WT/GC/232  
 
8 June 2021  
(21-4695) Page: 1/7 
General Council  Original: English  
 
 
 
APEC MINISTERS RESPONSIBLE FOR TRADE VIRTUAL MEETING  
JOINT STATEMENT 2021  
4-5 JUNE 2021  
The following communication, dated 8 June 2021 , is being circulated at the request of the delegation 
of New Zealand . 
 
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1.1.  We, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT), met 
virtually from 4 -5 June 2021. Our meeting was chaired by Hon Damien O 'Connor, New Zealand 's 
Minister for Trade and Export Growth. We welcomed the participation of the Director -General of the 
World Trade Organization (WTO), the Chair of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), the Pacific 
Economic Cooperation Council (PECC), th e Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the 
Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretariat.  
1.2.  We, the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade, are united behind the essential role of trade in 
tackling the impacts of the COVID -19 pandemic and in enabling a  strong economic recovery for all 
our people. In these times of uncertainty, we are seized of the importance of implementing our 
Putrajaya Vision 2040, and we agree that bold action is necessary in the following three areas:  
1.  Trade as a tool to respond to the COVID -19 pandemic  
1.3.  Defeating COVID -19 is the top priority for every economy. Recognizing  the role of extensive 
COVID -19 immunization  as a global public good, we urgently need to accelerate the production and 
distribution of safe, effective, quality -assured, and affordable COVID -19 vaccines. As ministers, we 
are focused on trade and investment 's role in ensuring widespread and equitable access to such 
vaccines and related goods. APEC is playing a key role in this effort, consistent with the Putrajaya 
Vision 2040. In July 2020 we announced a Declaration on Facilitating the Movement of Essential 
Goods, which was a strong demonstration of our willingness and ability to work together to facilitate 
trade. However, there is more work to do.  
1.4.  Today, we are pleased to announce a standalone statement on COVID -19 Vaccine Supply 
Chains (Annex 1), which outlines our approach to ensuring the trading environment supports the 
safe and efficient distribution of COVID -19 vaccines and related goods. We welcome the Best  Practice 
Guidelines for APEC Customs Administrations as an operational and practical contribution to help 
facilitate the distribution of COVID -19 vaccines and related goods. To continue APEC 's strong work 
in responding to the challenges of COVID -19, APEC economies will also agree to consider how to 
facilitate trade in medical supplies such as those included in the World Customs Organization (WCO) 
COVID -19 list1, and report to us before our APEC Ministerial Meeting in November.  
1.5.  It is vital that services tr ade continues to flow during the COVID -19 pandemic. In particular, 
we highlight the integral role freight and logistics suppliers can play in the production, distribution, 
and sale of vaccines and medical supplies. We are pleased to announce the statement on Services 
to Support the Movement of Essential Goods (Annex 2). We task officials to update us on the 
progress of this work annually, as part of the review on the 2020 Declaration on Facilitating the 
Movement of Essential Goods. We also recognize  the imp ortance of providing predictability for 
service suppliers beyond the COVID -19 pandemic. As part of the work underway to review APEC's 
 
1 World Customs Organization: HS classification reference for Covid -19 medical supplies . WT/GC/232  
 
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  role in growing services competitiveness across the region, we agree to prioriti ze work to identify 
and subsequently consi der removing unnecessary barriers to trade in services, particularly those 
services that expedite and facilitate the flow of essential goods.  
1.6.  Noting the detrimental impact of border and travel restrictions on our people and our 
economies, we must pave the way for the safe resumption of cross -border travel, without 
undermining efforts to prevent the spread of COVID -19. We task officials to share information on 
cross-border travel measures, including through established APEC digital platforms, and to identify  
initiatives and protocols related to establishing safe passage within the region, in line with ongoing 
multilateral discussions. We direct officials to discuss how APEC can better support air crews, 
facilitate business mobility across the region, and adva nce discussions on digital solutions to facilitate 
safe travel in the region, and report on progress before our APEC Ministerial Meeting in  November.  
1.7.  We welcome the varied and continuous efforts as well as the contribution of additional 
resources across APEC to combat the pandemic, and note the newly established relevant ASF sub -
fund in this regard.  
2.  Rules -based multilateral trading system  
1.8.  Recalling the role of the rules -based multilateral trading system in catalyzing  our region 's 
extraordinary growth, we are determined to cooperate to ensure the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference 
(MC12) is successful and delivers tangible results for all. We will cooper ate to further enhance the 
role of the WTO in establishing rules that support a free, fair, predictable, non -discriminatory, 
transparent, and open trade and investment environment.  
1.9.  The WTO must demonstrate that global trade rules can help address the human  catastrophe 
of the COVID -19 pandemic and facilitate the recovery. APEC economies will work proactively and 
urgently in Geneva to support text -based discussions, including for a temporary waiver of certain 
intellectual property protections on COVID -19 vacc ines, as soon as possible and no later than MC12. 
As we seek to facilitate the recovery from the COVID -19 pandemic, we support efforts to deliver 
pragmatic and effective solutions on trade and health that reinforce APEC 's work on essential goods, 
minimize  disruption to, and enhance the resilience of supply chains, and demonstrate the positive 
role that trade can play in responding to global health emergencies. As APEC economies, we will 
play our part by ensuring that emergency measures designed to tackle CO VID-19 are targeted, 
proportionate, transparent, temporary, and consistent with WTO rules and will support efforts to 
unwind remaining trade restrictive measures when appropriate.  
1.10.   We continue to support ongoing necessary reform work to improve the WTO 's functioning. To 
that end, we recognize  the importance of making progress on enhancing transparency. We engaged 
in frank and constructive discussions, and are committed to continuing these discussions regarding 
improved functioning of the WTO 's negotiating an d dispute settlement functions. We urge WTO 
Members to seek a shared understanding of the types of reform needed by MC12.  
1.11.   One of the most important contributions that the WTO will make this year to strengthen its 
credibility as a forum for negotiating new rules and to safeguard our natural resources, is the 
successful conclusion of the decades -long fisheries subsidies negotiations. As a group, APEC 
economies support the WTO Director -General 's calls for the WTO fisheries subsidies negotiations to 
achieve a c omprehensive and meaningful agreement with effective disciplines on harmful fisheries 
subsidies by 31 July 2021.  
1.12.   We must support the WTO and its membership to modernize  trade rules for the twenty -first 
century. We recognize  the positive role that existing plurilateral negotiations and discussions are 
playing in progressing outcomes. APEC member participants in the Joint Statement Initiatives (JSI) 
on e-commerce; domestic regulation in services; micro, small and medium -sized enterprises 
(MSMEs); and investme nt facilitation for development call for substantial progress in the relevant 
initiatives. We take note of the calls by the APEC economies who endorsed the Joint Declaration on 
Trade and Women 's Economic Empowerment for an ambitious outcome at MC12.  
1.13.   APEC h as been at the vanguard of ensuring that trade and environmental policies are mutually 
supportive, and we are determined this should continue. We agree on the importance of promoting 
economic policies and growth that contribute to tackling climate change a nd other serious WT/GC/232  
 
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  environmental challenges aligned with global efforts, such as the achievement of the 2030 Agenda 
for Sustainable Development and the goals of the Paris Agreement. In this context, we recognize  
member economies ' energy transitions to a low emissions future will reflect the different 
circumstances in each economy. We are committed to advancing trade and environment issues at 
the WTO. We reaffirm the importance of trade measures taken to combat climate change being 
non-discriminatory and consi stent with WTO rules.  
1.14.   We recognize  that since APEC Economic Leaders endorsed the APEC List of Environmental 
Goods in 2012, new environmentally friendly goods, technologies and innovations have emerged 
that are not covered by the original list. We are ready  to take concrete steps that build on this 
legacy, to further APEC 's contribution to addressing the most serious environmental challenges. We 
instruct officials to review the implementation of the original list in contributing to green growth, 
addressing c limate change and securing sustainable economic development objectives, and to 
update the list in terms of Harmonized  System (HS) tariff classifications for reference purposes by 
the APEC Ministerial Meeting in November. At that time, we will consider inst ructing officials on 
further potential work to update the list. We also support APEC efforts to discuss the impact of non -
tariff measures on trade in environmental goods.  
1.15.   We reaffirm APEC Economic Leaders ' commitments to work on environmental services and 
welcome recent APEC reports on the ways in which APEC economies could support increased trade 
in environmental services.  
1.16.   We task officials to advance work on enhancing trade in environmental services, including by 
identifying environmentally related servic es across service sectors, and to report on progress at our 
APEC Ministerial Meeting in November. To ensure that services can contribute to long -term 
sustainability, we agree that economies will then take forward discussions on how to increase trade 
in env ironmental and environmentally related services, including by supporting liberalization , 
facilitation, and cooperation. We instruct officials to report on the outcomes of these discussions at 
the 2022 MRT.  
1.17.   We recognize  the importance of the global agricultural and food systems, underpinned by 
WTO rules, bringing food, fibre, and other critical products to people all over the world, supporting 
global food security and sustainable economic development. While the agricultu re sector has been 
resilient and international markets have remained relatively stable during the pandemic, it remains 
one of the most protected sectors in global trade. We agree on the need for a meaningful outcome 
on agriculture at MC12, reflecting our c ollective 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 Agreement on Agriculture and 
existing man dates.  
1.18.   Market -distorting subsidies undermine a level -playing field. We are also increasingly 
concerned about those subsidies that have a negative environmental impact. We recall APEC's 2015 
commitment to rationalize  and phase out inefficient fossil fuel su bsidies that encourage wasteful 
consumption, while recognizing  the importance of providing those in need with essential energy 
services. We task our officials to explore options, for those members that are in a position to do so, 
to undertake a potential v oluntary standstill on inefficient fossil fuel subsidies for progress to be 
reported to ministers in November. We support capacity -building initiatives to advance progress 
towards the commitment, including further voluntary peer reviews.  
1.19.   APEC's work needs to deliver for all members of society, including women, MSMEs, and others 
with untapped economic potential. In this regard, we note recent initiatives in APEC to unlock the 
economic potential of Indigenous peoples. It is our responsibility to ensure our ec onomic policies 
and trade and investment environment also promote equality of opportunity and advance economic 
inclusion. APEC should move at a faster pace to support businesses of all types, particularly MSMEs 
and start -ups, to access domestic and interna tional markets. Our economic and technical 
cooperation and capacity building can reduce administrative barriers; promote education, training 
and skills development; enhance access to technology, finance and cross -border payment 
mechanisms; and ensure acces s to market and regulatory information.  
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  1.20.   APEC is also making useful contributions towards identifying policies and implementing 
structural reforms in support of inclusive and sustainable transitions to the future of work. To this 
end, we strongly support t he ongoing work to implement the La Serena Roadmap for Women and 
Inclusive Growth across APEC 's work agenda, which supports the economic empowerment of women. 
We encourage work that empowers women and others with untapped economic potential to access 
capital and markets, including through trade.  
3.  Shaping our future prosperity  
1.21.   It is critical that the economic settings in each of our economies enable trade and investment 
to become driving forces for our long -term economic prosperity, as we respond to the e conomic 
crisis. We welcome APEC 's efforts to refresh its structural reform agenda, which will outline pillars 
of work including creating an enabling environment for open, transparent, and competitive markets 
and boosting business recovery and resilience ag ainst future shocks to promote strong, balanced, 
inclusive, innovative, and sustainable growth.  
1.22.   The pandemic has accelerated the process of digitalization , with the adoption of digital 
solutions no longer optional but necessary. We instruct officials to re spond to ABAC 's urgent call to 
accelerate progress on the APEC Internet and Digital Economy Roadmap work programme. We must 
create an enabling, inclusive and non -discriminatory digital economy that fosters the application of 
new technologies, allows busine sses and entrepreneurs to thrive, facilitates the flow of data, 
strengthens consumer and business trust, and allows goods and services to move seamlessly across 
borders. At the same time, it is important to bridge the digital divide by facilitating access to 
information and communication technologies and the skills everyone needs to thrive in the digital 
economy where no one is left behind. Our work on the digital economy is critical for our future 
economic prosperity and is reflected in the APEC connectivi ty agenda and initiatives to build and 
safeguard an open, healthy, competitive, seamless and comprehensively connected and integrated 
Asia-Pacific region.  
1.23.   As a concrete step that can also make a significant contribution to our response to COVID -
19, we will  accelerate implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, particularly those 
articles relating to: the accelerated use of digitalization  for border processes; pre -arrival processing 
of electronic declarations; electronic documents, electronic cer tification, electronic payments; 
expedited shipments; and border agency cooperation. APEC is well -placed to support economies in 
these efforts. This will further enhance the efficiency of supply chains. We agree to embed digital 
trade facilitation measures  taken by APEC members during COVID -19. We task officials to report on 
progress when we meet again at the APEC Ministerial Meeting in November.  
1.24.   We support ongoing efforts to conclude, ratify, implement and upgrade bilateral and regional 
trade agreements th at benefit and protect our people, enhance predictability and transparency for 
our businesses, complement the multilateral trading system, and contribute to deeper economic 
integration in the region.  
1.25.   These undertakings are strengthened by APEC 's extensive work to support high quality and 
comprehensive trade and investment outcomes in the Asia -Pacific, particularly our ongoing 
implementation of the Lima Declaration on the Free Trade Area of the Asia -Pacific (FTAAP). We note 
ABAC 's call to ensure FTAAP remain s the organizing  principle for regional economic integration. We 
also recognize  the importance of regional, sub -regional and remote area connectivity through quality 
infrastructure development and investment, based upon relevant APEC work.  
1.26.   Last year APEC E conomic Leaders proclaimed the Putrajaya Vision for an open, dynamic, 
resilient and peaceful Asia -Pacific community by 2040, and we urge officials to finalize  their design 
of a concrete implementation plan across all elements of the vision by the time of t he 2021 APEC 
Economic Leaders ' Meeting.  
1.27.   We thank New Zealand for hosting the APEC MRT meeting and look forward to reviewing 
progress when we  meet again in November.  
Haumi ē, Hui ē, Tāiki ē  
Join, Work, Grow. Together  
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  ANNEX 1  
APEC MRT STATEMENT ON COVID -19 VACCINE SUPPLY CHAINS  
We, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade;   
 
Welcoming progress implementing the 2020 APEC Declaration on Facilitating the Movement of 
Essential Goods, across export restrictions, non -tariff barriers, trade facilitation, and tariffs;  
 
Recalling APEC Economic Leaders ' determination and commitment to ensure the smooth distribution 
of essential goods across borders;  
 
Recognizing  the importance of ensuring the safety, efficiency, and resilience of supply chains for 
COVID -19 vaccines and related goods for the region 's recovery from the COVID -19 pandemic;  
 
Acknowledg ing the work by the World Health Organization (WHO), World Customs Organization 
(WCO) and other international organizations  in facilitating COVID -19 vaccines and related goods;  
 
Consistent with World Trade Organization (WTO) rights and obligations, WCO sta ndards and the 
International Health Regulations;  
 
Commit to accelerating implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and take further 
action in the following areas:  
 
1. We agree to use the WCO -WHO list of COVID -19 vaccines and related goods1 as a reference 
for facilitating trade. APEC economies will expedite the flow and transit of all COVID -19 
vaccines and related goods through their air, sea and land ports. We will expedite their release 
upon arrival, including by providing for advance electronic  submission and processing of 
information to enable immediate release upon arrival.  
2. We will advance the implementation of the Best Practice Guidelines for APEC Customs 
Administrations to Facilitate the Distribution of COVID -19 Vaccines and Related Goods. W e 
agree to embed the trade facilitation measures implemented during the pandemic, including 
digitizing  customs procedures, expediting the flow of goods across borders, and boosting 
coordination between traders and border agencies.  
3. While WTO rules permit ex port restrictions or prohibitions in certain circumstances, we 
emphasize  economies who adopt such measures with respect to COVID -19 vaccines and 
related goods will evaluate their ongoing necessity as COVID -19 conditions change, in order 
to ensure they rema in targeted, proportional, transparent, temporary, and do not create 
unnecessary barriers to trade. We call on other WTO Members to exercise equal restraint.  
4. We will consider voluntary actions to reduce the cost of these products for our people, 
particular ly by encouraging each economy to review its own charges levied at the border on 
COVID -19 vaccines and related goods.  
5. We will take appropriate measures to prevent criminal exploitation of supply chains and to 
prevent the entry and import of illegal, danger ous, sub -standard or counterfeit COVID -19 
vaccines and related goods. This could include further implementing the APEC Roadmap to 
Promote Global Medical Product Quality and Supply Chain Security and related toolkit.  
 
 
1 World Customs Organization and World Health Organization List of HS Classification Reference for 
Vaccines and Related Supplies and Equipment . WT/GC/232  
 
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  Review Mechanism  
The APEC Secretariat will make a summary report on the actions implemented by economies under 
this initiative by the APEC Ministerial Meeting in November 2021, and every twelve months thereafter 
until COVID -19 is no longer determined to be a public health emergency  of international concern.  
 
Drawing on the reporting from the APEC Secretariat, APEC economies will review the progress of 
this initiative and report to us when we meet again in November.  
 
 
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  ANNEX 2  
APEC MRT STATEMENT ON SERVICES TO SUPPORT THE MOVEMENT OF ESSENTIAL GOODS  
In 2020, in response to COVID -19, APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade committed to work to 
facilitate the movement of essential goods across borders and minimize  disruptions to the global 
supply chains.  
 
Recognizing  the importance of ensuring that trade continues to flow during the COVID -19 pandemic;  
 
Recognizing  the vital role that services play in supporting the movement of essential goods as well 
as in the distribution of vaccines;  
 
Committed to working together t o facilitate the supply of services to support the movement of 
essential goods at this critical time;  
 
Committed to a free, open, fair, non -discriminatory, transparent, inclusive and predictable trade and 
investment environment,  
 
Reiterating our commitment  to respond effectively and transparently to the economic consequences 
of the COVID -19 pandemic and to ensure that essential goods reach the destinations where they 
are needed during the pandemic, we APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade, hereby declare:  
 
Barriers to Trade in Services  
APEC economies should prioritize  identifying unnecessary barriers to trade in any relevant services 
that may hinder expediting and facilitating the movement of essential goods, and should ensure 
consistency of any such barrier s with their World Trade Organization (WTO) and preferential trade 
agreement obligations and commitments.  
 
These efforts should be supported by a strong international set of disciplines. In this context, we 
note the progress made in the WTO under the Joint  Statement Initiative on Domestic Regulation in 
Services. APEC member participants in this Initiative encourage conclusion of these negotiations as 
soon as possible.  
 
Trade Facilitation  
APEC economies will work to ensure the smooth and continued operation of the logistics networks 
that serve as the backbone of global supply chains. Building on the APEC Declaration on Facilitating 
the Movement of Essential Goods, we commit to enhancing coordination, efficiency and transparency 
around transport and logistical  services, including those required for the border clearance of essential 
goods.  
 
Each APEC economy is encouraged to facilitate services that support the expediting and release of 
essential goods upon arrival. This includes allowing services suppliers to d igitally submit import 
documentation and other required information, such as manifests, in order to begin processing prior 
to the arrival of goods.  
 
Review Mechanism  
APEC economies will update the progress of these initiatives as part of the review of the Declaration 
on Facilitating the Movement of Essential Goods. The first such review will be conducted in 2022.  
 
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