APEC invites the Asia-Pacific region's photographers to interpret APEC's priorities by submitting their pictures by October 10 for consideration by a panel. The winning shots will be announced in Honolulu in November during the lead-up to the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.

To increase engagement with stakeholders, participants should examine the relationship between trade and investment on the one hand and sustainable growth on the other.

Contestants should submit photos that are inspired by three categories: 1) strengthening regional economic integration and expanding trade; 2) promoting green growth, and 3) advancing regulatory convergence and cooperation. The contest's themes reflect the policy priorities that APEC set for 2011.

"These photographic inputs will help inform the decisions we make as we move the agenda forward," said Ambassador Muhamad Noor, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat.

"We recognize the challenge that we have put before the contestants but we know that the region's innovative spirit will produce photographs that capture a compelling visual narrative."

The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers in all APEC economies. Contestants can submit up to three photos during the submission period which closes on October 10, 2011. Submitted photos must be the photographer's original work. Those who wish to enter the competition simply have to fill in a form and send their entries to contest@apec.org.

Over SGD 5,000 in prizes will be awarded to the winners. Winners will be selected based on the quality of photograph, composition, overall impact, and artistic merit, as well as how well it represents the three themes.

APEC Facebook fans will also have a chance to vote for their favorite photo under the popular choice category. The public voting period begins on October 17 when the finalists' photos will be displayed at www.facebook.com/APECnews. Public voting ends on October 31.The photo with the most votes on APEC Facebook stands to win SGD 1,000.

The three winning entries will be chosen by a panel of international judges including Eric Baradat, AFP Photo Editor-in-Chief (Worldwide); Mladen Antonov, AFP Photo Editor-in-Chief (North America); Palani Mohan, Reportage by Getty Images Photographer; Ambassador Muhamad Noor; and Ambassador Kurt Tong, U.S. APEC Senior Official.

For further contest information and submission details, please refer to the APEC photo competition website (http://www.apec.org/photocontest) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/APECnews)