Welcome from Australia's Treasurer

Australia is very pleased to host the APEC Ministerial Meeting on Structural Reform on 3-5 August 2008, in Melbourne, Victoria.

This will be the first APEC ministerial meeting wholly dedicated to structural reform, highlighting the emphasis on structural reform in APEC. A greater understanding of the importance of domestic structural reforms in supporting productivity growth and economic prosperity, led to a broadening of the APEC agenda to include structural reform.

The Ministerial Meeting will provide ministers from APEC economies, who have tackled major structural reforms, with the opportunity to share experiences and engage on these important issues.

This is an exciting opportunity for APEC Ministers and Australia is pleased to be able to host such an important meeting.

The Hon Wayne Swan MP
Treasurer of Australia