Present at the workshop were chairman of the APEC Health task Force, Bersabel Ephrem, representatives from APEC member economies and relevant international organisations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The two-day workshop aims to review all individual work and joint efforts made by APEC member economies and identify capacity building for APEC’s future work.

Speaking at the opening workshop, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Cong Phung said avian and influenza pandemics remain one of the major threats to the socio-economic stability and growth of the region and the world. APEC member economies have taken constant effort to deal with the spread of infectious diseases in recent years and Vietnam has actively contributed to the process. However, in addition to their careful preparations, they should be aware of the importance of international co-operation in responding to these threats.

Mr Phung said the workshop will provide a good opportunity for APEC member economies to share experience and join efforts in identifying priority areas and future capacity building activities to ensure the effective and successful implementation of the Action Plan.