Beijing, May 23: The APEC Trade Ministers Meeting for the year 2026 commenced on Friday in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. This marks the third time that China has hosted the APEC summit.
The current meeting focuses on the establishment of a free trade area in the Asia-Pacific, the protection of multilateral trade systems, digital cooperation, and the green economy. It aims to enhance collaboration in four main areas.
In recent years, APEC has engaged in extensive practical cooperation in digital sectors such as paperless trade, cross-border e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and smart customs. The Asia-Pacific Model Electronic Port Network, initiated by China, has become a crucial platform for digital collaboration in regional trade.
Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao stated that over the past 35 years, China has been a steadfast supporter and significant contributor to APEC. China actively promotes and leads economic and trade cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
In 2025, China became the largest trading partner among APEC’s 13 economies. Trade with APEC economies reached $3.7 trillion, accounting for 57.8% of China’s total foreign trade.
Facing similar challenges, China will continue to act as a responsible major country, providing new opportunities for the Asia-Pacific and the world through reforms and increased openness.
(Source: China Media Group, Beijing)
Leave a Comment