WT/GC/240  
 
18 November 2021  
(21-8720) Page: 1/18 
General Council  Original: English  
 
 
APEC MINISTERS RESPONSIBLE FOR TRADE VIRTUAL MEETING  
JOINT STATEMENT 2021  
8 – 9 NOVEMBER 2021  
 
The following communication, dated 15 November, 2021, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of New Zealand.  
 
_______________  
 
 
1.1.  We, the APEC Ministers, met on 8 -9 November 2021. Our meeting was chaired by the Hon 
Nanaia Mahuta, Minister of F oreign Affairs of New Zealand, and the Hon Damien O 'Connor, Minister 
for Trade and Export Growth of New Zealand. We welcomed the participation of the APEC Business 
Advisory Council (ABAC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Pacific Eco nomic 
Cooperation Council (PECC), and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).  
1.2.  There has never been a more important time for APEC economies to join, work and grow 
together. The COVID -19 pandemic continues to have far -reaching impacts on the health, well -being 
and economic prosperity of our region and the world. In response, APEC has mobilised in an 
unprecedented way. We have shared experiences, taken forward cooperation initiatives, and made 
timely commitments, which together will ensure a resilient and sustainabl e long -term recovery. We 
are committed to realising the Putrajaya Vision of an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia -
Pacific community by 2040, for the prosperity of all our people and future generations.  To this end, 
we are looking forward to our Lea ders announcing the implementation plan for the Putrajaya Vision 
2040.  
1.3.  At our meeting, we discussed the work we are taking directly in response to the COVID -19 
crisis and our work under priority areas for 2021.  
COVID -19 
1.4.  As we respond to the COVID -19 pandem ic, we are committed to putting people 's lives and 
livelihoods first. We emphasise the need to strengthen international cooperation on COVID -19, 
including on research and development. We will continue our work to accelerate equitable and timely 
access to s afe, effective, quality -assured and affordable vaccines, diagnostics, therapeutics, and 
related goods and services. Recognising the role of extensive COVID -19 immunisation as a global 
public good, we will accelerate our efforts to expand vaccine manufactur ing and supply, to support 
global vaccine sharing efforts, and to encourage the voluntary transfer of vaccine production 
technologies on mutually agreed terms.  
1.5.  Recalling the commitments made in the 2021 APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Joint 
Statement, including the Statement on COVID -19 Vaccine Supply Chains, we are pleased to note 
that since June:  
• APEC members have ramped up trade facilitation efforts to move COVID -19 vaccines and 
essential goods across borders, including to prevent the move ment of counterfeit vaccines 
and related goods in cooperation with relevant international organisations.  
• We have refrained from imposing unnecessary export restrictions.  WT/GC/240  
 
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  • Some economies have continued to liberalise tariffs, or maintain zero to low tariffs, for 
vaccines and other medical supplies.  
1.6.  Using the World Customs Organization (WCO) COVID -19 list as a reference, we are facilitating 
trade in a broader list of medical supplies and will continue to:  
• Improve the transparency of border measures taken in res ponse to the pandemic.  
• Exercise restraint in the use of unnecessary export restrictions and non -tariff barriers, and 
ensure any such measures are WTO consistent.  
• Voluntarily reduce the cost of COVID -19 vaccine and related essential COVID -19 medical 
goods.  
• Strengthen border agency cooperation and coordination.  
• Intensify work that minimises disruption to, and enhances the resilience of supply chains, 
and improves connectivity.  
1.7.  We reiterate the vital role that services play in supporting the movement of essent ial goods, 
as well as the distribution of vaccines, which will remain critical to our region 's recovery. We welcome 
economies ' ongoing work to implement the 2021 MRT Statement on Services to Support the 
Movement of Essential Goods.  
1.8.  We note that the substan tial losses from unrealised economic activity in the APEC region, as a 
consequence of border and travel restrictions, have significantly impacted our people and our 
economies. We need to continue to pave the way for the resumption of cross -border travel, w ithout 
undermining efforts to control the spread of COVID -19. We welcome work completed on the types 
of measures that would better enable air crew to move safely and seamlessly, and we direct officials 
to advance further work on processes to support the mo vement of both air and maritime crew. We 
will explore additional specific initiatives, solutions, and best practices to facilitate safe travel in the 
region, paving the way for a return to people moving across borders for business, tourism and 
education. W e task our officials to ensure APEC -wide coordination on safe passage and work towards 
tangible outcomes in 2022.  
1.9.  We will continue to invest in sustainable, resilient, innovative, and equitable health systems as 
strategic assets in responding to the COVID -19 pandemic, and preparing for future health crises, 
consistent with our goal to achieve universal health coverage. We welcome the varied and continuous 
efforts, as well as the contribution of additional resources across APEC to combat the pandemic.  
Econom ic and Trade Policies that Strengthen Recovery  
Macro -economic policies and structural reform  
1.10.   The pandemic has triggered unprecedented macroeconomic policy responses, which have 
underpinned a rebound of economic activity in the region this year. However, th e recovery is far 
from complete, and is characterised by great divergences across and within economies, which remain 
exposed to downside risks. We need to sustain our economic recovery through continued policy 
support measures, while preserving financial s tability and long -term fiscal sustainability. In this 
context, we support action that responds to the ongoing economic and social impacts of the 
pandemic, including through the New Strategy for Implementation of the Cebu Action Plan.  
1.11.   The pandemic has highl ighted the ongoing importance of structural reform in the APEC region. 
It is clear that our structural policy response needs to ensure a more inclusive and sustainable 
recovery, supporting innovation and making us more resilient to future economic shocks. To this 
end, we welcome the Enhanced APEC Agenda for Structural Reform (EAASR). Ensuring our 
macroeconomic and microeconomic policy responses are complementary will be key to the success 
of our long -term recovery. To achieve this we encourage greater colla boration between the APEC 
Economic Committee and APEC Finance Ministers ' Process.  WT/GC/240  
 
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  1.12.   Services play an important role in determining the economic growth, productivity, and future 
prosperity of our region. We welcome the Summary Report of the APEC Services Comp etitiveness 
Roadmap Mid -Term Review (Annex 1), and note its assessment of the region 's performance in 
services competitiveness. The mid -term review showed that while many of the initiatives that have 
been progressed since 2016 provide a solid foundation, w e need to better target and continue to 
address those barriers that inhibit our service suppliers from competing or trading in services 
markets, and ensure that regulations promote fair competition and the adoption of new technologies. 
We endorse the recom mendations of the summary report, which chart a path for our region to 
achieve the Roadmap 's targets by 2025.  
Trade and Investment  
1.13.   We underline the vital role trade has played in mitigating the impacts of the pandemic. Trade 
should be a pillar for the deve lopment and future prosperity of all our people. We want to enable 
our people to share in the benefits of trade, including through advancing economic inclusion. We 
reaffirm the contribution that trade can make in addressing important global and regional is sues. 
1.14.   To ensure that the Asia -Pacific remains the world 's most dynamic and interconnected regional 
economy, we will continue to work together to ensure our trade and investment environment is free, 
open, fair, non -discriminatory, transparent and predictabl e. We reaffirm our commitment to keep 
markets open, and to address supply chain disruptions, thereby fostering mutually beneficial trade 
relations and reducing trade tensions. We will continue to work to ensure a level playing field to 
foster a favourable trade and investment environment.  
1.15.   We will advance economic integration in the region in a manner that is market driven. We 
support ongoing efforts to conclude, ratify, implement and upgrade trade agreements in the region 
that benefit our people and our bus inesses. In this context, we will advance the APEC Free Trade 
Area of the Asia -Pacific (FTAAP) agenda in line with implementing the Lima Declaration, to contribute 
to high quality and comprehensive regional undertakings. We also note that ABAC considers th e 
realisation of FTAAP its preeminent economic priority.  
1.16.   We will continue to support our businesses to build and maintain open, secure, and resilient 
supply chains to facilitate seamless connectivity in the region. We recognise the importance of 
promoting regional, sub -regional and remote area connectivity through quality infrastructure 
development and investment, based upon relevant APEC work. We welcome the Final Review of the 
APEC Supply -Chain Connectivity Framework Action Plan 2017 -2020. We are committe d to 
implementing the APEC Connectivity Blueprint, including through enhancing connectivity cooperation 
in the digital era.  
World Trade Organization  
1.17.   APEC takes pride in its long history of active support for the rules -based multilateral trading 
system (MTS), with the WTO at its core. The MTS has been a catalyst for our region 's extraordinary 
growth and we will work together to improve it. We seek a responsive, relevant, and revitalised 
WTO. We must support the WTO and its membership to modernise trade rules for the twenty -first 
century. Together, we will engage constructively and cooperate to ensure the 12th WTO Ministerial 
Conference (MC12) is a success and delivers concrete results.  
1.18.   As a priority for MC12, we see an opportunity for the WTO to de monstrate that the MTS can 
continue to help address the human catastrophe of the COVID -19 pandemic and facilitate recovery. 
We call for pragmatic and effective ministerial outcomes that makes it easier to respond swiftly and 
effectively to the COVID -19 pan demic and accelerate the recovery. Our priorities include supporting 
the facilitation of manufacturing, distribution, and supply chains of essential medical goods, including 
vaccines. We will work proactively and urgently in Geneva to support text -based di scussions, 
including on a temporary waiver of certain intellectual property protections on COVID -19 vaccines.  
1.19.   We reiterate our determination to negotiate effective disciplines on harmful fisheries subsidies 
in line with SDG 14.6, and call for agreement to a comprehensive and meaningful outcome by MC12 
in a few weeks ' time. WT/GC/240  
 
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  1.20.   Despite its importance for ensuring global food security and sustainable economic 
development, agriculture is one of the most protected sectors in global trade. We recognise the need 
for a meaningful outcome on agriculture at MC12, reflecting our collective interests and sensitivities, 
with a view towards achieving substantial progressive reductions in support and protection, as 
envisaged in the continuation of the reform process provided in Article 20 of the WTO Agreement on 
Agriculture and existing mandates.  
1.21.   We recognise the positive role that existing plurilateral negotiations and discussions are 
playing in progressing outcomes. APEC member participants in the relevant Joint Statement 
Initiatives (JSIs) call for conclusion of negotiations on services domestic regulation by MC12; and 
substantial progress by MC12 in the JSIs on e -commerce; micro, small and medium -sized 
enterprises; and investment facilitation for development. We take note o f the efforts by the APEC 
economies who endorsed the Joint Declaration on Trade and Women 's Economic Empowerment to 
deliver an ambitious outcome at MC12 that supports the advancement of trade and gender equality.  
1.22.   We continued our frank and constructive dis cussions regarding improvement to the WTO 's 
monitoring, negotiating and dispute settlement functions. We continue to support the ongoing and 
necessary reform work to improve the WTO 's functioning, including the importance of making 
progress on enhancing tr ansparency to support its monitoring and negotiating functions. We will 
work together at the WTO and with the wider WTO membership to advance the proper functioning 
of the WTO's negotiation and dispute settlement functions, which require addressing longsta nding 
issues. We urge WTO members to seek a shared understanding of the types of reform needed.  
Increasing Inclusion and Sustainability for Recovery  
Inclusive Growth  
1.23.   Now more than ever, and as part of recovery from COVID -19, it is our responsibility to ens ure 
our economic, financial and social policies, and our trade and investment environment, promote 
equality of opportunity, advance decent work and economic inclusion for all.  
1.24.   We will strive to ensure labour and social protection systems are responsive to both the effects 
of the pandemic and in the broader context of the changing nature of work and employment and 
evolution of labour markets globally. We will continue to strengthen information sharing to enhance 
re-skilling, up -skilling and flexible lifelong  learning opportunities; create training opportunities for 
those entering the job market; encourage efforts that support the mobility of professional and 
academic qualifications; and increase other capacity building activities in this area.  
1.25.   As our economie s adapt to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, we are cognisant of the challenges 
associated with the future of work. The pandemic has accelerated already rapid innovation and 
technological changes. We recognise the importance of structural reforms in enabli ng our economies 
to take forward policies to achieve economic inclusion and to adapt to the future of work. We 
welcome the 2021 APEC Economic Policy Report on "Structural Reform and the Future of Work " and 
encourage economies to implement its recommendatio ns. 
1.26.   MSMEs play a significant role throughout our region, providing an essential foundation of 
employment and economic growth, and we remain committed to fostering greater participation of 
MSMEs in regional and global markets. To this end, we welcome the fi ndings of the Final Review of 
the Boracay Action Agenda (BAA) to Globalize MSMEs Study Report. There is still work to be done, 
especially regarding MSME digitalisation and access to finance.  
1.27.   We highlight the serious threat posed by corruption, which underm ines government 
accountability and public trust and impedes economic growth. In times of crisis, corruption can be 
more pervasive and undermine relief and recovery efforts. To combat corruption and strengthen 
APEC economies in the future, we encourage effe ctive and timely communication and cooperation 
between authorities. We will work to facilitate the implementation of the UN Convention against 
Corruption and coordinate the implementation of APEC 's Beijing Declaration on Fighting Corruption 
and Santiago Co mmitment to Fight Corruption and Ensure Transparency. We reaffirm our 
commitment to deny safe haven to corruption offenders and their assets, in accordance with 
domestic laws, and to combat transnational corruption. We will promote transparency, 
accountabi lity, integrity and a culture of rejection of corruption across our region, as a basis for WT/GC/240  
 
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  preventing corruption and ending impunity. We are committed to learning from each other, taking 
practical action and a united approach, including through collaborati on with other international 
organisations, the private sector and civil society, as appropriate. We will continue to address 
corruption that prevents women's empowerment and reduces their opportunities for economic 
development.  
1.28.   The pandemic has disproporti onately affected women and girls of diverse backgrounds in our 
region,  and created new challenges and barriers to women 's economic empowerment. Recovery 
from the pandemic creates opportunities to support women 's leadership and empowerment. We 
reaffirm the commitments made at the APEC 2021 Women and the Economy Forum, including to 
the full and accelerated implementation of the La Serena Roadmap for Women and Inclusive Growth 
2019 – 2030. We reaffirm the Roadmap 's Action Areas, and acknowledge the La Serena 
Implementation Plan Report, which notes there are a significant number of activities under way 
across APEC fora. We are strongly encouraged by APEC activities that seek to promote women 's full 
and equal access to capital and markets, skills and capacity bui lding, leadership opportunities, voice 
and agency, innovative technology, and the labour force, as well as activities to advance women 's 
economic empowerment through sex -disaggregated data collection and analysis.  
1.29.   APEC has also paid particular attention to  the economic empowerment of other groups with 
untapped economic potential. This year this has included Indigenous Peoples and those in rural and 
remote areas, among others. This work also included promoting economic empowerment through 
dialogue among Indi genous Peoples themselves. APEC 's work has demonstrated the susceptibility 
of these groups to worsened economic and social conditions during the pandemic. We underline the 
importance of collecting and analysing disaggregated data in informing policy respon ses; promoting 
opportunities for these groups through e -commerce; strengthening food security; and the role of 
traditional knowledge in sustaining economic resilience.  
Sustainable recovery and climate change  
1.30.   We acknowledge the need for urgent and concrete action to address climate change. We 
recognise the economic advantages of transitioning to a climate resilient future global economy and 
appreciate net zero or carbon neutrality commitments in this regard. Addressing climate change will 
require a multidisc iplinary and cross -cutting approach involving relevant APEC committees and sub -
fora. 
1.31.   APEC's contribution includes work on economic policies that contribute to reducing emissions, 
tackling climate change, and addressing environmental challenges. We welcome the topic of the 
2022 APEC Economic Policy Report on "Structural Reform and a Green Recovery from Economic 
Shocks, " which will provide a platform for economies to share information and compare responsive 
and green policy approaches and their contribution to inclusive and sustainable growth.  
1.32.   Trade policy is also an effective tool for pursuing sustainable economic develo pment, and 
enhancing access to goods and services that support low -emission and climate -resilient economies. 
We welcome the update for reference purposes of the 2012 APEC List of Environmental Goods. We 
welcome the APEC review of implementation of the 2012  list, the growth in trade of these products, 
and the contribution it has made to green growth and sustainable economic development objectives. 
Noting that environmental goods and technologies have evolved and cover a wide range of sectors, 
we instruct off icials to develop recommendations for potentially producing a voluntary, non -binding 
reference list with a view to providing guidance for further work, and to update the APEC List of 
Environmental Goods to HS2022 for reference purposes. We encourage furthe r discussions on the 
impact of non -tariff measures on trade in environmental goods and services, and on other regulatory 
measures that underpin the development of more sustainable supply chains.  
1.33.   We reaffirm APEC Economic Leaders ' commitments to work on env ironmental services and 
note that these services are now more important than ever to prevent, protect against and remedy 
environmental degradation. We welcome and endorse the Reference List of Environmental and 
Environmentally Related Services (Annex 2) as  a contribution by our region to global discussions on 
environmental services. We reaffirm MRT 's instruction for officials to take forward discussions on 
how to increase trade in environmental and environmentally related services, including by supporting 
liberalisation, facilitation, and cooperation.  WT/GC/240  
 
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  1.34.   We recall that in 2010 APEC Leaders committed to rationalise and phase out inefficient fossil 
fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption, while recognising the importance of providing 
those in need with  essential energy services. To reach this goal, we will continue our efforts in an 
accelerated manner. In this regard, we decided at MRT 2021 to task officials to explore options, for 
those members in a position to do so, to pursue a voluntary standstill o n inefficient fossil fuel 
subsidies for progress to be reported to Ministers in November. We welcome the options, as reported 
by officials, that member economies could take to pursue a voluntary standstill on inefficient fossil 
fuels subsidies. We call for  member economies to take forward discussions in 2022 to facilitate future 
implementation. We encourage officials to identify additional capacity building activities in support 
of this work. We appreciate the efforts of APEC members that have already compl eted voluntary 
peer reviews and urge others to participate in this process.  
1.35.   We recognise the essential role that stable and diverse energy supplies play in achieving 
sustainable economic development. As we invest in renewable energy and other environmental ly 
sound technologies as part of sustainable energy transitions that reduce our dependence on fossil 
fuels, we will continue to work together to support energy resilience, access and security in the 
region. We acknowledge the importance of stable energy ma rkets and supporting the clean energy 
transition.  
Sustainable Resource Management  
1.36.   The APEC region is increasingly impacted by environmental degradation, natural disasters, 
rising sea levels, and biodiversity loss. We are committed to promoting trade in leg ally harvested 
forest products and combating illegal logging and associated trade. We welcome the achievement of 
the APEC -wide aspirational goal of increasing the forest cover in the region by at least 20 million 
hectares. We appreciate the economic growth  potential of circular, sustainable, and green economy 
approaches, and support investment, research, and strengthening economic and technical 
cooperation in this area.  
1.37.   The Pacific Ocean connects our peoples, enables our economic development, supports the 
biodiversity and health of our planet, and plays a crucial role in supporting global food security. We 
support the sustainable management and conservation of ocean and coastal resources. We are 
committed to the implementation of the APEC Roadmaps on Marine Debris and on Combatting Illegal, 
Unreported and Unregulated Fishing. Reaffirming their important role in combatting Illegal, 
Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, we will carry out robust and effective measures based on 
the principles of implementing the PSMA to Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate IUU Fishing.  
1.38.   The ongoing impact of COVID -19 is being felt throughout our region 's food supply chains. We 
recognise there is no 'one-size-fits-all' approach to achieving well -functioning, sustainable food 
systems, w hich are critical to our people 's health and well -being and the success of our economies.  
We support efforts to reduce food loss and waste, promote innovations in agricultural biotechnology, 
and identify other measures that support sustainability in food s ecurity. We welcome the Food 
Security Roadmap Towards 2030, which focuses on digitalisation and innovation, productivity, 
inclusivity and sustainability, and identifies actions and targets which APEC economies will pursue 
together to achieve our goal of su fficient, safe, nutritious, accessible and affordable food for all.  
Pursuing Innovation and a Digitally -Enabled Recovery  
1.39.   We recognise that science, technology and innovation are important for supporting the 
region 's recovery from COVID -19, preparing economies for future changes and shocks, and creating 
quality employment. We need to seize the historic opportunities created by the technological 
revolution and industrial transformation, redouble efforts to boost productivity, and foster an ope n, 
fair, and inclusive environment for the development and application of science and technology.  
1.40.   It is important to bridge the digital divide to ensure that the benefits of digital transformation 
flow to all our people and businesses and that no one is le ft behind. We will invest in capacity building 
that fosters innovation and ensures that our people and businesses, especially start -ups and MSMEs, 
can access the digital tools and infrastructure they need to fully participate in an interconnected 
global ec onomy. We also take note of work on smart cities. APEC should continue to share best 
practice for digital skills development and lifelong learning with a view to developing agile workforces 
that can adjust to disruptions, changing circumstances and the fut ure of work.  WT/GC/240  
 
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  1.41.   We welcome progress made by APEC members to embed the paperless trading facilitation 
measures they adopted during COVID -19, including accepting electronic payments and electronic 
documentation as the legal equivalent of paper documents. To imp rove the resilience of supply 
chains to shocks and reduce costs for businesses and governments, we commit to continue this work 
towards the digitalisation of our border processes and single window interoperability, increase port 
cooperation, and accelerate  the full implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. We 
welcome the Guidelines for Paperless Trade, which will help update and improve customs procedures 
and legislative frameworks, so that all traders can engage with APEC customs authorities 
electronically.  
1.42.   We recognize the importance of data in addressing the unprecedented health and economic 
challenges posed by the COVID -19 pandemic. We also recognise the need for an accessible, open, 
interoperable, reliable and secure environment for the us e of information and communication 
technologies, as an essential foundation for economic growth and prosperity. We will cooperate on 
facilitating the flow of data and strengthening consumer and business trust in digital transactions, 
with a view to mitigat ing the health and economic impacts of COVID -19. 
1.43.   We affirm our commitment to supporting each other to harness the opportunities of the digital 
economy and technologies for enhancing economic growth and public benefit, while ensuring 
appropriate privacy pro tections. We support efforts to share information, cooperate and identify 
synergies, as we develop policies, plans, and programmes that support new technologies and their 
ecosystems.  
1.44.   We reiterate our call to accelerate implementation of the APEC Internet a nd Digital Economy 
Roadmap, prioritising action in the areas of greatest impact on inclusive economic growth, including 
digitalised trade facilitation and promoting interoperability.  
Strengthening APEC as an Institution  
1.45.   We will embrace continuous improveme nt of APEC as an institution to ensure that its structure 
and governance are future -oriented and fit for the purpose of implementing the Putrajaya Vision 
2040. We take note of progress made in 2021 towards streamlining APEC, and urge ongoing efforts 
to ens ure that its committees and sub -fora are efficient, effective, relevant, responsive and 
accountable.  
1.46.   We reaffirm the importance of cooperation, capacity building, cross -fora collaboration, and 
engagement between APEC and regional and international organiza tions. We will strive to ensure 
that APEC's work continues to take into account a broad range of stakeholder views and perspectives.  
1.47.   We endorse the Senior Officials ' Meeting Chair 's Report of APEC 's work for 2021. We endorse 
the Committee on Trade and Inve stment Annual Report to Ministers and note the Senior Officials ' 
report on Economic and Technical Cooperation. We also note the ABAC Chair 's report. We welcome 
the APEC Secretariat Executive Director continuing in her role for another three years from 2022  to 
2024. We approve the 2022 APEC budget and thank members for their contributions including to 
general and specialised sub funds.  
1.48.   We thank New Zealand for hosting APEC in 2021 and look forward to APEC 2022, which will 
be hosted by Thailand.  
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  WT/GC/240  
 
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  ANNEX  1 
SUMMARY REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS  
APEC SERVICES COMPETITIVENESS ROADMAP MID -TERM REVIEW  
Renewing ambition of the APEC Services Competitiveness Roadmap (2016 -2025)  
for a services -led recovery from COVID -19 
CONTEXT & ANALYSIS  
In 2016, Leaders c ommitted to a mid -term review of the APEC Services Competitiveness Roadmap 
(ASCR) in 2021 with a view to assessing what individual and APEC -wide actions will be required to 
complete the objectives by 2025. This paper summarises, for Leaders / Ministers, th e reviews by 
the APEC Policy Support Unit (PSU) and APEC Business Advisory Council, as well as the outcomes of 
the Group on Services Trade Policy Dialogue on 19 May 2021.  As a reminder, the three ASCR targets  
are to:  
 
1. Ensure an open and predictable environ ment for access to services markets by progressively 
reducing restrictions to services trade and investment ; 
2. Increase the share (%) of services exports from APEC economies in the total world services 
exports  so that it exceeds the current share in world services exports by 2025 (the APEC 's 
share of world services exports was 38.8 percent in 2014) ; and 
3. Increase trade in services in the APEC region so that by 2025, the compound average annual 
growth rate exceed s the historic average of 6.8 percent  and the share (%) of value -added 
of the services sector in the total gross domestic product of the APEC region exceeds the 
global average level by 2025.  
 
1. Taking stock  
It is clear that there has been, and continues to b e, a significant volume of work carried out across 
APEC economies in advancing the objectives of the ASCR. While this work and the many positive 
outcomes to date provide a solid foundation,  APEC economies will need to do more targeted work 
to get back on t rack to meet the first 2025 target  to progressively reduce restrictions to services 
trade and investment. While some sectors have become more open (logistics, architecture, 
engineering and banking), others have become more restrictive (road freight transpo rt, accounting 
and telecommunications).  
 
APEC economies collectively experienced year -to-year increases in services exports from 2016 to 
2019 but those increases did not keep pace with total world services exports. Hence, unlike as 
envisaged in the ASCR 's second target of increasing APEC 's share of world services exports by 2025,  
APEC's share dropped from 38.8% in 2016 to 38.1% in 2019 . 
 
There was mixed progress on the third 2025 target.  Prior to COVID -19, APEC economies were not 
on track to meet the target  compound average annual growth rate  in trade in services of 6.8%. The 
rate was  5.3% over 2016 -2019, with a rate of just 1.1% in 2019.  However, APEC economies were 
still on track to meet the target that the GDP share of services value -added across APEC 
outperformed the world on average . In 2019, APEC recorded a share 0.7% higher than the global 
average, but the gap had narrowed since 2016.  
 
Of the 19 APEC -wide actions , data indicated some positive progress  had been made toward the 
stated objectives of 10 actions, but there was mixed progress  in relation to four actions and 
comparative data was not available in relation to five of the actions.  
 
  WT/GC/240  
 
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Summary of APEC PSU 's ASCR Mid -term Review Recommendations  
Recommendation 1  Accelerate implementation of specific APEC -wide actions : 
Strategies can include identifying certain APEC -wide actions as priority 
areas, identifying champion economies and linking APEC -wide actions 
with work plan of accountable fora.  
Recommendation 2  Update set targets and outputs in each APEC -wide action and 
clearly associate activities with them:  Where original targets and 
outputs have been achieved, accountable fora should deliberate on the 
next steps. Where progress is lagging behi nd specific targets, targets 
should be reconsidered and recalibrated.  
Recommendation 3  Respond to COVID -19 decisively and concretely:  Steps and updates 
which economies and fora should consider include rationalization of 
policies affecting digital trade, f urther de jure and de facto market 
opening, dealing with regulatory heterogeneity, and attenuating social 
costs.  
Recommendation 4  Leverage cross -fora collaboration and capture all relevant 
activities:  Assigning each APEC -wide action to accountable fora h elps in 
strengthening ownership, but more should be done to leverage cross -
fora collaboration and to ensure that all relevant activities, particularly 
those outside the purview of the accountable fora, are captured 
accordingly.   
Recommendation 5  Ensure be tter synergy between ASCR and other APEC initiatives:  
It is critical that ASCR be realigned to help realize the APEC Putrajaya 
Vision 2040. Other initiatives where there is room to enhance synergy 
include APEC Internet and Digital Economy Roadmap (AIDER), the La 
Serena Roadmap for Women and Inclusive Growth, and Enhanced APEC 
Agenda for Structural Reform (EAASR).  
Recommendation 6  Enhance engagement with the private sector:  The private sector is 
the main beneficiaries, the providers, and the users of servic es. Further 
and deeper engagement with the private sector to partake in 
deliberating, calibrating, and executing the ASCR should be continued.  
Recommendation 7  Continue to improve services data and statistics:  Improving the 
state of services data and sta tistics in the region would assist in 
monitoring the roadmap implementation, and in better equipping 
policymakers to plan and make evidence -based decisions.  
Recommendation 8  Undertake complementary, measurable, concrete activities:  
Activities such as information -sharing workshops need to be 
supplemented with follow -up activities to support economies in 
undertaking tangible and measurable reforms.  
 
2. COVID -19 challenges and opportunities  
COVID -19 has had a major  impact on services trade in APEC; although there are some reasons for 
optimism, it is too early to assess the long -term impacts . The fall in services trade was much larger 
and recovery slower than the case for goods trade.  WTO data shows goods trade  was d own by 3% 
in the third quarter of 2020 and up 6% in the fourth quarter, year on year. In comparison, trade in 
services was down by 24% in the third quarter of 2020 and by 19% in the fourth quarter.  
 
Both consumer preferences to avoid in -person interactions  and social distancing restrictions by 
economies  severely limited face -to-face services trade, especially across borders. However, there 
have been substantial shifts of some types of in -person interactions to online . 
 
Impact on services sectors varied grea tly. The large declines in 2020 were driven by a dramatic 
collapse in trade in travel, transportation and construction services. Although results for domestic 
travel and tourism, telecommunications  and business services were mixed, financial and insurance 
services generally increased; this was not sufficient to offset the direct COVID -related impacts on 
travel and related services, however.  
 
Data suggests announced greenfield investment in services sectors in 2020 compared to 2019 
declined within APEC by 37 %. Investment from APEC economies to non -APEC economies fell by 
24%. This has negatively impacted services  trade via commercial presence.  WT/GC/240  
 
- 10 - 
 
  Estimates  suggest 255 million full time jobs were lost worldwide. In many economies, the services 
sector employs large  numbers of women, as well as individuals from other groups with untapped 
economic potential  in some sectors . Job losses in services have a larger impact on these populations.  
 
Governments took active steps  to support affected businesses; however, of the 378 support 
measures tracked within APEC economies, 94% were assessed as harmful to trade liberalisation  
more generally as they discriminated against foreign firms.  
 
Despite these challenges, it is important to recognise that the services sector will play a crucial role 
in facilitating the economic recovery  of all APEC economies coming out of the pandemic.  
 
The pandemic accelerated the shift towards services and the use of digital technologies in production , 
such as digital marketplaces, automation, and rel ated software. This increased  services -intensity in 
production will improve productivity and drive growth . While this creates opportunities for firms and 
workers, the overall impact will depend on the feasibility of using of digital technologies, the abili ty 
of workers to learn new skills, and the availability of education opportunities to reskill the workforce 
in a changing context. There will be a major role for governments in dealing with adjustment 
pressures and costs . 
 
The pandemic saw governments experiment  with the easing of regulations in some areas, such as 
remote health consultation and diagnosis. There is opportunity to reflect on regulatory 
experimentations and share best practices  in preparation for post pandemic  recovery.  
 
As APEC member economies seek to promote economic recovery from the pandemic, there are 
significant opportunities to promote structural reform of key services sectors.  The 2016 APEC 
Economic Policy Report on Structural Reform and Services highlighted how structural reform of the 
most restricted services sectors had the potential to promote both significant productivity gains and 
increases in trade in services.  It will be important for the Committee on Trade and Investment and 
the Economic Committee to collaborate in supporting efforts by member economies to institute such 
reforms.  
 
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ENDORSEMENT BY APEC ECONOMIES  
3. Proposed additional targets/initiatives for 2025  
• Measures adopted by APEC economies in response to the pandemic that create barriers to trade 
in services to be wound back in 2022, with the aim of removing them, as conditions in each 
economy permit, and no later than 2023. APEC economies should continue to ensure consistency 
of any such barriers with their W orld Trade Organization (WTO) and preferential trade agreement 
obligations and commitments.  
 
• Strive towards full participation by APEC economies in key multilateral processes related to 
services trade and investment, including:  
 
‒ WTO Joint Statement Initiat ive on Services Domestic Regulation;  
‒ WTO Joint Statement Initiative on E -commerce;  
‒ WTO Joint Statement Initiative on Investment Facilitation for Development.  
 
• Strive towards full participation by APEC member economies in:  
 
‒ APEC Business Travel Card (includ ing accepting Virtual APEC Business Travel Cards).  
 
• Expanded participation by APEC member economies in:  
 
‒ the Asia Region Funds Passport;  
‒ the Index to Measure the Regulatory Environment in Services Trade of APEC.  
 
• Encourage discussion towards wider implementation and adoption of the APEC Cross Border 
Privacy Rules System by interested APEC economies and companies.  
 WT/GC/240  
 
- 11 - 
 
  4. Proposed  priority activities to 2025  
• Make services regulation and policy reform in favour of openness a central focus of APEC 's 
structura l reform agenda, including in relation to:  
 
‒ consistency with the APEC Non -binding Principles for Domestic Regulation of the Services 
Sector;  
‒ regulatory challenges dealing with digitalization and automation;  
‒ regulatory inefficiency and obstacles to establi shing a commercial presence.  
 
• Coordination on identifying and reducing regulatory heterogeneity that restrict services provision 
in order to improve interoperability among APEC economies, including:  
 
‒ MSME participation in global value chains to provide res earch, technical and design 
services as well as advertising, marketing and repair services, among other areas;  
‒ digital services standards, particularly in relation to digital transactions and data;  
‒ mobility of professional services, including mutual recogn ition arrangements;  
‒ cross-border trade in financial services, including by exploring interoperability between 
participating economies in the Asia Region Funds Passport and other schemes;  
‒ trade in environmental services  
 
• Collective action on protocols, procedures, and the application of technology to facilitate the 
movement of people, including the APEC Business Travel Card, as applicable, as travel re -opens 
post COVID -19. 
 
• Enhanced private services sector engagement across the breadth of APEC 's agenda, including a 
private -public dialogue series on the implication of regional servicification, which relates to the 
growing role of services in manufacturing activities and value chains . 
 
• Improved monitoring, reporting and transparency of the impact  of APEC -wide actions, including:  
 
‒ where relevant, updating targets of APEC wide actions and identifying measurable 
indicators1; 
‒ collecting information using a common framework to improve comparison of the impact 
of policy changes affecting services trade in APEC member economies;  
‒ promoting the collection of more meaningful services statistics across APEC economies, 
including:  
 
▪ on foreign affiliate trade in services (FATS);  
▪ intra-APEC trade in services; and  
▪ to enable identification of service s subsectors at a more granular level.  
 
‒ strengthening cross -fora collaboration, including through a formal cross -fora 
collaborative event on services at the margins of the annual Second Senior Officials ' 
Meeting cluster, to reduce duplication of effort and  increase the impact through the 
promotion of ongoing monitoring and evaluation of progress by 2025.  
 
 
_______________  
 
  
 
1 Refer to PSU recommendation number 2 from the ASCR Mid -term Review.  WT/GC/240  
 
- 12 - 
 
  ANNEX 2  
REFERENCE LIST OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTALLY RELATED SERVICES  
Reiterating the key role that APEC plays in supporting gr een growth in our region;  
 
Committed to finding common understanding in approaches to trade and environment issues and 
taking coordinated action to address environmental challenges, including climate change, while 
recognising each economy has its own poli cies; 
  
Recognising the important role that trade in services plays in driving economic growth, productivity 
and prosperity, and ensuring that the Asia -Pacific remains the world 's most dynamic and 
interconnected regional economy;  
 
Responding to our Leaders ' endorsement of the APEC -wide action of supporting liberalisation of, 
facilitation of and cooperation on environmental services, under the Environmental Services Action 
Plan, in the APEC Services Competitiveness Roadmap;  
 
Committed to enhancing trade in services that are needed to protect our environment and noting 
that supporting liberalisation of, facilitation of and cooperation on environmental services will 
increase access to such services, directly benefiting the envir onment;  
 
Noting recent work relating to environmental services that has been carried out by APEC 's Group on 
Services, including the report 'Environmental Services in the APEC Region: Definition, Challenges 
and Opportunities '; 
 
We endorse the below APEC Reference List of Environmental and Environmentally Related Services.  
 
This list has been developed utilising the following principles:  
 
Environmentally related services are services considered by APEC economies:  
 
(i) to directly relate to environmental conditions (including CPC Prov. Division 94, commonly 
considered to be core "environmental services "); or  
(ii) to directly contribute to the design, construction and operation of facilities or equip ment 
determined to improve environmental conditions.  
 
Professional services included in the list are considered environmentally related when they require 
specific training or knowledge regarding the environmental impact of such facilities.  
 
This non -binding and non -exhaustive Reference List has been developed on a voluntary basis by the 
APEC Economies, and is open for future review as determined by Economies, with the first review to 
take place within two years. When reviewing the Reference List, Economies  are encouraged to take 
scientific factors into consideration to ensure the environmental benefits of those services listed and 
identify other potential services for inclusion. The environmental and environmentally related 
services listed below represent E conomies ' best knowledge and efforts to contribute to classification 
efforts and take into account different perspectives that may apply in central or local environmental 
regulations.1 
 
As the first voluntary and evolving Reference List of its kind, we ho pe that this will be a valuable 
resource for ongoing discussions in APEC.  
 
 
 
1 For further guidance, this Reference List can be read alongside the UN Statistics Division — Classifications 
on economic statistics .  
  WT/GC/240  
 
- 13 - APEC REFERENCE LIST OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTALLY RELATED SERVICES  
Group 1:  Services that are environmentally related of themselves, being directly related to environmental conditions.  
 
CPC 2.1  CPC 2.1 Description  CPC Prov.  CPC Prov. Description  Indicative beneficial 
relation to environmental 
conditions  
81139 ex  Experimental development services in other 
natural sciences [environmental sciences not 
elsewhere classified]  85109 ex  Research and experimental development 
services on other natural sciences 
[environmental sciences not elsewhere 
classified]  Environmental  monitoring, 
analysis or assessment  
83221 ex  Urban planning services [studies of 
environmental impact and economic assessments 
of urban development plans]  86741 ex  Urban planning services [studies of 
environmental impact and economic 
assessments of urban development plans]  Environmental monitoring, 
analysis or assessment  
83231 ex  Landscape architectural advisory services 
[related to natural landscapes]  86742 ex  Landscape architectural services [advisory 
services related to natural l andscapes]  Protection of biodiversity or 
landscape (incl. natural 
resources protection)  
83232 ex  Landscape architectural services [related to 
natural landscapes]  86742 ex  Landscape architectural services [related to 
natural landscapes]  Protection of bio diversity or 
landscape (incl. natural 
resources protection)  
83411 ex  Geological and geophysical consulting services 
[related to groundwater]  86751 ex  Geological, geophysical and other scientific 
prospecting services [consulting services 
related to groundwater]  Water supply or treatment  
83411 ex  Geological and geophysical consulting services 
[related to the evaluation of geological, 
geophysical and geochemical anomalies]  86751 ex  Geological, geophysical and other scientific 
prospecting services [c onsulting services 
related to the evaluation of geological, 
geophysical and geochemical anomalies]  Natural risk management;  
Solid or hazardous waste 
management  
83412 ex  
 Geophysical services [related to carbon, capture 
and storage]  
 86751 ex  Geological, geophysical and other scientific 
prospecting services [related to carbon, capture 
and storage]  Environmental monitoring, 
analysis or assessment;  
 
Air pollution control or 
avoidance  86752 ex  Subsurface surveying services [related to 
carbon, capture and storage]  
83412 ex  
 Geophysical services [related to natural risk 
management]  
 86751 ex  Geological, geophysical and other scientific 
prospecting services [related to natural risk 
management]  Environmental monitoring, 
analysis or assessment;  
  
  WT/GC/240  
 
- 14 - CPC 2.1  CPC 2.1 Description  CPC Prov.  CPC Prov. Description  Indicative beneficial 
relation to environmental 
conditions  
86752 ex  Subsurface surveying services [related to 
natural risk management]  Natural risk management  
 
83931  Environmental consulting services  86729  Other engineering services [related to 
environmental consulting]  Environmental monitoring, 
analysis or assessment  
85340 ex  Specialized cleaning services [Cleaning services 
for reservoirs and tanks, these being parts of 
either industrial sites; furnace and chimney 
cleaning services; cleaning of furnaces, 
incinerators, boilers, ventilation ducts and 
exhaust units]  87409 ex  Other building cleaning services [Cleaning 
services for reservoirs and tanks, these being 
parts of either industrial sites; furnace and 
chimney cleaning services; cleaning of furnaces, 
incinerators, b oilers, ventilation ducts and 
exhaust units]  Air pollution control or 
avoidance;  
 
Environmental remediation 
or clean -up 
85970 ex  Landscape care and maintenance services 
[Planting, care and maintenance services of 
stationary and flowing water (basins, alternating 
wet areas, ponds, ditches, watercourses, sewage -
treatment systems) and of plants for protection 
against noise, wind, erosi on, visibility and 
dazzling]  96499 ex  Other recreational services n.e.c. [Planting, care 
and maintenance services of stationary and 
flowing water (basins, alternating wet areas, 
ponds, ditches, watercourses, sewage -
treatment systems) and of plants for pro tection 
against noise, wind, erosion, visibility and 
dazzling]  Noise or vibration 
abatement;  
 
Protection of biodiversity or 
landscape (incl. natural 
resources protection);  
 
Wastewater management  
89410  Metal waste and scrap recovery (recycling) 
services, on a fee or contract basis  88493  Recycling on a fee or contract basis  Solid or hazardous waste 
management  
89420  Non-metal waste and scrap recovery (recycling) 
services, on a fee or contract basis  Solid or hazardous waste 
management  
94110  Sewerage and sewage treatment services  94010  Sewage services  Wastewater management  
94120  Septic tank emptying and cleaning services  Wastewater management  
94211  Collection services of hazardous medical and 
other biohazardous waste  94020  Refuse disposal services  Solid or hazardous waste 
management  
94212  Collection services of industrial hazardous waste 
(except medical and other biohazardous waste)  Solid or hazardous waste 
management  
94219  Collection services of other hazardous waste  Solid or hazardous waste 
management  
94221  Collection services of non -hazardous recyclable 
materials, residential  Solid or hazardous waste 
management  
94229  Collection services of non -hazardous recyclable 
materials, other  Solid or hazardous waste 
management  
94231  General waste collection services, residential  Solid or hazardous waste 
management   
  WT/GC/240  
 
- 15 - CPC 2.1  CPC 2.1 Description  CPC Prov.  CPC Prov. Description  Indicative beneficial 
relation to environmental 
conditions  
94239  General waste collection services, other  Solid or hazardous waste 
management  
94311  Hazardous waste preparation, consolidation and 
storage services  Solid or hazardous waste 
management  
94312  Ship-breaking and other dismantling of wrecks 
services  Solid or hazardous waste 
management  
94313  Non-hazardous recyclable materials preparation, 
consolidation and storage services  Solid or hazardous waste 
management  
94319  Other non -hazardous waste preparation, 
consolidation and storage services  Solid or hazardous waste 
management  
94321  Hazardous waste treatment services  Solid or hazardous waste 
management  
94322  Hazardous waste disposal services  Solid or hazardous waste 
management  
94331  Sanitary landfill services, non -hazardous waste  Solid or hazardous waste 
management  
94332  Other landfill services, non -hazardous waste  Solid or hazardous waste 
management  
94333  Incineration of non -hazardous waste  Solid or hazardous waste 
management  
94339  Other non -hazardous waste treatment and 
disposal services  Solid or hazardous waste 
management;  
Production of cleaner or 
renewable energy  
94411  Site remediation and clean -up services, air  94090  Other environmental protection servic es n.e.c.  Environmental remediation 
or clean -up 
94412  Site remediation and clean -up services, surface 
water  Environmental remediation 
or clean -up 
94413  Site remediation and clean -up services, soil and 
groundwater  Environmental remediation 
or clean -up 
94420  Containment, control and monitoring services and 
other site remediation services n.e.c.  Environmental remediation 
or clean -up 
94430  Building remediation services  Environmental remediation 
or clean -up 
94490  Other remediation services n.e.c.  Environmental remediation 
or clean -up  
  WT/GC/240  
 
- 16 - CPC 2.1  CPC 2.1 Description  CPC Prov.  CPC Prov. Description  Indicative beneficial 
relation to environmental 
conditions  
94510  Sweeping and snow removal services  94030  Sanitation and similar services  Environmental remediation 
or clean -up 
94590  Other sanitation services  Environmental remediation 
or clean -up 
94900  Other environmental protection services n.e.c.  94040  Cleaning services of exhaust gases  Air pollution control or 
avoidance;  
 
Noise or vibration abatement  94050  Noise abatement services  
94060  Nature and landscape protection services  
94090  Other environmental protection services n.e.c.  
96422  Nature reserve services including wildlife 
preservation services  96332  Nature reserve services including wildlife 
preservation services  Protection of biodiversity or 
landscape (incl. natural 
resources protection)  
 
Group 2: Services that may be environmentally related when used for the design, construction and operation of certain facilities or equipment 
intended to improve environmental conditions, or for purposes that are determined to be environmentally beneficial by compete nt regulators 
(for example, with respect to projects related to renewable energy, pollution abatement, wastewater management, etc.).  
 
CPC 2.1  CPC 2.1 Description  CPC Prov.  CPC Prov. Description  Indicative beneficial 
relation to environmental 
conditions  
54233  General construction services of dams  51330 ex  Construction work for civil engineering for 
waterways, harbours, dams and other 
waterworks [for dams]  Production of cleaner or 
renewable energy  
54234  General construction services of irrigation and 
flood co ntrol waterworks  51330 ex  Construction work for civil engineering for 
waterways, harbours, dams and other 
waterworks [for irrigation and flood control 
waterworks]  Natural risk management  
54241  General construction services of long -distance 
pipelines  51340  Construction work for civil engineering for long 
distance pipelines, communication and power 
lines (cables)  Production of cleaner or 
renewable energy  
54242  General construction services of long -distance 
communication and power lines  Production of cleaner or 
renewable energy  
54251  General construction services of local pipelines  51350  Construction work for civil engineering for local 
pipelines and cables; ancillary works  Production of cleaner or 
renewable energy;  
 
Wastewater management;  
 
Water supply or treatment   
  WT/GC/240  
 
- 17 - CPC 2.1  CPC 2.1 Description  CPC Prov.  CPC Prov. Description  Indicative beneficial 
relation to environmental 
conditions  
54252  General construction services of local cables and 
related works  Production of cleaner or 
renewable energy  
54253  General construction services of sewage and 
water treatment plants  51390  Construction work for civil engineering for 
engineering works n.e.c.  Wastewater management;  
 
Water supply or treatment  
54262  General construction services of power plants  51360  Construction work for civil engineering for 
constructions for mining and manufacturing  Production of cleaner or 
renewable energy  
54290  General construction services of other civil 
engineering works  51390 Construction work for civil engineering for 
engineering works n.e.c.  Solid or hazardous waste 
management;  
 
Wastewater management;  
 
Water supply or treatment  
54320  Site formation and clearance services  51130  Site formation and clearance work  Environmental monitoring, 
analysis or assessment  
54330  Excavating and earthmoving services  51140  Excavating and earthmoving work  Environmental remediation 
or clean -up  
54342  Septic system installation services  51620 ex  Water plumbing and drain laying work [Septic 
system installation services]  Wastewater management  
54650  Insulation services  51650  Insulation work (electrical wiring, water, heat, 
sound)  Improvement of energy 
efficiency  
8321 Architectural services and advisory services  8671 Architectural services  Improvement of energy 
efficiency  
83324  Engineering services for power projects   86729  Other engineering services  Production of cleaner or 
renewable energy  
83326  Engineering services for waste -management 
projects (hazardous and non -hazardous)  Solid or hazardous waste 
management;  
 
Wastewater management  
83327  Engineering services for water, sewerage and 
drainage projects  Solid or hazardous waste 
management;  
 
Wastewater management;  
 
Water supply or treatment   
  WT/GC/240  
 
- 18 - CPC 2.1  CPC 2.1 Description  CPC Prov.  CPC Prov. Description  Indicative beneficial 
relation to environmental 
conditions  
83441  Composition and purity testing and analysis 
services  86761  Composition and purity testing and analysis 
services  Environmental monitoring, 
analysis or assessment;  
 
Air pollution control or 
avoidance;  
 
Environmental remediation 
or clean -up; 
 
Solid or hazardous waste 
management;  
 
Wastewater management  
83442  Testing and analysis services of physical 
properties  86762  Testing and analysis services of physical 
properties  Improvement of energy 
efficiency;  
 
Environmental monitoring, 
analysis or assessment  
87152 ex  Maintenance and repair services of electrical 
machinery and apparatus n.e.c   88640  Repair services of electrical machinery and 
apparatus n.e.c., on a fee or contract basis  Production of cleaner or 
renewable energy  
 
 
__________