The meeting of APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting officially opened on Friday in Suzhou, in east China’s Jiangsu Province, bringing together regional economies to discuss trade and economic cooperation.
Held under the broader framework of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the two-day gathering aligns with the “China Year” theme: “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together.”
The agenda includes discussions on regional economic integration, support for the World Trade Organization, digital cooperation, and the green economy, along with broader issues of economic governance and emerging areas of collaboration.
Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao said the meeting comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, rising unilateralism, and protectionism, which he warned are putting pressure on global trade systems and economic growth.
He added that China aims to promote openness, connectivity, and mutually beneficial cooperation, stressing that over 35 years of participation in APEC, Beijing has remained a strong supporter of regional economic integration.
Wang said the meeting is expected to help build consensus and deliver practical outcomes ahead of the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, serving as an indicator of future trade and policy directions in the Asia-Pacific region.
China also reiterated its commitment to expanding high-standard opening-up policies and contributing to regional development through its broader economic strategy.
