By Robin Chan

SUPPORTING growth and integration while battling the economic crisis is the challenge Singapore has laid down for its fellow Apec members this year.

Key talks will be held in November and hosted by Singapore for the first time, drawing leaders from 21 economies around the region, including incoming United States president Barack Obama and Chinese Premier Hu Jintao.

As this year's chairman and host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec), Singapore gets to nominate the central subject for what are sure to be crucial discussions given the severe economic situation.

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