Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Reuters NewMedia - November 21, 2004
Jason Webb

The leaders of 21 Pacific Rim states from China to Canada, gathered in Chile, said they would try to push forward with ambitious free trade talks that began in Doha in 2001 but broke down two years later in a dispute over farm subsidies.

Summit security squabbles between the United States and the Chilean hosts left a bad taste at the end of a meeting in which the greatest excitement was generated by an aggressive drive by China to boost trade links with commodity-rich Pacific states.

Bush looked to the event to improve ties with Latin America after his first term was consumed by the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks and Iraq war. In a meeting on the sidelines, Bush promised Mexico's Vicente Fox to pursue a U.S. temporary guest worker program that has met congressional opposition.

The two joined the other 19 leaders to pose for pictures with brightly colored ponchos draped over their suits. An appearance in local costume is an APEC tradition.

"We welcomed the new momentum acquired by the Doha Development Agenda negotiations," the APEC leaders said in a final communique. "We pledged to provide leadership to continuing this momentum."

The final declaration also called for "substantially greater market access and fewer distortions" in agriculture, which is heavily subsidized in industrial nations such as those of the European Union, Japan and the United States.

Leaders also promised to consider standardizing bilateral free-trade pacts proliferating across the world's most economically dynamic region. They pledged cooperation to fight terrorism and corruption.

BUSH WADES INTO SCUFFLE

But the summit was not trouble-free, as Bush was forced to wade into scuffling Chilean security officers who tried to prevent one of his bodyguards from entering a dinner on Saturday -- an apparent dispute over a limit on the number of people attending.

Local media also said the Chilean government scaled down another banquet because it objected to U.S. Secret Service plans to screen guests with metal detectors.

A White House spokesman said the event had been changed to an official working dinner. Invitations to more than 200 local businessmen and other dignitaries were rescinded.

The sagging dollar and U.S. trade and budget deficits, together with the issues of North Korea and AIDS, were discussed during the summit.

But the biggest interest among business leaders was generated by China.

Seeking to lock in supplies for its booming economy, China last week launched trade talks with the world's largest copper exporter, Chile, and discussed big deals with agriculture powerhouses Brazil and Argentina.

Bush said he welcomed China's increasing trade with a region that has long looked principally to the United States or Europe.

"I think it's helpful for there to be universal prosperity. China represents great opportunities for Chile and the United States, and we look forward to working with China," Bush told a joint news conference with host President Ricardo Lagos.

Referring to a question about the war in Iraq, which Chile opposed in the United Nations Security Council and was unpopular in Latin America, Bush said: "President Lagos didn't agree with my decision and I respect that. He's still my friend."

He said whether people agree with him or not, they should agree the world is better off without Saddam Hussein in power and it is important to succeed in Iraq and develop democracy there.

Next year's APEC summit will be held in South Korea, which wants the group to achieve free trade among members by 2020, Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon told Reuters.

"When we hold this APEC leaders meeting in 2005, Korea will place more emphasis so that APEC can give much bigger and stronger impetus" to key World Trade Organization talks to be held in Hong Kong in December 2005, Ban said. (Additional reporting by Steve Holland, David Morgan, Fiona Ortiz and Paul Eckert)

041121
RE041142

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2004. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2004. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .