Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Quoc Khanh attend the 31st APEC Ministerial Meeting via video conference on November 16. (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)’s Business AdvisoryCouncil (ABAC) has recommended APEC economies to unite and build a revitalised Asia-Pacific economic community.
In a statement followinga virtual meeting on November 17 ahead of the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting, ABACsaid prioritisation ofintegration and trade friendly policies, innovation and inclusion are includedin this year's report to APEC Economic Leaders.
These areunprecedented times, demanding bold responses. The world faces the greatesthealth and economic crisis of a hundred years, said Chair of ABAC RohanaMahmood.
"We want aregion that responds collectively to shared challenges. A region that valuesthe connections between us – including free and open trade and investment, anda dynamic digital economy. Neighbors who help each other in times of need,respect each other's differences, and remain committed to greater inclusion andequity," she added.
Rohana also saidthese elements would go to building greater resilience, especially as theregion faced not only the risk of future health crises, but also acceleratingclimate change.
"There is anurgent need to reverse the dramatic decline in the health of our planet andembrace the transition to a low-carbon economy," she said.
APEC is aregional economic forum established in 1989 to leverage the growinginterdependence of the Asia-Pacific. APEC's 21 members aim to create greaterprosperity for the people of the region by promoting balanced, inclusive,sustainable, innovative and secure growth and by accelerating regional economicintegration./.
VNA
