(2009-0013-F) Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2000

The materials in FOIA 2009-0013-F are a selective body of documents responsive to the topic of the FOIA. Researchers should consult the archivist about related materials. The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) was established in 1989 to promote economic integration around the Pacific Rim to help sustain economic growth through cooperation among the member economies. The dynamic of APEC changed in 1993 when President Clinton invited the leaders of member economies to Blake Island, Washington, instituting what was to become the annual Leaders’ Meeting. For APEC 2000, held in Brunei, the focus was on the application of information technology to business and government to promote economic growth and job creation. Other stated goals for the meeting were to continue progress towards a new round of the World Trade Organization (WTO) trade talks, and to improve communities in terms of environmental issues, worker safety, child labor, and job training. Extensive preparations go into any meeting involving the heads of states and the APEC 2000 Leaders Meeting was no exception. White House Staff and Office Files records from the Council of Economic Advisers contain background concerning negotiations that took place directly following APEC 2000. From the National Economic Council the records discuss negotiations and meetings concerning trade with Singapore prior to APEC 2000. Records from the National Security Council (NSC) Press Office outline some of the logistics involved, provide a list of scheduled events, and define the overall agenda of the meeting. These files also contain numerous press releases made during APEC 2000. Records from the NSC’s Office of International Economic Affairs contain reports and correspondence which provide background information in terms of defining issues and updating the President and members of White House staff on the status of ongoing negotiations within APEC and the path of the organization, as established during previous meetings of senior officials. Documents from NSC Records Management which were considered responsive to this FOIA were found in a briefing book, referred to as a “trip book.” However, most of these documents have been closed for national security reasons. Records from the Automated Records Management System [Email] contained correspondence concerning the lead up to APEC 2000 and press releases which occurred during the meeting. Most pertinent to this FOIA is an email, which pre-dates APEC 2000, concerning the bills introduced in Congress to initiate formal free trade agreement consultations with Singapore. Records from NSC Cables and NSC Emails, considered responsive to this FOIA, include correspondence concerning the ground work by senior officials in developing an agenda and setting goals for APEC 2000. The scope of information ranges from broad background information concerning APEC to more narrowly focused discussion of Singapore and its economic interaction with the U.S. and other APEC members. The Joint Statement by President Clinton and Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong on a United States - Singapore Free Trade Agreement was made November 16, 2000. The actual agreement was signed by President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Goh on May 6, 2003, ratified by the House of Representatives on June 24, 2003 and put in force January 1, 2004.