Delegations of leaders have arrived in Lima, Peru, for the 31st APEC informal Leaders’ Meeting. The summit’s primary events include two plenary sessions on 15 and 16 November, where discussions will focus on enhancing cooperation and connectivity within the Asia-Pacific region. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping is already in Lima for a state visit. Cui Shoujun, Founder and Director of the Center for Latin American Studies at Renmin University of China, highlighted that China may propose practical solutions on issues like the digital economy and sustainable development during the meeting. These proposals aim to strengthen economic integration in the region. 

“China’s presence helps enhance the voice and influence of Global South countries in multilateral platforms and promotes global governance to develop in a more fair and equitable direction,” Cui Shoujun told
China Daily, a partner of TV BRICS.

Russia is represented by Deputy Prime Minister Aleksey Overchuk, who stated upon arrival that Russia will present initiatives related to transport connectivity, including the North–South Corridor and the Northern Sea Route.

“APEC is a platform for tackling economic challenges. Here, we exchange ideas on complex yet pressing issues that no single country can solve alone”

Aleksey Overchuk Russian Deputy Prime Minister

Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong, speaking during an event as part of the APEC High-Level Week, stressed the critical role of the business community in the region’s successes. He called for solutions to facilitate the energy transition, ensure equal access to technology, and create stable conditions for trade, investment, and economic integration.

Other attendees include Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Chilean President Gabriel Boric, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, all of whom have already arrived in Lima.

On 14 November, a meeting of APEC foreign affairs and trade ministers reviewed Peru’s leadership in the forum and assessed progress on its three current priorities: trade and investment cooperation, reducing the informal economy, and fostering sustainable economic growth.

The APEC High-Level Week, involving 19 member economies, has been underway in Peru from 9 to 16 November. The summit concludes with an official declaration on the final day.

Photo:
Xinhua