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APEC Finance Deputy-Ministers analyze financial inclusion progress

APEC

APEC

13:56 | Lima, Oct. 15.

As part of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance and Central Bank Deputies' Meeting 2016, Finance Deputy-Ministers from the Forum's 21 member economies on Friday analyzed progress made in the development of infrastructure investment and strengthening of financial inclusion policies.

Issues addressed also included ways to enhance financial resilience to potential natural disasters in the region, a priority subject for Asia-Pacific economies. 

Peru's Economy Deputy-Minister Claudia Cooper chaired the opening ceremony of the event and led the session “Strengthening Public Policy for an Integrated and Resilient Asia-Pacific Region."

As APEC 2016 hosting nation, Peru proposes that the economic bloc consolidates a strategy to facilitate equitable and quality growth in the region, the government official highlighted. The Inca nation also proposes enhancing growth strategies which place social and individual progress as such efforts' main focus.

On the other hand, Ms. Cooper extended her deepest condolences to the people of Thailand, an APEC member economy, following the recent death of their King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The meeting also featured other Economy and Finance Ministry representatives, such as Director General of the Office of International Economic Affairs Javier Roca, Director of Regulatory Efficiency for Productivity and Competition Jose La Rosa, Director of Private Investment Promotion Policy Camilo Carrillo and CEO of Financial Markets, Private Labor and Social Security Oscar Graham.

The Finance and Central Bank Deputies' Meeting takes place within the framework of the Finance Ministerial Meeting. The event concludes today with the signing of the Joint Ministerial Statement, which will record the agreements reached over the year.

The event not only brings together Asia-Pacific Finance heads, but also high-ranking officials from international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Bank Group (WBG), among others. 

About APEC

This year, the 24th APEC Leaders' Summit will be held in Peru's Lima capital city on November 14-20. As hosting nation, Peru has chosen as its general theme “Quality Growth and Human Development,” proposing to enhance citizens' quality of life in the framework of free trade and an openness to trade. 

Founded in November 1989, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a forum seeking to promote trade and investment liberalization, facilitate business and promote economic cooperation between its 21 member economies.
 
The forum is composed of following members: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Korea, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.

(END) CNA/CNA/DHT/RMB

Published: 10/15/2016