The Evolution of PECC: The First 25 Years

Sponsored by the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC)

Published by PECC International Secretariat

The Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC) celebrates its 25th anniversary at a time when the political process towards a peaceful and prosperous Pacific economic community, driven mainly by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, is facing many new challenges, having reached critical crossroads. 

Written by people who have been closely involved in the promotion of PECC, this collection of essays chronicles the evolution of thoughts and activities which have been driving this pioneering organization, offering a historical perspective of unique value.

These essays describe the antecedents of PECC, how it has been launched, and how its agenda has been developed, seeking to anticipate as well as respond to new developments, including some setbacks. They also documnet the role that PECC played in the launching of APEC and how the organization has contributed to the development of the APEC process. The book concludes with an assessment of the challenges now facing community-building in the Asia-Pecific region and how PECC might contribut to overcome them. 

Contents:

1. Building Momentum: The Movement Toward Pacific Economic Cooperation Prior to 1980

2. The Birth of PECC: The Canberra Seminar

3. PECC's Formative Years: Institutionalization of a Process

4. Setting the Agenda: Achieving Relevance

5. Back to Canberra: Founding APEC

6. PECC's Intellectual Contribution to APEC: Some Case Studies

7. The Asian Financial Crisis - A Turning Point?

8. Looking Forward: Emerging Challenges

9. PECC, APEC and East Asin Economic Cooperation: Prime Minister Ohira's Legacy and Issues of the 21st Century