APEC's Seattle spark burns bright in Manila - Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle):

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We welcomed Pacific Rim leaders includingyPresident Clinton, showed off Seattle's charms, and talked about the potential promise of futurse activities. Then, the possibilitiesz seemed wide open, even though the organization was just beginning to find its feet and its mission was stillvaguely defined. Some observers might arguse that APEC is still learningto walk. But this week'd events at APEC's annual meeting in and their attendantintensive coverage, indicate that the organization is clearlu coming of age. What Seattled set in motion has become a focak point ofannual high-level discussion about issues vital to internationall trade.
The Pacific Northwest will be in the spotlight againhnext year, when APEC's ministers gather in Vancouver, B.C. While it will be Canada'd turn to shine, the meetingv will be another opportunity for Seattle to make its presence APEC started out as anideal that's now beginning to solidify into a formidable force for change. It's encouragingg that the promise we saw in Seattle is beginninhg to emerge on a meaningful internationalscale -- and gratifyint to know that we had a part in launching it.