The 2003 CEO Summit of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum opened in Bangkok Sunday morning under the theme of "Purpose-Progress-Prosperity Strengthening APEC for Sustainable Growth."

In his opening address, Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra stressed the importance of sustainable growth of economy.

"Growth, no matter small or big, will benefit all only when it is sustainable," he said.

Chinese President Hu Jintao will give a keynote address at the opening session of the three-day APEC CEO Summit.

Other dignitaries to speak during the meeting include Russian President Vladimir Putin, World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi, Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, Chilean President Ricardo Lagos, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, and US Secretary of State Colin Powell, who will represent US President George W. Bush.

Bush, who arrived here on Saturday to pay a state visit to Thailand, was originally scheduled to attend the CEO Summit, but canceled the plan several days ago.

(Xinhua News Agency October 19, 2003)