The 21 APEC member economies will take steps toward enabling more digitally-driven and inclusive trade and growth in 2018.
APEC’s incoming chair of ISOM, Ambassador Ivan Pomaleu, announced that the focus will be on empowering workers and businesses, in all parts of the region, to thrive in an age of digital disruption.
The main policy priorities to be advanced by APEC members next year, under the theme “Harnessing Inclusive Opportunities, Embracing the Digital Future.
Pomaleu said with shifting global dynamics, next generation issues and ongoing challenges, it’s going to be quite interesting to see how these can be considered during a time when APEC looks to renew our vision for economic prosperity in the region.
Meantime, APEC Minister, Justin Tkatchenko, also shared similar sentiments reiterating that Papua New Guinea in 2018 will ensure focus on today’s core economic and social challenges.
APEC’s 2018 priorities that will advance APEC’s ongoing agenda will include:
- Improving Connectivity, and Deepening Regional Economic Integration;
- Promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Growth; and,
- Strengthening Economic Growth through Structural Reform.
Meanwhile, the Trade and sectoral officials will next convene in Port Moresby from 24 February 2018 to proceed with implementation work, culminating with the First APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting in March to decide the way forward.