade and transportation among APEC member economies will be the focus of a U.S.-Thailand sponsored conference, February 23-25, in Bangkok.

Public and private sector leaders from throughout the region will meet and discuss ways to improve security and efficiency at seaports, airports and other access points. The conference will focus on actions to achieve goals identified in the Secure Trade in the APEC Region (STAR) Initiative, launched by APEC leaders at their October summit in Los Cabos, Mexico.

The goals include accelerating efforts to screen people and cargo for security before transit; increasing security on ships and airplanes while en route; securing private company supply chains; and enhancing security in airports and seaports. APEC member economies account for 21 of the world's top container seaports and 23 of its busiest airports.

Conference participants will also learn about new technologies available to assist them in their efforts. Makers of port and airport security systems, baggage and passenger screening systems, supply chain management systems, scanners, trace detection equipment and other security related hardware and software from the U.S. and other APEC nations will participate in the conference and have opportunities to discuss their products with official delegates in pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings.

The conference is being organized by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency for officials from APEC member economies responsible for security aspects of transportation, trade, customs and related functions.

Representatives of international lending institutions including the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the U.S. Export-Import Bank will also be on hand to discuss financial assistance available for enhanced security technologies.

For registration or information visit the conference web site, www.trademeetings.com, or contact Dan Lamey at telephone 1-866-636-4729. Email: STAR@mfmgroup.com.