This gives rise to multiple political and economic systems as well as values making Asia and the Pacific a region of many splendors. It is unrealistic to try to impose conformity over this diversity. Only an attitude of compatibility and willingness to learn from each other can conduce to common development and progress. We are living in an in an independent world. Modern technology has shrunk geographical distances.
Many challenges facing mankind often transcend national boundaries.
As such, they all call for cooperation and compliance with common norms. Since the 1980s, there has been notable increases in trade, market development, capital interflow, industry relocation, science and technology exchanges and information interflow among members of region, all of which have greatly increased the ties between us. Diversity gives right to complementarity while interdependence generate a need for cooperation. If we recognize this reality and turn it into our advantage, Asia-Pacific economic cooperation will be galvanized and a widening vista will unfold before us. Members at different stages of economic development and with different social systems should respect each other and coexist in amity.