BANGKOK, Feb 26 (NNN-TNA) – Senior officials from the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) member economies, concluded a meeting yesterday, after discussing work to reinvigorate regional economic integration, reconnect the region and reassure sustainability for future growth.
During the first APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) in 2022, participants from member economies deliberated on approaches for refreshing the discussions on the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), in the post-pandemic context, the reopening of safe and seamless travel in the region, as well as, exploring the bio-circular-green economy model.
“In past years, member economies have worked hard in moving forward our work on FTAAP. While differences in positions on this issue persist, I believe there are opportunities for cooperation, given the changing landscape and emerging challenges, especially from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Thani Thongphakdi, permanent secretary for foreign affairs of Thailand and APEC 2022 SOM Chair.
“Future-proofing the work on regional economic integration, next-generation issues, such as health, environment, sustainability and digital economy, need to be considered,” Thani told a press conference yesterday.
The participants also reiterated the importance of trade as a path towards economic recovery, emphasising their strong support for the role of the multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organisation at its core.
The first SOM, running from Feb 14 to Feb 25 (yesterday), kicked off Thailand’s APEC 2022 host year, with a theme of “Open. Connect. Balance.” The second SOM is scheduled for May 9-19.– NNN-TNA
