HONG KONG – Ministers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) grouping yesterday agreed to improve efforts to expedite the trade of Covid-19 vaccines and medical materials across the region.
The June 4 and 5 meeting of trade officials, chaired by New Zealand Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor, was held online due to the pandemic.
In a joint statement, the Apec ministers said they agreed on “the essential role of trade in tackling the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and in enabling a strong economic recovery”.
The statement said they agreed to make sure “the trading environment supports the safe and efficient distribution of Covid-19 vaccines” and related goods.
“In particular, we highlight the integral role that freight and logistics suppliers can play in the production, distribution and sale of vaccines and medical supplies.”
Apec brings together 21 Pacific Rim countries and accounts for about 60% of global gross domestic product.
The trade ministers said they will meet again for an update in November. – AFP, June 6, 2021
