SINGAPORE - Leaders from 21 Asia-Pacific economies on Friday vowed to redouble efforts to free up trade across the Pacific Ocean.
"In this regard, we reaffirm our support for agreed-upon rules of the World Trade Organisation in promoting the stability and predictability of international trade flows," they added. He added that China will favourably consider joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership - days after Beijing joined all 10 Asean members, Australia, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand in inking the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership mega trade pact.
It was the second time that Trump, who is contesting his election loss to Democrat Joe Biden, attended an Apec meet. He was at its 2017 summit in Danang, Vietnam. On Friday, the leaders also outlined a vision for the next 20 years of an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful region anchored on three economic drivers: trade and investment; innovation and digitalisation; and strong, balanced, secure, sustainable and inclusive growth.