China pushes for realisation of APEC free trade area
China is pushing for an agreement on the implementation of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) during this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum to enhance regional economic cooperation amid increasing global trade uncertainty.
Support for the free trade area also came from business representatives who urged APEC members to draw up concrete actions to realise regional economic cooperation that can reduce barriers and make it easier for companies to operate across borders.
“We have heard calls from the private sector to strengthen economic openness,” said Chair of the APEC 2026 Senior Officials’ Meeting Chen Xu at the forum held in Dalian, China, according to an official release received in Jakarta on Friday.
“This includes accelerating early achievements towards the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, strengthening regional connectivity, and enhancing closer cooperation between the public and private sectors,” he continued.
At the forum, the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) recommended accelerating the digitalisation of cross-border trade and interoperability, strengthening supply chain cooperation, and improving access to digital infrastructure.
In addition to discussing these recommendations, delegates also conducted the first five-year review of the Aotearoa Plan of Action, which serves as a guide for implementing the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040.
The review aims to formulate better collective steps for APEC members in facing developments in AI, demographic changes, energy transition, and cyber security, while continuing to strengthen supply chain resilience, digital trade, connectivity, and capacity building.
Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat Eduardo Pedrosa urged that the next phase of cooperation focus on creating tangible economic impact.
He expressed hope that the outcomes of the Dalian meeting could be realised concretely so that the Asia-Pacific region can grow more competitive, resilient, and ready to face future challenges.
“APEC is at its best when cooperation produces real improvements in how our members connect, trade, and respond to change,” Eduardo said.