The State Policy Network is sponsoring the 2007 Pacific Rim Policy Conference, Wed. May 23 - Thurs May 24 in Honolulu, including panels on both intellectual property and global capital, and an address by financial guru John Rutledge.

From the program:

8:15 am Intellectual Property - Intellectual property, in a variety of forms, continues to face challenges and criticisms around the globe. From questions of copyright piracy in Asia to challenges of compulsory licensing of pharmaceutical products in Brazil, policy makers and global leaders continue to debate the role of government in defending private property in a market-based economy. Our panelists will discuss to what extent government can AND should protect intellectual property in a free market system.

Moderator: Scott LaGanga, Property Rights Alliance (United States)
• Panelist invitation pending (United States)
• Yasutoshi Magara, Asian Forum Japan (Japan)
• Barun Mitra, Managing Trustee, Liberty Institute (India)
• David Farrar, Kiwiblog.co.nz (New Zealand)

9:30 am Break

9:45 am Global Capital - Capitalists argue that the free movement of capital around the globe fosters job growth and economic prosperity for countries, companies and individuals. Yet, barriers still exist which often inhibit this free flow of goods and services in the global arena. Panelists will discuss these obstacles, ranging from tariffs and international tax regimes to trade and labor migration. What effect does each have on the global economy and the future of capital markets?

Honolulu/Kahuku Room

Moderator: Sally Pipes, Pacific Research Institute (United States)
• Andrew Work, Executive Director, The Lion Rock Institute (Hong Kong)
• Martin Krause, ESEADE (Argentina)
• Bill Stacey, Vice President, Equities, Credit Suisse (Hong Kong)
• Wayne Mapp, Member of New Zealand Parliament (New Zealand)