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ENPASAR: Bali is considered ready to host the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November 2013, as all preparations were already on the right track, a minister confirmed.

Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Mari Elka Pangestu stated on Saturday, after meeting with the island’s tourism stakeholders and Badung Regent Anak Agung Gde Agung in Nusa Dua last Saturday, that some elements had yet to be finished, but, in general, Bali was more than ready to handle this international event.

“The conference will take place in two major venues — the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center [BNDCC] and the Westin Resort’s Bali International Convention Center [BICC],” explained Mari, who is also the coordinator for facilities and infrastructure on the summit’s organizing committee.

“Bali has many experiences in holding international-scale events, including the UN conference and ASEAN summit last year,” added the minister.

Last year, the government was planning to build Bali International Park (BIP) for use as the main venue for the APEC summit. BIP was slated to comprise a state-of-the-art convention and exhibition center, luxurious villas for heads of state, and five-star accommodation for the accompanying delegates. It was also intended to have an international health clinic, art galleries, food courts and arguably the best security on the island. The construction was estimated to cost US$280 million and would have been funded by the private sector. However, the plan was rejected by many environmental activists on the resort island.