APEC Officials Begin Globalization Reset in Nha Trang
Trade and sectoral officials from the 21 APEC member economies are convening in the bustling coastal town of Nha Trang to lay the groundwork for a refashioning of globalization in the Asia-Pacific. The goal is to establish policy conditions that enable more equitable trade and growth across the region.
Over the next 10 days, officials, guided by APEC 2017 Chair Viet Nam, will develop new actions to open up economic opportunities and better position people and businesses to take advantage in a world of increasing automation, competition and market change—ranging from shifts in consumption patterns to evolving skills and labor force needs.
The proceedings will culminate with the first meeting of APEC Senior Officials in 2017 on 2-3 March to decide the next steps for building inclusive economies; regional economic integration and connectivity; small business participation in trade; and food security and sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change. They will consider recommendations from the year’s first APEC Business Advisory Council meeting underway concurrently this week in Bangkok.
Officials will seek common ground in addressing rising anti-globalization, protectionism and trade restrictive measures, bilateral and multilateral trade agreements, and other mechanisms for achieving fairer trade and growth.
Boosting labor and social protection, startup growth, job creating services sector development and trade opportunities for farmers is a particular focus. Improving access and use of the internet and digital innovation to help small businesses tap into cross-border production and supply chains is another.
Press-release at the official APEC web-site