There are intense trade disputes between key APEC members. There are widespread perceptions of potential American withdrawal from Asia, which could trigger substantial economic and security instability. We believe that new institutional ties could help resolve these disputes and avoid fissures within the region. We indeed believe that such ties are essential to bind APEC members together on a lasting and sustainable basis. Our Eminent Persons Group is fully aware of the significant differences within the Asia Pacific region.
Cultures vary substantially.
Levels of development differ immensely. Traditions of international involvement range across a very wide spectrum. Those 10 institutions were instrumental in creating the unprecedented economic prosperity of the succeeding half-century and maintaining world peace. We hope that this Ministerial Meeting, and the Informal Leadership Conference that follows it, will take the initial steps in that direction. To assist that process, we believe it is desirable to foster widespread public discussion of these issues around the region and that our Report can make a contribution to that discussion.