The promotion of economic cooperation, sustainable and inclusive trade and investment, as well as digitalization and innovation were the central themes of the 35th APEC Foreign and Trade Ministers’ Meeting, which took place within the framework of Economic Leaders’ Week. This meeting, considered a prelude to the forum’s Economic Leaders’ Meetings, reflects the achievements reached during the APEC PERU 2024 process.

The ministers of the APEC economies ratified their commitment to the Putrajaya Vision 2040, for the construction of an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community with a view to that year. Likewise, the importance of innovation and digitalization for the transition to the formal and global economy through dialogue and cooperation between the public and private sectors was highlighted.

They also highlighted the need to join forces in order to generate instruments and initiatives so that populations, especially the most vulnerable, achieve development and prosperity.

Other topics addressed during the ministerial meeting were the facilitation of trade and investments, the use of low-carbon hydrogen and other clean energy sources, mining, food security, sustainable tourism, inclusive health, SMEs as the engine of the economy, and the inclusion of people with disabilities, among others.

The Joint Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Elmer Schialer, and the Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Desilú León.