28 August, 2007

Australia Post will today release a commemorative stamp to mark the APEC Australia 2007™ Economic Leaders Meeting being held in Sydney next week.

The APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) summit, held over 8–9 September, is the culmination of a series of meetings that have been held around Australia since January 2007. These are the most significant international meetings ever held in Australia.

The stamp design features the APEC logo supported by a half globe, representing the forum’s regional membership, the stars of the Southern Cross and the Federation Star. The Sydney Opera House is represented figuratively by a colourful mosaic design suggesting the tiles of the famous Sydney icon.

Established as an Australian initiative in 1989 with just 12 members, APEC has grown to include 21 member economies which represent over 40% of the world’s population and 48% of world trade. It is one of the most important annual meetings of world leaders, where different areas of interest such as transport, energy, trade, finance, small to medium businesses and health are discussed.

The gathering of APEC leaders from the United States, the People’s Republic of China, Indonesia, the Russian Federation and Japan with other Asia-Pacific partners is the only assembly that brings together a range of developed and developing economies from the Asia-Pacific region to the same table.

“Australia Post is proud to be commemorating this historic gathering of APEC leaders, which is one of the most important events of its kind ever hosted in Australia,” said Mr Noel Leahy, Philatelic Group Manager, Australia Post. “The release of the APEC Australia 2007 commemorative stamp continues Australia Post’s commitment to marking important occasions in Australian history.”
 
The APEC stamp issue product range includes a first day cover, stamp pack and maxicard, which are available now at participating Australia Post outlets or via mail order on 1800 331 794 while stocks last. Overseas customers can purchase online at www.auspost.com.au/stamps

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