WELLINGTON – New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern took over the rotating chairmanship of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) forum today when she joined leaders from the 21 Apec economies virtually for the final 2020 meeting.
Receiving the mantle of Apec chairmanship from her Malaysian counterpart, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Ardern said her country is looking forward to hosting the next virtual Apec next year, reported China’s Xinhua news agency.
Ardern said that delivering an innovative and well-run virtual Apec will demonstrate New Zealand's digital and creative capabilities, along with its commitment to continued and effective diplomacy, which is more important now than ever in a Covid-19 world.
"As chair, New Zealand will build on Malaysia's work and ensure Apec focuses on making a difference for all our people. This will include continuing Apec's critical work in leading a collaborative regional response to the economic impact of Covid-19," she said.
While Apec 2021 is not an in-person meeting, it will be one of the most important international events New Zealand hosts in decades.
"Working together, we will show the value of Apec to New Zealand and the broader region in driving economic recovery and enabling sustainable and inclusive economic growth," said Ardern.
She highlighted the new Vision launched by Apec leaders, which will serve as the group's guiding mandate for the coming decades.
The Vision aspires to "an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040, for the prosperity of all our people and future generations" based on three drivers of growth: Trade and Investment; Innovation and Digitalisation; and, Strong, Balanced, Secure, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth.
It succeeds Apec's 1994 Bogor Goals, which set an ambitious objective of free and open trade in the Asia-Pacific region by 2020.
"New Zealand will have the privilege of leading the development of an action agenda during our host year to achieve this new Vision. This will shape Apec’s work for decades to come," said Ardern.
The first Apec meeting hosted by New Zealand will be the Informal Senior Officials' Meeting from December 9 to 11, followed by the first formal gathering of officials next February. – Bernama, November 21, 2020
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