GYEONGJU, South Korea, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Businessmen from across the Asia-Pacific region called for continued safeguarding of the rules-based multilateral trading system in the region on Wednesday ahead of the regional meeting later this week.
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory Council wrapped up its final meeting for the year earlier in the day, saying economic leaders from the region should continue to safeguard the rules-based multilateral trading system, accelerate the practical realization of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), enable seamless and coherent digital trade and support resilient supply chains through stronger maritime infrastructure.
South Korea will host the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju, some 330 km southeast of the capital Seoul, from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1.
The council recommended that Asia-Pacific economic leaders advance ambitious, realistic and inclusive energy transitions, adopt a greener trade framework to more effectively leverage trade tools to minimize climate impact and promote circular, low-carbon supply chains.
Regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation, it was recommended that they ensure equitable access to secure, sustainable digital infrastructure, shape responsible and safe AI deployment and governance and develop interoperable and coherent digital trade rules. ■
