on Saturday affirmed that the Peruvian Presidency of APEC 2024 was a success, marking a milestone that enhances the nation's presence and international image, especially within the Asia-Pacific region, positioning it as a reliable partner for all member economies of the bloc.
During her closing remarks as host economy's leader, Mrs. Boluarte highlighted the numerous achievements throughout the year, which saw the participation of over 7,400 delegates, 1,200 business leaders from the Asia-Pacific, and 2,500 journalists.
"(...) Peru's successful exercise of the APEC Presidency for the third time in its history has set a milestone that strengthens our international presence, our positioning in the Asia-Pacific, and our national image as a trustworthy partner, opening new opportunities for trade, investment, and international cooperation for the benefit of our population," she stated.
Mrs. Boluarte further highlighted that more than 280 international events were organized during Peru's Presidency, including the Economic Leaders' Week and the CEO Summit, as well as 11 ministerial meetings held in five different cities, "fostering decentralization and reinforcing our country's international image as a destination for tourism and foreign investment."
She underscored that one of the most significant achievements was restoring consensus within APEC, which resulted in the adoption of seven technical-political instruments and the approval of 11 ministerial statements.
"I want to extend a special thanks to the Peruvian people for their commitment, dedication, and patriotism during this Leaders' Week (...) and to express my gratitude to the national and international press," she added.
Priorities
The leader outlined that three thematic priorities were set during Peru's APEC presidency: trade and investment for inclusive and interconnected growth; innovation and digitalization to promote the transition to a formal and global economy; and sustainable growth for resilient development.
She explained that the Declaration of the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting reflects "our vision to build an Asia-Pacific community that is prosperous, peaceful, and resilient, empowering our populations to reap the benefits of the global economy."
Additionally, the Peruvian leader emphasized the Ichma Declaration on a renewed vision for a free trade agreement in the Asia-Pacific, an instrument that will drive comprehensive and systematic economic integration.
"This declaration paves the way to address new international trade issues such as digitalization, sustainability, and inclusion," she concluded.
21 leading economies
APEC is made up of:
Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, the Russian Federation, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the United States, and Viet Nam.
Together, they account for 62% of world's GDP, 48% of global trade in goods and services, plus 38% of the planet's population.