WELLINGTON, June 5 — Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation trade ministers joined the Asia-Pacific business leaders yesterday to hear from the private sector their views toward the forum’s focus on regional economic integration, trade implications resulting from the economic response to Covid-19 and how economies can be made more resilient to future shocks.
The dialogue was held on the eve of the 2021 Apec Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting, aimed to advance practical ideas in managing the unprecedented health and economic crisis that will boost economic activity and help businesses in the region. The business council’s theme for the year is People, Place and Prosperity, putting emphasis on inclusion for all of the people in the region, safeguarding the planet and achieving a prosperous region by building a seamless Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific . Taulelei emphasised that FTAAP must continue to be at the heart of the Apec vision for a more seamless, dynamic and resilient region.
The group also deliberated on the economic response to Covid-19, particularly on maintaining open supply chains and keeping the free flow of essential goods and vaccines, as well as what trade facilitation and digital trade facilitation can do to boost recovery.