Indonesia Urges APEC to Promote Inclusive Trade Ecosystem

Lima, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan has called on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to foster a more inclusive, sustainable, and just trade ecosystem. Speaking at the 30th APEC Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Peru, Hasan emphasized the need to promote inclusiveness, sustainability, and justice in trade practices to support sustainable development.

“APEC needs to promote the spirit of inclusiveness, sustainability, and justice while endorsing sustainable development to create a mutually beneficial trade ecosystem,” Hasan remarked, according to a press release issued by his office on Saturday.

Hasan stressed the importance of the multilateral trade system, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core, remaining relevant amidst global economic uncertainties and strained political relations. He urged APEC trade ministers to reinforce the WTO’s significance by committing to the Abu Dhabi Packages, which were agreed upon during the 13th WTO Ministerial Meeting held in the United Arab Emirates last March.

“As APEC trade ministers, we need to make the most of the momentum created through the WTO meeting by stating political commitment to intensifying discussion on the package and other unsolved issues,” Hasan pointed out.

The Indonesian minister highlighted the necessity for APEC to ensure that the two-level dispute resolution system functions optimally this year to rebuild international trust in the WTO.

Addressing the topic of e-commerce, Hasan advocated for flexible policies to meet the needs of developing and least developed economies in digital trade discussions. He also stressed the importance of balancing trade and environmental considerations, ensuring that pro-environment provisions do not disrupt global trade.

Furthermore, Hasan emphasized the WTO’s role in incorporating provisions for special treatments, technical assistance, and capacity-building measures for developing and least developed economies in its agendas and discussions.

“I hope that this meeting will produce results beneficial to the resolution of unsolved issues at the WTO,” Hasan concluded.

The 30th APEC Trade Ministers’ Meeting gathered trade leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss and formulate policies aimed at enhancing regional trade and economic cooperation.