The advancements in the field of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have without a doubt shifted the paradigms of how nations relate to each other and their constituencies and citizens. ICTs have made considerable impact on the political, social and economic structures within their respective communities within the last two decades and it is becoming increasingly difficult for government representatives to ignore the importance that ICT has and will play in their respective communities. The new developments taking place within the Asia Pacific region has seen tremendous developments and growth in various areas including health, business and trade, telecommunication infrastructures, education, and even more so in the field of government administration and services rendered to the public.

In view of the ever changing paradigms influencing the mode in which governments develop their policies and interact with their constituencies and citizens, it becomes imperative that initiatives and ICT policies structured and implemented are undertaken strategically within a broader perspective on how best ICT can address the Millennium Development Goals, national needs and strategies, and bridging the digital divide.

Over the past decade the Asia Pacific region, and China in particular, has come to signify explosive growth and innovative business models. This has also generated great opportunities and challenges for the governments within the region to balance political, economic, and social interests. Nowhere in the world have connectivity and competitiveness become more tangible for so many within such a short time-span. As China's importance within Asia-Pacific and the world rises, we believe it is timely to investigate what models and initiatives are evolving and being developed in China and how they compare to those across Asia and the world.

The Summit specifically focused on how information and communication technologies within and across nations and organizations can generate productivity gains and offer competitive advantages to citizen and corporate constituents. Recent developments in the field of ICT require governments to have a deep involvement in the strategic framework, organizational structure and action plans for such endeavours taking place in their nations and constituencies. It is pertinent for policy-makers in Asia Pacific to mobilize stakeholders to support this strategic framework and the implementation of local, national, and regional ICT and e-government initiatives.

This Summit combined keynote speakers from global leaders in e-Government that highlighted similarities and differences in approaches in China, Asia Pacific, and the West. This Summit also acted as a platform and opportunity for policy-makers to discuss and share their knowledge and experience in the various e-Government initiatives in their respective countries. Through presentations, case studies, and discussions with government representatives and international agencies, participants were able to learn lessons from across the region and this will positively assist participants to move quickly from theory to practice and to avoid missteps and mistakes.