State tourism liaison Marsha Wienert is among the government and private sector panelists who will discuss the state's economy next week at a round table discussion hosted by the Hong Kong Business Association of Hawaii.

Panelists will share their thoughts, strategies and plans of how to do business in this tough economic time. Joining Wienert will be Cleota Brown, head of operation for ING Direct Hawaii; Gerald N. Whitehead, chairman of Tower Engineering Hawaii; Gerald A. Sumida, a partner in Carlsmith Ball LLP; and Steve Craven, HKBA past chairman who will serve as moderator.

The event is set for Jan. 14 in Waikiki at the ING Direct Cafe, Alii room. Registration starts at 7:45 a.m., with the discussion following from to 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. The deadline to RSVP is Jan. 11, or until all seats are filled. Call Barinna Poon at 383-5008 or e-mal her at info@hkbah.org for more information.