APEC Summit 2022

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit 2022 was held in Bangkok (Thailand) between 16-19 November, 2022.

• Theme: "Open. Connect. Balance”
• The meeting saw participation from the ASEAN, the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC), and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

Highlights of the Summit

Implementation of APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040: The continued implementation of APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 was re-emphasised among the member nations.

• It envisions the enhancement of three pillars namely, trade and investment; innovation and digitisation; and strong, sustainable, inclusive growth of the region, through the Aotearoa Plan of Action, to realise an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040.

Implementation of the APEC Connectivity Blueprint (2015-2025): The implementation of the APEC Connectivity Blueprint (2015-2025) was encouraged to improve and enhance connectivity and sustainable tourism.

• The safe passage task force was proposed in this regard to ensure safe and seamless cross-border travel.

Supply Chain Connectivity Framework Action Plan: To encourage economies to continue efforts to remove barriers to logistics-related services, Phase Three of the Supply Chain Connectivity Framework Action Plan was endorsed by the APEC ministers.

• Along with this, an implementation plan for food security by 2030, combating illegal and unregulated fishing, and encouraging women to hold suitable positions in economies were some of the action plans worth mentioning.