SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the meetings by the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) have been productive.

He congratulated the council on a job well done during a tea reception for the group at the Istana on Saturday.

Mr Lee said: "Mr Robert Zoellick, the president of the World Bank, who was here for your discussions told me he was impressed with what he heard was discussed at APEC and ABAC because the forums were not distracted by debate on populist or inconsequential issues.

"Instead the participants looked to the future and focused on policies to create sustained growth. He was cheered by our progressive outlook and indeed we have reason to be confident we are on the right path."

- CNA/ir