US to host Apec trade talks in Montana

THE United States said Friday it would host annual talks among trade ministers of 21 economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in the western state of Montana in May next year.

"Bringing the Apec Trade Ministers to Montana will broaden our horizons both literally and figuratively, giving our partners a fresh perspective on the diverse places from which America's entrepreneurs and exports can spring," said Ron Kirk, the top US trade envoy.

"The American West has always been a place of limitless possibility," he said. Farm-rich Montana is often referred to "Big Sky" country, well known for its mountainous western region, part of the famous Rocky Mountains.

The decision to host Apec in Big Sky "will highlight how important the quickly expanding Asia-Pacific markets are for Montana exporters," said Democratic Senator Max Baucus, who represents the state.

Montana exported nearly US$400 million of merchandise to Asia alone, with exports to the region having grown an explosive 320 per cent since 2001, Baucus said.

The US will take over the chairmanship of Apec in 2011 and also host the annual summit of the forum, that makes up more than half the global economy and some 2.6 billion people including from economies such as China, Canada, Japan, Russia, Chile and Indonesia. Brunei is also a member.

US President Barack Obama's home state of Hawaii will host the 2011 leaders summit.

The 2010 Apec trade ministers meeting this year will be held in Sapporo, Japan in June ahead of a summit in the Yokohama.AFP