The 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting is set to take place in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea from October 31 to November 1.
Amid weak global economic growth and rising protectionism, the gathering carries high expectations from the Asia-Pacific and the broader international community for advancing an open world economy and achieving shared prosperity.
Experts from Indonesia and Germany note that China has long championed regional integration and connectivity with an open approach, injecting fresh momentum into the Asia-Pacific – the world’s most dynamic region and a key driver of global growth.
Rino F. Boer, professor at the London School of Communication and Business in Indonesia, talks to CMG on the upcoming APEC meeting. /CMG
Rino F. Boer, professor at the London School of Communication and Business in Indonesia, said Chinese President Xi Jinping’s attendance at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting is of great significance.
It will not only deepen dialogue with representatives from all parties, enhance mutual trust among Asian and Asia-Pacific countries, and promote more consensus and decision-making, but, more importantly, demonstrate China’s firm support for inclusive, sustainable, and stable development in the region, he said.
Sevim Dagdelen, German politician, talks to CMG on the upcoming APEC meeting. /CMG
Sevim Dagdelen, German politician and a member of the Bundestag, said China has always advocated building an open and inclusive Asia-Pacific cooperation framework and upholding the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, which plays a positive role in promoting regional and even global economic stability.
Given the current tensions in international trade and economic policies, it is particularly important for countries to work together and unite to promote common development, which can benefit both developing and small countries, she said. China is playing an increasingly important and highly constructive role, both domestically and regionally, she noted.
