Peru chaired the Second Meeting of the
, held in Shanghai, People's Republic of China, reinforcing its leadership and active participation in the leading economic and trade dialogue forum in the Asia-Pacific region.
The meeting, held ahead of the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting (MRT), took place in the city of Suzhou.
During the meeting, APEC economies discussed an agenda aimed at strengthening trade and investment across the Asia-Pacific region, with an emphasis on regional economic integration, trade facilitation, digitalization, supply chain connectivity, and inclusion.
"I am confident that, through constructive and results-oriented discussions, we will be able to identify areas of common interest and turn them into concrete initiatives that contribute to a more connected, resilient, and inclusive Asia-Pacific region," Chan said.
CTI2 is the forum's main body responsible for advancing the trade and investment liberalization and facilitation agenda among member economies, within the framework of the Second Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM2) of APEC 2026.
The committee coordinates initiatives among member economies to reduce trade barriers, boost economic growth, and strengthen integration across the Asia-Pacific region.
In that context, the economies exchanged views on the key deliverables for APEC 2026 and on progress in the regional trade agenda.
As part of the discussions, the economies reviewed progress related to the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) agenda, emphasizing the implementation of the Ichma Declaration, approved by leaders during APEC Peru 2024.
They also reviewed activities related to competition policy, digital commerce provisions in trade agreements, artificial intelligence, and capacity building.
CTI2 provided an opportunity to exchange views on the multilateral trading system and regional economic integration.
In addition, progress was reviewed on initiatives related to paperless trade, customs procedures digitalization, investment facilitation, logistics connectivity, supply chains, digital services, and innovation.
The APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) presented contributions from the region's private sector.
In the area of inclusive growth, the economies discussed initiatives related to the economic participation of women and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs); access to assistive technologies; and the promotion of more sustainable, secure, and inclusive trade.