Formed in 1989, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is the only inter-governmental grouping in the world operating on the basis of non-binding commitments, open dialogue and equal respect for the views of all participants. Each year, the APEC meetings bring together 21 economies from the Asia-Pacific region and member economies take turns to host the meetings. This year also marks APEC's 20th anniversary as an inter-governmental grouping since its formation.

Singapore is proud to host the APEC meetings for 2009. With more than 15,000 participants in Singapore during the year-long event and up to 1,500 local and international media during the APEC Leaders' Week from 8 to 15 Nov itself, it is a golden opportunity for Singapore to play host to our foreign guests, and to showcase what Singapore has to offer - not just in terms of being an attractive business venue, but also to promote Singapore as an exciting place to work, live and play, with our vibrant multicultural heritage, efficient infrastructure, and thriving entertainment scene.

Acknowledgement: Special thanks to the following for the assistance rendered in the research of this stamp issue as well as image / photos providence: Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA), Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, PSA Singapore, Singapore Tourism Board (courtesy of Mr Chew Chin Hong)