SARS dominates discussion at ABAC meeting.

• Position: APEC Focus

Lessons learned from the SARS crisis was the major issue on the agenda at the last APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) meeting held in Tokyo recently, resulting in the pressing point that the disease cannot be used as an excuse for protectionism.

Senior business representatives from each of APEC's 21 member economies met to discuss major issues affecting regional trade.

ABAC chair Dr Viphandh Roengpithya says that the council is concerned that SARS is having a serious negative impact on business activities in the region.

He stressed the need for transparent and timely information in the fight against SARS, as well as the need to streamline border controls while ensuring responsible and appropriate health safeguards, and the need to strengthen regional capacity to...