1. From May 23 to 25, 2002, the APEC SOM II was held in Merida, Mexico, and was participated by 
representatives of 21 APEC member countries. The Korean delegation to the Meeting was led by Mr. Kim 
Kwang Dong, Deputy Minister for Trade of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and consisted of 
representatives from relevant ministries and institutions.

 
2. At the Meeting the participants discussed e-APEC strategy, implementation of the Shanghai Accord, ways 
to support the WTO Doha Development Agenda (DDA) negotiations, and issues on improving the 
management of APEC.

 
3. In particular, participants agreed upon an action plan for trade facilitation in the Asia-pacific region and 
emphasized the important role senior officials play in accelerating progress in the DDA negotiations. 
Concerns were also expressed over the recent spread of protectionism.

 
4. Furthermore, Deputy-Minister Kim had bilateral consultations with his counterparts from the US, Japan, 
China and Mexico to discuss cooperation within APEC and requested interest and support for projects 
proposed by Korea.

 
5. The Korean delegation explained the progress that has been made in the projects proposed by Korea, 
such as IT capacity building projects for women and the disabled, projects aimed at strengthening social 
networks, and the First APEC Ocean-related Ministerial Meeting. By doing so, the Korean delegation raised 
member countries' interest and support.

 
6. Member countries praised the APEC education foundation as an important tool in carrying out e-APEC 
strategy. They also welcomed the growth of the e-Cyber education consortium, expanded with the 
participation of Indonesia, Taiwan, and Thailand.

 
7. Korea received welcoming responses from the member countries regarding this year's APEC High Level 
Symposium on E-Government, to be held in Seoul from July 2 to 5, and for the International IT Camp for 
Young People with Disabilities, which will also be held in Seoul from August 27 to 30. Furthermore, member 
countries congratulated Korea on the success of the First APEC Ocean-related Ministerial Meeting, held from 
April 25 to 26.

                                                                   Spokesperson of MOFAT

 
* unofficial translation