On August 20, 2004, the Asian Parliamentary Policy Analysis Network (APPAN) Secretariat headed by its Secretary-General Emmanuel Leyco had a meeting with APPAN's current chair Hon. Jose de Venecia. APPAN is a forum among parliaments in the Asian region where policy issues on development, trade and governance are discussed to orient legislative and oversight action by Parliaments. The meeting was a formalization of the Chairmanship and discussion of future activities. Representatives from the Canadian International Development Research Centre (IDRC) headed by Mr. Steve McGurk and Mr. Evan Due were present to observe the meeting.