Senior officials of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) are set to meet today, Thursday, to flesh out the details of the implementation of the blueprint for regional connectivity.
In the so-called Friends of the Chair on Connectivity, regional officials will discuss the member-economies’ progress on the first-year implementation of the Apec Connectivity Blueprint for 2015-2025.
The blueprint—launched in 2014—was developed to guide the region’s cross-cutting and inclusive efforts toward a vision for a “seamlessly and comprehensively connected and integrated Asia Pacific balanced on three pillars—physical connectivity, institutional connectivity and people-to-people connectivity.”
The action plan maps out initiatives that make it easier to do business across and within borders, such as improved transportation and telecommunications infrastructure, as well as modernized customs regimes that are responsive to market and technological demands.
Similarly, the blueprint calls for Apec economies to make it easier for students, businessmen and tourists to travel around the region. During the special meeting on connectivity, senior officials are expected to welcome the progress made by Apec sub-fora and members on their respective initiatives and projects toward the shared vision of Apec Connectivity by 2025.
Using a comprehensive approach, all Apec stakeholders are encouraged to apply the blueprint to their respective initiatives.
Such initiatives include the Boracay Action Agenda for Globalizing micro, small and medium enterprises that enable them to join the global supply chains; the Apec Business Travel Card, which has been extended from three years to a five-year validity; and Apec’s Education Portal on study and career-development exchanges offered by universities and companies in Apec member-economies.
The discussion on connectivity will continue at the Apec High-Level Meeting on Health and the Economy, and the Ministerial Meetings on Finance, Transportation and Energy to be held subsequently.
The said meetings will focus on connectivity measures related to safety and disease prevention related to the movement of people across borders; infrastructure investment; enhanced land, air and water transportation; and resilient energy infrastructure.