Some 16,000 delegates are expected to make their way to Malaysia to attend these meetings in five cities around Malaysia, and Malaysia’s host year is also particularly significant as this is the second time we are hosting the event since 1998. Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who hosted in 1998, will also host APEC 2020.
He said this in his opening remarks of the three-day ISOM meeting which was held at the Langkawi International Convention Centre. The ISOM started with a Symposium on Priorities for APEC 2020, followed by a series of meetings. “We all can agree that globalisation and the Bogor Goals’ direction for free and open trade and investment in the region, had, to a certain extent, managed to put in motion effective actions to reduce barriers to trade and investment.
APEC 2020 will be guided by the theme,"Optimising Human Potential towards a Future of Shared Prosperity". He added, In view of the impending maturity of the Bogor Goals in 2020, Malaysia has commenced the development process of APEC post-2020 Vision through a dedicated session involving all the Senior Officials. Throughout the host year, Malaysia will be organising special sessions in realising a Vision for APEC post-2020, that is relevant to the current scenario and in tandem with the well-being of APEC citizens.
He remarked that apart from digital disruption, there was growing concern with sustainability related issues including the environment and climate change.