Accounting for over 60% of global growth, the Asia-Pacific region stands as the world’s most significant economic engine. At this critical juncture, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) continues to play a pivotal role in driving trade and investment liberalization, economic expansion, technological innovation, and the seamless movement of goods and people across the region.
This year marks the third time Peru has hosted the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting under the theme 'Empower, Include, Grow.' Building on the successful gatherings of 2008 and 2016, Peru focuses on strategies to enhance trade and investment for inclusive and interconnected growth, promote innovation and digitalization, and ensure sustainable development. The summit sends a clear message to the international community that APEC members are committed to building a united Asia-Pacific community and advancing regional economic integration.
Home to one-third of the world's population and accounting for nearly half of international trade, the Asia-Pacific region is vital to global prosperity. The Chinese mainland places great emphasis on cooperation within Asia-Pacific as the cornerstone of its development. Despite being across the ocean, Peru remains connected to the Chinese mainland through the Pacific.
At the recent APEC meeting in Lima, President Xi Jinping emphasized APEC's role as a leader in economic cooperation both regionally and globally. He unveiled a series of key initiatives aimed at boosting cooperation in the Asia-Pacific and stimulating the global economy.
Among these initiatives are efforts to promote high-quality development and inclusive growth across Asia-Pacific economies. These include capacity building for green supply chains, fostering dialogue on artificial intelligence, digitalizing food supply chains, increasing residents' incomes, and supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises through industrial cluster development.
Looking ahead, the Chinese mainland is set to host the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in 2026, marking the third time since APEC's inception in 1989. Having previously hosted the meetings in 2001 and 2014, the Chinese mainland’s ongoing role underscores its position as the world's second-largest economy and a key driver of global integration and growth.
Reference(s):
Working together to build an Asia-Pacific community with shared future
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