During the first session of the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting, Xi emphasized that, since its founding more than three decades ago, this mechanism has propelled the region’s rise to become the most dynamic area of the global economy.

The president proposed five lines of action to strengthen regional cooperation.

First, he underscored the need to safeguard the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core, and update international rules to protect the rights of developing countries.

Secondly, he called for building an open economic environment through the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment, and advancing regional integration through mechanisms such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Thirdly, he urged maintaining stable industrial and supply chains, strengthening ties between countries, and promoting physical, institutional, and people-to-people connectivity within the framework of the 10th anniversary of the APEC Connectivity Blueprint.

The fourth point addressed promoting the digital and green transformation of trade through cooperation in digital technologies, smart customs, clean energy, and sustainable supply chains.

Finally, Xi advocated for an inclusive and mutually beneficial development based on cooperation with developing countries and the advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which, he said, will contribute to shared prosperity.

APEC brings together leaders from 21 economies representing approximately 60 percent of global GDP and seeks to promote sustainable growth and economic integration in the region.

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