Inouye opens APEC CEO Summit
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, left and also seen on the TV screen, as he speaks with moderator Michael Oreskes, vice-president and Senior Managing Editor of The Associated Press, Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye delivered opening remarks at today’s start of the APEC CEO Summit, which began this morning at the Sheraton Waikiki hotel.
“Aloha,” he said, welcoming the group of close to 1,000 mostly business leaders from around the world.
Inouye said the “Asia-Pacific era” is now, with diverse, complex and ever-more-interdependent countries and economies represented by the 21 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and its conference being held this week on Oahu.
Hawaii’s senior Senator said he hoped CEO Summit participants will take away a gift found no where else in the world: the gift of aloha.
“To all of you: welcome to Hawaii. E komo mai,” he said.
Inouye’s remarks were part of an opening ceremony that began with two performers blowing conch shells and delivery of a long chant and blessing by a Hawaiian spiritual leader, or kahu. Microsoft Corp.’s chief research and strategy officer Craig Mundie also welcomed participants.
The CEO Summit is two full days of meetings and presentations involving global business leaders. Thirteen leaders from Asia-Pacific countries are also participating.
