The APEC timetable

It is heartening to note that APEC member countries have generally geared up to move one step forward at liberalizing trade between themselves.

At the third summit in Osaka later this year, the 18-country organization is expected to make the first decisions on preferential trading, investment regulations and a number of other matters.

Member countries must renew their commitment towards the 2010 and 2020 targets. Economic linkages in the Americas and Europe have made it more urgent for Asia-Pacific countries to speed up efforts to liberalize trade in the region.

What needs to be done now is for members to resolve their differences over the manner trade liberalization will be carried out.

-- Berita Harian, Singapore