WT/GC/241  
 
18 November 2021  
(21-8721) Page: 1/12 
General Council  Original: English  
 
 
2021 APEC ECONOMIC LEADERS ' DECLARATION  
The following communication, dated 15 November 2021, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of New Zealand.  
 
_______________  
 
 
We, the Economic Leaders of APEC met on 12 November 2021. The COVID -19 pandemic continues 
to take lives and impact livelihoods. The evolving nature of the COVID -19 pandemic and its variants 
will create ongoing uncertainty and an uneven economic recovery across the Asia -Pacific region. 
Responding to  this deepest of challenges has been a top priority in 2021. In this regard, we are 
taking steps to ensure growth rebounds quickly and to boost the global economic recovery.  
 
This year APEC economies have reaffirmed their commitment to join together; to re spond to the 
immediate crisis generated by the pandemic through urgent work; and to strengthen our cooperation 
so that our region can return to growth in a way that is more innovative, inclusive and sustainable.  
 
Responding to COVID -19 
In July, we met to d iscuss APEC 's response to the COVID -19 pandemic. We recognised the inequities 
in widespread access to COVID -19 vaccines, and therefore, we continue to strongly support equitable 
access to safe, effective, quality -assured and affordable COVID -19 vaccines, d iagnostics, 
therapeutics, and other related essential medical products. Because nobody is safe until everyone is 
safe, we are determined to ensure extensive immunisation of our people against COVID -19 as a 
global public good. It remains a priority that we expand vaccine manufacture and supply.  
 
In this context, we have demonstrated that trade and investment is a critical enabler for addressing 
the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic and ensuring our economies recover stronger. APEC members 
will continue work to:  
 
- Support global efforts to share vaccines equitably and expand vaccine manufacture and supply, 
including through the voluntary transfer of vaccine production technologies on mutually agreed 
terms.  
- Facilitate trade in COVID -19 vaccines and related essential medical products, including by 
embedding digitalised trade facilitation measures and implementing best practices in customs 
procedures.  
- Build understanding and transparency of the types of border measures taken in response to the 
pandemic and enc ourage the elimination of unnecessary export restrictions and other non -tariff 
barriers.  
- Voluntarily reduce the cost of COVID -19 vaccines and related essential COVID -19 medical goods.  
- Ensure that the TRIPS Agreement supports efforts to research, develop, i nvest in, manufacture, 
and distribute, more COVID -19 vaccines.  
- Seek a pragmatic, effective, and forward -looking multilateral response to COVID -19 at the 
12th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference at the end of this month.  
 
Much of the Asia -Pacific 's growth has been stimulated by the ability of people to move across borders 
for business, tourism, and education. As a result of restrictions on the cross -border movement of 
people due to the COVID -19 pandemic, unrealised economic activity losses have been substantial. 
As we each look at reopening without undermining efforts to prevent the spread of COVID -19, we 
support APEC playing a greater role in promoting information exchange and coordination measures WT/GC/ 241 
 
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 related to cross -border movement of people , including in relation to air and maritime crew, and 
COVID -19 testing and vaccination certificates. We will work towards tangible outcomes in 2022 . 
 
We are strengthening our health systems to respond to the COVID -19 pandemic and prepare for 
future health threats. We recognise the importance of maintaining ongoing essential health services, 
improving digital solutions, pursuing increased health equity and our goal to achieve universal health 
coverage. We support deeper regional and international coll aboration on COVID -19, in a way that 
puts people at the centre of our response through coordinated, multi -sectoral approaches and 
consultation.  
 
The Road to Recovery  
 
While an immediate response to the health challenges posed by the crisis remains essentia l, we are 
also now cooperating on policy responses to the significant economic, social and environmental 
challenges we will face in coming years. We have the opportunity to ensure an economic recovery 
that includes all our people, supports a more sustainab le planet, and ensures that the Asia -Pacific 
remains the world 's most dynamic and interconnected regional economy.  
 
Our macroeconomic policies have played a key role in responding to the impacts of the COVID -19 
pandemic, preserving jobs and livelihoods, fu nding necessary public services and supporting those 
most affected by the pandemic. With the COVID -19 crisis far from over, we are determined to use 
all available macroeconomic tools to address the adverse consequences of COVID -19 and sustain 
economic reco very, while preserving long -term fiscal sustainability. Our economic recovery will be 
built on a stable, inclusive, sustainable and resilient macroeconomic environment that supports 
innovation, dynamism and improved productivity. In this respect, we welcom e the work of APEC 
Finance Ministers and in particular, the New Strategy for the Implementation of the Cebu Action 
Plan, which contributes to achieving our goal of a more financially integrated, transparent, resilient, 
and connected APEC.  
 
We welcome the h istoric agreement on a more stable and fairer international tax architecture 
reached in October. We strongly reaffirm our commitment to promoting tax certainty and tackling 
tax avoidance and evasion in the APEC region.  
 
Structural reform will also be a cr itical tool for promoting economic recovery. We welcome the 
Enhanced APEC Agenda for Structural Reform (EAASR), which provides for collaboration on growth -
focused reforms designed to be inclusive, resilient, sustainable and innovation -friendly.  
 
The pandem ic has highlighted how structural reform of services sectors can be a powerful enabler 
of economic growth and inclusion. We note the uneven progress in increasing services 
competitiveness in the region and in delivering a more open and predictable environm ent for access 
to services markets. We commit to accelerate work in response to the mid -term review with the aim 
of fully implementing the APEC Services Competitiveness Roadmap (ASCR) by 2025.  
 
We have witnessed a remarkable acceleration in digital adoptio n and transformation across our 
economies. To sustain this enormous growth potential, we will accelerate the implementation of the 
APEC Internet and Digital Economy Roadmap (AIDER), further develop digital infrastructure, 
encourage the development and appl ication of new technologies, and work towards a digital business 
environment that is open, fair and inclusive, including by narrowing the digital divide. We will also 
strive to implement structural reforms and increase information sharing regarding our res pective 
domestic policies and practices in support of digital connectivity and inclusion. We acknowledge the 
key importance of interoperability of digital systems and tools across the region. We will also 
cooperate on facilitating the flow of data, and str engthen consumer and business trust in digital 
transactions.  
 
Trade should be a pillar for the development and future prosperity of all our people. At this time of 
extraordinary disruption, the rules -based multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its c ore, can 
play an important role in economic recovery. We will engage constructively to ensure MC12 is a 
success and delivers concrete outcomes.  
 
We will cooperate to enhance further the role of the WTO in establishing rules that support a free, 
open, fair, non -discriminatory, transparent and predictable trade and investment environment. This 
approach is at the core of our long -standing commitment to the WTO.  WT/GC/ 241 
 
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 We are committed to working together to shape a responsive, relevant and revitalised WTO, in 
particular through the necessary reform of the WTO, with a view to improving all its functions. Seized 
of the opportunity presented by MC12, our economies will work together with the wider WTO 
membership to advance efforts to ensure the organization is deliv ering for our economies in the 
twenty -first century.  
 
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 ou r people and our businesses. 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 th at APEC Business Advisory Council 
considers the realisation of FTAAP its preeminent economic priority.  
 
We will intensify efforts to ensure goods continue to flow even under challenging circumstances. 
APEC's work on resilient supply chains, quality infrast ructure development and investment, as well 
as on ports cooperation are essential components of this work. We will continue to implement the 
APEC Connectivity Blueprint to further improve physical, institutional and people -to-people 
connectivity. We are en couraged by APEC work taking place to strengthen customs cooperation, and 
to digitalise border processes and increase the uptake of paperless trading. This work contributes to 
accelerating APEC 's efforts to implement the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement.  
 
We will strive to ensure our recovery efforts are free from the serious threats of corruption, fraud, 
waste, and abuse. We will continue to deny safe haven to corruption offenders and their assets. We 
are committed to effective, practical, and timely coope ration between competent authorities. We will 
promote transparency, accountability, and integrity as a basis for preventing and combatting 
corruption.  
 
Our Commitment to Sustainability and Inclusion  
In 2021, the world continues to confront unprecedented ch allenges posed by the impacts of climate 
change. We acknowledge the need for urgent and concrete action to transition to a climate -resilient 
future global economy and appreciate net zero or carbon neutrality commitments in this regard. We 
commit to work to gether to ensure that our economic and environmental policies are mutually 
supportive.  
 
APEC has made some progress in strengthening the region 's capacity to adopt renewable energy 
and other environmentally sound technologies, as part of sustainable energy  transitions that reduce 
our dependence on fossil fuels. In this context, we will continue to work together to support energy 
resilience, access, and security in the region. We acknowledge the importance of stable energy 
markets, and supporting clean energ y transitions.  
 
Building on this, we commit to leverage APEC 's role as an incubator of ideas and capacity building 
to tackle climate change. We will further integrate action on climate change across relevant APEC 
workstreams.  
 
We need to support the wellbe ing and security of all our people, and their equitable participation in 
the economy, so that no one is left behind. Recognising the disproportionate impacts of COVID -19 
on MSMEs, women and others with untapped economic potential, we are also taking action  to drive 
a more inclusive economic recovery. The La Serena Roadmap for Women and Inclusive Growth is 
bringing women 's economic empowerment to the foreground, with a significant number of initiatives 
currently underway across APEC. We support the full and accelerated implementation of this 
roadmap. 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 othe rs. We will continue to deepen our cooperation in these areas, where 
relevant, to ensure their access to economic opportunities, including to improve access to global 
markets, and encourage the transition of economic actors from the informal to the formal economy.  
We have provided unprecedented levels of support to all our businesses, including micro, small and 
medium enterprises (MSMEs), to help them navigate the crisis. We will continue supporting MSME 
digital empowerment by tackling systemic barriers to entrepreneurship and reinforcing capacity 
building. We will also deepen our efforts to respond to the impact of the pandemic on labour market 
participation and the future of work.  
 WT/GC/ 241 
 
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 Digital connectivity and innovation are critical across our efforts towards  an inclusive, resilient and 
sustainable recovery. We need to continue to narrow the digital divide by promoting digital skills, 
encouraging the adoption of innovative working methods, expanding access to digital tools and 
infrastructure, and ensuring our MSMEs and start -ups are able to harness new and emerging 
technologies and digital eco -systems.  
 
We welcome the Food Security Roadmap Towards 2030. This will guide APEC 's work towards our 
goal of sufficient, safe, nutritious, accessible and affordable food for all. We support efforts to reduce 
food waste and loss. We will also continue to take concrete measures to implement the APEC 
Roadmap on Combatting Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing.  
 
Looking forward  
Last year we adopted the Putrajaya Vision 2040, which will guide our work for the next twenty years.  
We endorse the Aotearoa Plan of Action, which will be key to implementing this Vision. This will 
inject new momentum into APEC, at a time when our region faces significant chal lenges. It 
demonstrates the confidence we have in sharing our individual approaches, working together 
collectively where we can, and being willing and open to ideas addressing new challenges.  
 
The Aotearoa Plan of Action is designed to be a living document. We will monitor our progress and 
update it every five years. All of this in pursuit of our Vision: an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful 
Asia-Pacific community by 2040, for the prosperity of all our people and future generations.  
 
We welcome t he outcomes of the 2021 APEC Ministerial Meeting as well as the 2021 sectoral 
Ministerial Meetings for Trade, Structural Reform, Food Security, Health, Women and the Economy, 
Small and Medium Enterprises, and Finance.  
 
We thank New Zealand for hosting APEC  in 2021 and we look forward to APEC in 2022, which will 
be hosted by Thailand.  
 
Haumi ē, Hui ē, Tāiki ē  
Join, Work, Grow. Together  
 
 
_______________  
 
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 AOTEAROA PLAN OF ACTION  
A PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PUTRAJAYA VISION 2040  
Our vision is an open, dynami c, resilient and peaceful Asia -Pacific community by 2040, for the 
prosperity of all our people and future generations.  
In implementing the Putrajaya Vision 2040, economies will build on APEC 's founding documents, 
including the 1994 Bogor Goals and the 1995  Osaka Action Agenda. APEC economies remain 
committed to APEC 's mission and its voluntary, non -binding, consensus -building principles, and 
APEC economies will advance the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 with a spirit of equal partnership, 
shared responsibility,  mutual respect, common interest, and common benefit.  
 
This Aotearoa Plan of Action sets out individual and collective actions towards achieving our Vision, 
along with how we will evaluate our progress. Economies will review and adapt the Aotearoa Plan of 
Action over time to ensure it remains comprehensive, balanced and relevant across all elements of 
our Vision. It is intended to be a living document. This Aotearoa Plan of Action does not preclude 
other APEC work to implement the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 . 
 
Three Economic Drivers  
Trade and Investment : 
 
Objective : "To ensure that the Asia -Pacific remains the world 's most dynamic and interconnected 
regional economy, we acknowledge the importance of, and will continue to work together to deliver, 
a free, open, fair, non -discriminatory, transparent and predictable trade and investment 
environment. " 
 
• Evaluation of progress : APEC 's trade and investment environment is free, open, fair, non -
discriminatory, transparent and predictable.  
 
• Individual Actions : Econo mies will take actions to liberalise trade and investment in a manner 
that it is free, open, fair, non -discriminatory, transparent and predictable.  
 
• Collective Actions : Economies will:  
 
o Progress liberalisation of trade in goods by reducing unnecessary barr iers, 
strengthening trade facilitation, and fostering regulatory reform;  
o Progress services liberalisation, facilitation and cooperation, including by 
implementing the APEC Services Competitiveness Roadmap;  
o Promote the flow of quality investment through ste ps such as work on investment  
facilitation and liberalisation;  
o Promote adequate and effective protection and enforcement of  intellectual property, 
including by providing capacity building, particularly to  spur economic development 
and innovation; and  
o Increase trade predictability and openness by improving economies ' transparency 
through trade measures and policies.  
 
Objective : "We reaffirm our support for agreed upon rules of the WTO in delivering a  well-functioning 
multilateral trading system and promoting the stability and predictability of international trade flows " 
 
• Evaluation of progress : Growth of international trade flows in the region become more stable 
and predictable including with increased coverage of WTO rules, through  APEC members ' 
effective and transparent implementation of existing and future commitments.  
 
• Individual Actions : Economies will implement their WTO commitments.  Where appropriate, 
economies will also seek to accelerate their implementation, go beyond them, and work on 
ways to further promote the stability and predictability of trade flows.  
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 • Collective Actions : Economies will:  
 
o Support APEC 's role as an incubator of ideas by advancing new approaches that help 
deliver a well -functioning multilateral trading system, with the WT O at its core;  
o Support progress of negotiations at the WTO to deliver a trade and investment 
environment that is free, open, fair, non -discriminatory, transparent and 
predictable;  
o Support implementation of WTO disciplines arising from negotiations, including in 
prospective areas such as harmful fisheries subsidies, and agriculture negotiations;  
o Encourage, as appropriate, WTO members ' discussions towards necessary reform of 
the WTO across all its functions; and  
o Advance capacity building programmes to support the implementation of and 
adherence to WTO rules, including transparency and notification obligations.  
 
Objective : "We will further advance the Bogor Goals and economic integration in the region in a 
manner that is market -driven, incl uding through the work on the Free Trade Area of the Asia -Pacific 
(FTAAP) agenda which contributes to high standard and comprehensive regional undertakings. " 
 
• Evaluation of progress:  Economic integration occurs in the region by advancing the 
unfinished bus iness of the Bogor Goals in a manner that is market -driven and through the 
development of high standard and comprehensive regional undertakings.  
 
• Individual Actions:  Economies will continue to support ongoing efforts to conclude, ratify, 
implement and upgr ade high standard and comprehensive trade agreements as appropriate.  
 
• Collective Actions : Economies will:  
 
o Complete the unfinished business of the Bogor Goals and further deepen economic 
integration in the region in a manner that is market -driven;  
o Effectively advance efforts on the Free Trade Area of the Asia -Pacific (FTAAP) 
agenda, consistent with the Lima Declaration;  
o Strengthen APEC 's key role as an incubator of ideas on trade and investment issues 
in the region;  
o Advance capacity building program mes and cooperate on best practice for the 
development of and participation in high standard regional undertakings; and  
o Carry out discussions on, and studies into, areas of convergence and divergence 
across all chapters of trade agreements in the region th at contribute to  high standard 
and comprehensive undertakings.  
 
Objective : "We will promote seamless connectivity, resilient supply chains and responsible business 
conduct. " 
 
• Evaluation of progress:  To promote seamless connectivity, resilient supply chains  and 
responsible business conduct, APEC economies will improve physical, institutional and 
people -to-people connectivity.  
 
• Individual Actions:  Economies will develop tools and adopt policies that foster seamless 
connectivity, resilient supply chains and responsible business conduct.  
 
• Collective Actions : Economies will:  
 
o Implement APEC's Connectivity Blueprint, including by strengthening connectivity 
and resilient supply chains within APEC, and by cooperating to equip businesses to 
better understand their supply chains;  
o Promote trade and investment facilitation for all, including by:  
1. fully implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, and seeking to 
build on it where appropriate;  
2. working towards digitalising border processes facilitated by application of 
internationally recognised standards, strengthening customs cooperation 
and increasing port cooperation; and  WT/GC/ 241 
 
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 3. the adoption and improvement of effective standards and conformance 
systems, encompassing standardisation, accreditation, metrology, 
conformity assessment and market surveillance;  
o Address key infrastructure gaps and enhance connectivity by creating transparent 
regulatory environments, promoting dialogue, and sharing best practices that enable 
quality infrastructure development and investment, whic h remains accessible, 
sustainable and affordable with respect to life -cycle costs;  
o Improve digital connectivity in the region;  
o Promote and cooperate on measures that facilitate the safe cross -border movement 
of people, particularly in the context of changi ng pandemic related health and travel 
measures, so as to strengthen tourism, aviation and similarly affected sectors;  
o Strengthen multi -stakeholder cooperation to promote responsible business conduct, 
particularly with the private sector; and  
o Promote capaci ty building to improve physical, institutional and  people -to-people 
connectivity.  
 
Innovation and Digitalisation:  
 
Objective:  "We will pursue structural reforms and sound economic policies to promote innovation as 
well as improve productivity and dynamism. " 
 
Macro -economic policies:  
 
• Evaluation of progress:  Growth in the region is based on a stable, sustainable and resilient 
macro -economic environment for all.  
 
• Individual Actions:  Economies will seek continued improvement in the resilience and 
sustainability of their macro -economic policies, particularly fiscal and monetary policies.  
 
• Collective Actions : Economies will:  
 
o Promote macro -economic policies, including sound fiscal and monetary policies that 
are calibrated to combat the negative macro -economic impact of global pandemics 
such as COVID -19, support recovery, and contribute to future growth through:  
1. sharing information and best practice;  
2. promoting good regulatory practices and regulatory cooperation; and  
3. building capacity to support i mplementation of commitments,  including 
through the Cebu Action Plan;  
o Improve fiscal sustainability and transparency to support long -term resilient 
development and future financing needs; and  
o Collaborate across relevant APEC fora on such issues related to macro -economic 
policies, including services and the digital economy.  
 
Structural reform:  
 
• Evaluation of progress:  The region sustains positive productivity growth, fostered by 
continuous growth in innovation.  
 
• Individual Actions:  Economies will focus their reform efforts on those areas of the economy 
that have the greatest potential to drive increases in productivity and innovation.  
 
• Collective Actions : Economies will:  
 
o Advance future APEC initiatives on structural reform under the four pillars of the 
Enhanced APEC Agenda for Structural Reform (EAASR), including through:  
1. sharing information and best practice;  
2. promoting good regulatory practices and regulatory cooperation; and  
3. building capacity to support implementation of EAASR commitments; and  
o Collaborate across relevant APEC fora on issues related to structural reform, 
including services and the digital economy.  WT/GC/ 241 
 
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 Objective:  "To empower all our people and businesses to participate and grow in an interconnected 
global economy, we will foster an en abling environment that is, among others, market -driven and 
supported by digital economy and innovation. " 
 
• Evaluation of progress:  APEC's digital and innovation environment is market -driven and 
increasingly connected globally, including through the promoti on of interoperability, allowing 
all APEC people and businesses to achieve increased participation in,  and benefit from, 
innovation and the digital economy.  
 
• Individual Actions:  Economies will strengthen efforts to foster an enabling environment, 
including  by promoting regulatory and non -regulatory approaches that are coherent, 
interoperable, non -discriminatory, and that foster competition as well as promote 
innovation.  
 
• Collective Actions : Economies will:  
 
o Identify ways to support resilience and recovery b y utilising science,  technology and 
innovation systems, including through capacity building;  
o Adopt new and emerging technologies to stimulate growth, connectivity and  digital 
transformation;  
o Share best practice, and promote approaches for a digital economy  that fosters 
competition and promotes innovation;  
o Address challenges and barriers to achieving an enabling, inclusive, open,  fair and 
non-discriminatory digital and innovation environment;  
o Collaborate to develop an innovative digital business environment,  including through 
frameworks and understandings on best practice that encourage the development, 
application, uptake and management of new technologies;  
o Deepen APEC 's multi -stakeholder engagement and collaboration on digital issues, 
especially  with business;  
o Promote measures, interoperable approaches, and the use of digital technologies to 
facilitate trade and investment;  
o Promote ecosystems that support MSMEs, including those in the creative industry, 
to take advantage of the digital economy; a nd 
o Support the identification and integration of new and emerging sustainable 
transportation and mobility technologies and services.  
 
Objective:  "We will strengthen digital infrastructure, accelerate digital transformation,  narrow the 
digital divide, as we ll as cooperate on facilitating the flow of data and strengthening consumer and 
business trust in digital transactions. " 
 
• Evaluation of progress:  The region improves digital connectivity among economies, 
businesses and people including by enhancing trust a nd security in the use of ICTs, 
accessibility and affordability of digital infrastructure in the region,  broadening participation 
in the digital economy, and cooperating on facilitating the flow of data and strengthening 
consumer and business trust in digi tal transactions.  
 
• Individual Actions:  Economies will strengthen their digital infrastructure,  accelerate digital 
transformation, narrow the digital divide, work on facilitating the  flow of data, and 
strengthen consumer and business trust in digital transa ctions.  
 
• Collective Actions : Economies will:  
 
o Accelerate APEC work and capacity building on the digital economy, including by 
prompt and effective implementation of APEC 's Internet and Digital Economy 
Roadmap;  
o Cooperate on measures to address the digital divide, including facilitating access to 
digital infrastructure and supporting development of digital skills and digital literacy;  
o Cooperate to accelerate digital transformation, including by supporting the 
digitalisation of industries such as serv ices, manufacturing and agriculture;  
o Promote e -commerce / digital trade, including by supporting the development and 
implementation of international and regional norms and standards for the digital 
economy, compatibility of standards, regulations and syste ms, and supporting WT/GC/ 241 
 
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 discussion and sharing best practice on rules and regulations in e -commerce/digital 
trade;  
o Cooperate on facilitating the flow of data and strengthening consumer and business 
trust in digital transactions;  
o Cooperate on the provision of consumer protection in the digital environment;  
o Promote cost -effective mechanisms that support cross -border business -to-business 
engagement, including through electronic transactions and dispute resolution 
including under the APEC Collaborativ e Framework for Online Dispute Resolution of 
Cross Border Business -to-Business Disputes; and  
o Stimulate practical application of digital technologies for inclusive and sustainable 
growth in such areas as trade, finance, public services and healthcare.  
 
Strong, Balanced, Secure, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth:  
 
Objective:  "To ensure that the Asia -Pacific region is resilient to shocks, crises, pandemics and other 
emergencies, we will foster quality growth that brings palpable benefits and greater health and 
wellbeing to all, including MSMEs, women and others with untapped economic potential. " 
 
• Evaluation of progress:  APEC's growth is high quality and inclusive, bringing palpable 
benefits and greater health and wellbeing to MSMEs, women and others with untappe d 
economic potential.  
 
• Individual Actions:  Economies will adopt and strengthen regulatory approaches,  sound 
public sector governance, and take other measures that support economic inclusion, greater 
health, wellbeing and resilience for all.  
 
• Collective Act ions: Economies will:  
 
o Build on APEC 's Agenda on Advancing Economic, Financial and Social Inclusion to 
enhance economic inclusion for all, including by:  
1. Advancing inclusive policies, including under the economic drivers of trade 
and investment, and innovation and digitalisation,  to promote sustainable 
economic growth opportunities and  improve quality of life for all members 
of society;  
2. Advancing gender equality and the economic empowerment of women, 
particularly through accelerating the full implemen tation of the  actions in the 
La Serena Roadmap for Women and Inclusive Growth and building on them;  
3. Promoting start -ups and advancing MSMEs ' access to finance,  global 
markets, and global value chains as well as assisting in building their 
capacity to effectively participate in the wider economy;  
4. Building on APEC 's work on supporting MSMEs ' and women 's economic 
empowerment, and cooperate to further develop APEC 's work on other 
groups with untapped economic potential, such as indigenous peoples as 
approp riate, people with disabilities, and those from remote and rural 
communities;  
5. Promoting economic and technical cooperation to enhance capacity building 
and inclusive economic participation; and  
6. Sharing experiences and best practice to promote inclusiveness  and quality 
of life, including through: promoting structural reform to remove barriers to 
economic participation; encouraging the transition of economic actors from 
the informal to the formal economy; and data analysis.  
o Enable quality and equitable health  access and outcomes for all with a view to 
achieving universal health coverage, including by strengthening health systems, by 
cooperating on:  
1. preventing, detecting, responding to, and recovering from, pandemics;  
2. accelerating equitable access to safe, effe ctive, quality -assured,  and 
affordable vaccines for all;  
3. supporting the safe, secure and efficient operation of resilient health related 
supply chains; and  
4. the use of digital technologies that foster health system innovation,  such as 
telemedicine and digit al health;  WT/GC/ 241 
 
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 o Ensure lasting food security, food safety and improved nutrition for all,  as well as 
reducing food waste and loss in  the region by promoting agricultural and food trade, 
agricultural sustainability and innovation, and implementing the Food Secur ity 
Roadmap Towards 2030; and  
o Enhance cooperation to foster secure growth, including by implementing the  APEC 
Beijing Declaration on Fighting Corruption, Santiago Commitment to  Fight 
Corruption and Ensure Transparency, and the APEC Consolidated  Counter -Terrorism 
and Secure Trade Strategy.  
 
Objective:  "We will intensify inclusive human resource development as well as economic and 
technical cooperation to better equip our people with the skills and knowledge for the future. " 
 
• Evaluation of progress:  All our p eople are well equipped with the skills and knowledge they 
need to adapt and thrive now and in the future.  
 
• Individual Actions:  Economies will implement policies to ensure equity and inclusion in 
education and human resource development, including life-long skills development  and 
social protection measures, to provide for widespread participation in the  digital economy, 
inclusive labour markets, and to support swift recovery from economic shocks.  
 
• Collective Actions : Economies will:  
 
o Innovate and ex change expertise on skills and human resource development, and 
cooperate on sharing lessons and best practice in these areas;  
o Cooperate to improve the collection and analysis of skills and labour market data 
sets, including to better assess and bridge skil ls gaps and mismatches between skills 
and employment;  
o Strengthen economic and technical cooperation to intensify capacity building in 
inclusive human resource development;  
o Cooperate on the development of skills and literacy for all to accelerate the  digital 
transformation of the region 's economy, including by implementing  APEC's Education 
Strategy and the APEC Framework on Human Resources Development in the Digital 
Age; and  
o Build on existing APEC work on mutual recognition of qualifications to deepen and 
widen its coverage.  
 
Objective:  "We will promote economic policies, cooperation and growth, which will support global 
efforts to comprehensively address all environmental challenges, including climate change, extreme 
weather and natural disasters, for a sustainable planet. " 
 
• Evaluation of progress : APEC 's growth and prosperity is achieved on an increasingly 
environmentally sustainable basis.  
 
• Individual Actions : Economies, will implement policies consistent with their international 
obligations to advanc e environmentally sustainable and resilient growth, including by 
contributing to meeting APEC goals.  
 
• Collective Actions : Economies will:  
 
o Cooperate in relevant APEC fora to develop, encourage and exchange best practice 
policies, and promote capacity build ing programmes, that address all environmental 
challenges - including climate change - and support sustainable growth, such as 
through:  
1. structural reform;  
2. trade, including APEC 's work on facilitation of trade in environmental goods 
and services;  
3. public fin ance, including tax policy and rationalising and phasing out 
inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption, while 
recognising the importance of providing those in need with essential energy 
services;  
4. sustainable infrastructure and t ransport;  WT/GC/ 241 
 
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 5. promoting sustainable growth across sectors and the development of cost 
effective low and zero emissions technologies, sustainable finance and, if 
appropriate, carbon pricing mechanisms; and  
6. ensuring energy security, access, reliability and resilience through energy 
transition.  
o Seek to deliver existing Leaders ' commitments on energy issues: particularly to 
accelerate progress towards the 2030 target of doubling the share of renewable 
energy in the APEC energy mix, including in  power generation, from 2010 levels by 
2030; and to deliver a plan to reduce aggregate energy intensity by 45%,  from 2005 
levels, by 2035;  
o Work towards the sustainable resource management of agriculture, forestry and 
marine resources and fisheries, includi ng by implementing the  APEC Roadmaps on 
Marine Debris, and Combatting Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, 
and commitments to combat illegal logging and associated trade;  
o Further implement the APEC Disaster Risk Reduction Framework;  
o Advance A PEC's circular economy work; and  
o Advance work on sustainable tourism.  
 
Continuous improvement of APEC as an institution  
 
Objective:  "To maintain APEC 's unique position as the premier forum for regional  economic 
cooperation as well as a modern, efficient and effective incubator of ideas, we will embrace 
continuous improvement of APEC as an institution through good governance and stakeholder 
engagements. " 
 
Consistent with our objectives to embrace continuous improvement of APEC as an institution, and 
to address key challenges related to good governance and stakeholder engagements,  APEC will:  
 
• Improve its governance and organisational structure, with a view to efficiently and effectively 
delivering upon all elements of the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 ; 
• Ensure the sustainability of the staffing and resourcing of the APEC Secretariat and Policy 
Support Unit (PSU), while ensuring that the institution remains financially prudent;  
• Explore ways to discuss the possibility of expanding APEC members and observers;  
• Deepen engagement with ABAC and the private sector, as well as PECC, PIF, ASEAN, and 
other international and regional organisations;  
• Promote engagement with a broader range of economic stakeholders, such as NGOs and 
civil society, to reflect the  breadth of the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040;  
• Review and update APEC 's relationship with the APEC Study Centre Consortium;  
• Continuously improve the communication of APEC 's work to the broader public; and  
• Consider how to better make use of digital technologie s for participation in APEC.  
 
Review and Renewal  
 
Objective:  "We will achieve the vision by 2040, with an appropriate implementation plan and review 
of its progress. " 
 
Highlighting Individual Actions  
 
By the end of 2023, each economy will have voluntarily showcased a number of their individual 
actions based on the options in this Aotearoa Plan of Action. Individual economies are encouraged 
to keep their progress on actions up -to-date and inform APEC, via the appropriate Committee, of 
progress every second y ear. APEC fora may hold discussions on these as necessary. At the time of 
their progress reports, economies may also add new actions and remove existing actions as 
appropriate.  
 
Evaluating progress  
 
With assistance from the PSU, APEC economies will evaluate progress towards achieving the APEC 
Putrajaya Vision 2040. Committees will work with the PSU to identify relevant indicators that will 
support this evaluation. Progress will be reported by Committe es every two years through existing WT/GC/ 241 
 
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 reporting processes. Senior Officials will also report progress on areas for continuous improvement 
to the APEC Ministers ' Meeting every two years.  
 
Five-year review of collective actions  
 
To ensure the Aotearoa Plan of Action is a "living document " and remains relevant, APEC will review 
the collective actions and continuous improvement actions every five years, in 2026, 2031 and 2036. 
Collective actions will be measured in terms of APEC 's progress as a whole.  Existing collective actions 
may be renewed, revised or removed. New collective actions may be added. The collective actions 
for the following five -year period will be recommended to the APEC Ministerial Meeting for approval.   
 
Mid-term review of progress a nd individual actions  
 
In conjunction with the 2031 review of Collective Actions, APEC will also review the individual actions, 
and how we evaluate our progress towards achieving all elements of the Vision.  
 
Fora and sub -fora terms of reference  
 
APEC fora and sub -fora will make provision for implementing the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040, 
including through this Aotearoa Plan of Action, in their terms of reference, work plans and strategic 
plans.  
 
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