The 28th APEC MRT was held on May 21-22, and Minister Wang Wentao attended virtually. The meeting was the first ministerial meeting of APEC this year. Ministers or representatives from 21 economies discussed the long-term development of the Asia-Pacific and living in the COVID-19 and beyond, as well as how to support the multilateral trading system. All sides agreed that promoting the FTAAP works is a priority on the trade and economic fronts, reaffirmed the important role of the WTO-centered, rules-based multilateral trading system, and supported achieving a positive outcome of the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference. Meanwhile, the important role of trade in the response to the epidemic and economic recovery was recognized, emphasizing the implementation of inclusive trade and investment policies can benefit more people in the region.

China will work closely with all parties to promote long-term development and livelihood recovery in the Asia-Pacific region in COVID-19 and beyond and advance practical commercial cooperation so that the fruits of cooperation will widely benefit the economies and people of the Asia-Pacific. China will continue to take the lead in inclusive trade and investment policies under the APEC framework, and continuously enhance the capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises, women, and vulnerable groups in the region to participate in economic activities. At the same time, China will bring economies together and put forward practical cooperation initiatives in the areas of connectivity, trade facilitation, digital economy, and green development, so that economies in the region at different stages of development can share the dividends of economic cooperation and trade, achieve the common development of the Asia-Pacific region, and promote the building of an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future. Thank you.