Envoys discuss co-operation in levies era

ASIA-PACIFIC (Apec) trade envoys will gather this week in South Korea for discussions on multilateral co-operation, with talks taking place at a time when countries are scrambling to respond to US President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs.

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Trade representatives of 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation grouping will attend two days of meetings starting tomorrow in South Korea' resort island of Jeju, as part of a second round of senior officials’ meetings ahead of an annual Apec leaders summit later this year.

The Apec trade envoys gathering comes amid growing protectionism triggered by Trump’ tariffs, which have targeted more than half of the bloc.

Apec accounts for about half of global trade and 60% of global GDP.

Participants will attend closed-door sessions on broad topics ranging from multilateral trade to revitalisation and sustainability, with the official agenda expected to include the role and reform priorities of the World Trade Organization (WTO) amid current global challenges.

The officials are also expected to discuss other topics such as advancing the free trade area of the Asia-Pacific region, boosting digital trade, ramping up artificial intelligence readiness, and driving sustainable, inclusive growth.