APEC 2019 to prioritise digital economy, connectivity, roles for women

The digital economy and services, regional connectivity, and growth in women’s roles will be the priority topics in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in Chile in 2019.
Hanoi (VNA) – The digital economy andservices, regional connectivity, and growth in women’s roles will be thepriority topics in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings inChile in 2019.

Rodrigo Yanez, General Director of InternationalEconomic Relations at Chile's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a pressmeeting on July 11 that the country, as the APEC host, has "a greatopportunity to lead and set the regional agenda in terms of a smoother flow forcommerce."

The agenda allows them to define the substantiveareas of work in accordance with Chile’s commercial policy strategy, especiallyin relation to its priorities in terms of economic possibilities andsustainable growth, he said.

He added that the digital economy andservices will be focused on finding the best regulatory practices. This ismeant to encourage capacity for an inclusive digital economy, to improvestatistical conditions, as well as consumer confidence rates in the use ofdigital tools, and reach a level where people are able to do their jobs usingnew technologies.

Regional connectivity will help establish morefluid, dynamic, and inclusive commerce, the official said, adding that, "boostingdevelopment in widespread connectivity will allow us to respond to the newneeds of the market and promote the integration of small- and medium-sizedcompanies into the global market."

The theme of women and economic growth will bebrought up for the first time as an APEC priority.

Yanez said, "We look to increase theparticipation of women in the economy and international commerce as a source ofeconomic growth and reduction in gender pay gaps."

It is expected that about 20,000 delegates from21 APEC economies will participate in more than 200 meetings in 2019, accordingto the Chilean foreign ministry.

Founded in 1989, APEC is the AsiaPacific’s premier economic forum, comprising of 21 economies, namely Australia,Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic ofKorea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines,Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the US, and Vietnam. -VNA
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