Media Release
FA191 - 20 December 2002
Appointment of APEC Ambassador
The Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Downer and Minister for
Trade Mark Vaile today announced the appointment of Dr Geoff Raby
as Australia's Ambassador for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC),
succeeding Ms Pamela Fayle in the position.
As Ambassador for APEC, Dr Raby will have responsibility for representing
and guiding Australia's interests in APEC forums. APEC is the primary
forum in the region promoting trade and investment liberalisation,
and business facilitation including through practical economic and
technical cooperation. Around 70 per cent of Australia's merchandise
exports are destined for markets in APEC economies.
Dr Raby is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign
Affairs and Trade and was appointed Deputy Secretary in November
2002. Other positions held include First Assistant Secretary, International
Organisations and Legal Division (2001-2002); First Assistant Secretary,
Trade Negotiations Division (1995-98); and Head of the East Asia
Analytical Unit (1991-93). He has also held positions as trade policy
adviser to the Minister for Trade (1993) and in the Office of National
Assessments (1984-86).
Overseas, Dr Raby served as Ambassador and Permanent Representative
to the World Trade Organisation in Geneva (1998-2001), Head of the
Trade Policy Issues Division of the OECD in Paris (1993-95) and Counsellor
(Economic) in Beijing (1988-91).
Educated at La Trobe University, Dr Raby holds a Bachelor of Economics
degree with honours, a Master of Economics degree and is a Doctor
of Philosophy. He is married and has one daughter.
Media inquiries: Chris Kenny (Ministerial) +61 02 6277 7500 / Julie
McDonald (Departmental) +61 02 6261 1555
Local Date:
Thursday, 23-May-2013 14:52:24 EST
