This photo taken on Nov 4, 2021 shows New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaking to a reporter during an interview about climate change at the parliament in Wellington. (MARTY MELVILLE / AFP)
WELLINGTON – New Zealand, which is the host of the 2021 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings, said Monday that Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will chair the upcoming virtual APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting scheduled for Nov 12 and 13.
The overnight event will take place at the end of a fully virtual APEC 2021 Leaders Week officially opened by Ardern on Monday, where political, business and young leaders are brought together for a series of events.
The APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will be attended by leaders from the 21 APEC member economies, who will discuss the ongoing management of COVID-19 and further regional trade and economic cooperation between member economies
The APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will be attended by leaders from the 21 APEC member economies, who will discuss the ongoing management of COVID-19 and further regional trade and economic cooperation between member economies.
"Having convened APEC Leaders for an additional COVID-19 summit in July, this meeting will focus on charting a path to recovery out of this once-in-a-century crisis," Ardern said.
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"APEC's focus remains on the regional response and recovery from COVID-19. Together we are continuing to keep supply chains functioning and are supporting trade in critical medical supplies — including testing kits, PPE (personal protective equipment) and now vaccines," said the prime minister.
"Through APEC Leaders we will build on the progress so far by energizing the region's economic recovery, taking action to decarbonize our economies, and promoting growth that leaves no one behind," Ardern said.
Among the events to be held during the five-day APEC 2021 Leaders Week are the APEC Ministerial Meeting on Nov 9 and 10, and APEC CEO Summit on Nov. 11 and 12 where presidents, prime ministers, chief executives, entrepreneurs and thought-leaders are expected to exchange views on the big issues facing the Asia-Pacific region.
Ardern is expected to deliver a keynote speech at the Voices of the Future Conference to be held on Nov 9 and 10 where the young people meet.
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APEC is a regional economic forum established in 1989. APEC member economies, home to about 2.9 billion people, account for about 48 percent of the world trade and about 60 percent of the world GDP.