What they say

This meeting will include thorough discussions and agreements are expected to be reached on some key issues and priorities proposed by China, a host again after 13 years. The ongoing meetings will lay the foundation for the leaders summit in the autumn.

China is an important propellant for regional trade and investment liberalization and facilitation and plays a key role in Asia-Pacific economic cooperation. Other APEC economies are willing to strengthen economic ties with China to benefit from its growth and huge market. The meeting is expected to provide support for enhancing cooperation and developing consensus. I hope agreements will be reached on crucial and pragmatic cooperation regarding the new features and characteristics of the Asia-Pacific economic cooperation. I particularly hope ministers will reach agreements on major topics and priorities proposed by China.

I also expect agreements on the feasibility study of the FTAAP roadmap and timetable, building an information communication mechanism regarding regional trade and outlining the priorities of the next generation trade and investment issues.