APEC’s major discussions in Peru: Energy, health, food security take centre stage

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 12 (Bernama) -- Senior officials, ministers, and experts from 21 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies will be gathering in Peru from Aug 12-25, 2024, to deliberate on policies regarding food security, energy sustainability, public health improvement, economic growth and resilience. 

In a statement issued by the APEC Secretariat today, the ministers and officials from the region are joining together to confront pressing economic issues critical for the prosperity of the region. 

It said the meetings would include the 14th Energy Ministerial Meeting on Aug 15-16; the 14th High-Level Meeting on Health and the Economy on Aug 18 in Lima, Peruvian capital; and the APEC Food Security Ministerial Meeting on Aug 19 in Trujillo, a coastal city in northwestern of Peru. 

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“We must continue to strengthen our collaborative efforts in addressing food security, energy, health and economic resilience. 

“Member economies have benefitted from APEC’s free trade and investment work for the last 35 years,” said the 2024 APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting chair, Ambassador Carlos Vasquez.

Vasquez added that Peru has 14 free trade agreements with the APEC economies.

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Recognising the multiple challenges and uncertainties confronting the APEC economies, he reiterated the need for members to come together and take action to ensure that Asia-Pacific remains the most dynamic region with growth that is sustainable and inclusive, lifting and securing the prosperity of all people.

According to the statement, the 14th Energy Ministerial Meeting would focus on promoting clean energy transitions, energy efficiency and regional energy connectivity, while the 14th High-Level Meeting on Health and the Economy would explore the interplay between health systems and economic stability, particularly in light of recent global health challenges.

“In Trujillo, Food Week, which includes the Food Security Ministerial Meeting from Aug 12-18, would showcase innovative solutions and regional cooperation in the food sector.

“Emphasis would be on food safety and the reduction of food loss throughout the supply chain, from post-harvest to consumption,” it said.

Earlier this month, business leaders from the Asia-Pacific region met in Tokyo, Japan, for the APEC Business Advisory Council meeting and called for greater action to boost free trade, digitalisation and climate response.

“The APEC forum continues to be a crucial platform for fostering sustainable economic growth, cooperation, and trade within the Asia-Pacific region,” said the APEC Secretariat executive director Rebecca Sta Maria.

She said that in today’s rapidly changing global landscape, the APEC economies’ collective efforts are more important than ever.

The outcomes of these meetings will not only influence the region but also have global implications, especially as we prepare for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in November, she added. 

-- BERNAMA