Although the 18 nations of APEC pledged themselves to achieve regional free trade and investment by 2010 or 2020 for less developed countries, there is considerable of doubt that binding agreements can be achieved. This is due to the member countries' totally different stages of development and way of thinking. Now it seems inevitable that the APEC will proceed with regional liberalization on the basis of concerted but unilateral actions undertaken by each member country, at its own pace and in its own way. In addition to the trade facilitation, APEC also aims at economic and technical cooperation, which is vital at least for the less developed countries to achieve a stronger position in the world economy. APEC may further increase the Amenican influence in the Pacific region which could weaken EU's competitive position.
Standards have an important role is creating trade barriers.
However, the EU has brought along with it some contingents, for example, in importing steel and textile products to Finland. Especially for small and medium-sized companies, the European Commission has ways to promote trade with the Philippines and with Asia in general. The EU has established several regional technology centers, cofinanced by the country hosting them. They establish contacts, gather information, facilitate opportunities for partnership between European and Asian operators, and raise Europe's profile in Asia in their industry. In addition to commercial projects, the EU has also financed projects for social development in the rural areas.