A 10,000-square meter International Media Center, one of the largest ever built in the southern hemisphere, was officially opened today at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Center for the APEC Leaders Week to run from Sept 2-9.

More than 1,500 international and domestic media persons are expected to cover the events of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Sydney this week, and some 1,100 media accreditation passes have already been collected, said a press release from the APEC 2007 taskforce.

The media center comprises an International Broadcast Center and Main Press Center over two halls, including a press conference room with 260 seats, a main press working area for 300 media persons, briefing rooms for 85, as well as interview rooms and private offices hired by media organizations.

APEC in Sydney, the most significant diplomatic event Australia has ever hosted, will attract intense media interest in Australia and throughout the Asia-Pacific region, said Commonwealth APEC Spokesperson Anne Fulwood.

"Comprehensive arrangements have been put in place to provide the best possible coverage of the event," she said.

Major events to be staged during the APEC Leaders Week include the Concluding Senior Officials Meeting on Sept 2-3, APEC Ministerial Meeting on Sept 5-6, APEC Australia 2007 Business Summit on Sept 6-7, and the highlight, the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting, on Sept 8-9.

APEC is the premier forum for facilitating economic growth, cooperation, trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region. Since its birth in 1989 it has grown to encompass 21 members spanning four continents, and represents the most economically dynamic region in the world, accounting for approximately 40 percent of the world's population, 56 percent of world GDP and 48 percent of world trade.