Brisbane to host 2011 Asia-Pacific cities summit

MELBOURNE, March 11 (Bernama) -- Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani and
Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson will headline 2011 Asia-Pacific Cities Summit
in Brisbane in July.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said Friday the summit would look at
issues of economic development, sustainability, planning and investment.

"With Sir Richard Branson and Mayor Rudy Giuliani as keynote speakers, the
summit will be a business event of global importance," said Newman in a
statement.

Newman said more than 1,500 delegates from more than 100 cities would attend
the summit to be held from July 6 to 8.

"There is no doubt the summit will provide a massive economic shot in the
arm for south-east Queensland following the floods and will be an opportunity to
exchange ideas, share information, and do business," Newman said.

The summit is a Brisbane City Council initiative designed to drive economic
growth and provide a springboard for local businesses to enter the rapidly-
growing Asia-Pacific market.

The Queensland State Government will chip in more than A$300,000 to sponsor
the summit, with the Brisbane Council spending up to A$450,000 on the A$1.8
million event.