Region Moving Toward Unified Connectivity Framework

Region Moving Toward Unified Connectivity Framework

Issued By the APEC SOM Symposium on Connectivity in the Asia-Pacific Region
Surabaya, Indonesia, 17 Apr 2013 - APEC member economies are moving toward the establishment of a unified connectivity framework to lower business costs, bring people together and enhance the region’s economic resilience.

APEC Senior Officials and an assembly of economic experts helped to articulate a vision for improving the integration of member economies at an APEC connectivity symposium on Tuesday in the port city of Surabaya. APEC Trade Ministers and Senior Officials will have an opportunity to explore the issue further during their meetings here later this week.

“Connectivity is about going beyond bringing down walls and towards building better bridges between our economies, businesses and people,” said Ambassador Thamrin, Chair of the APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting.

“The lowering of tariffs among APEC economies and globalization of production has increased the importance of strengthening connectivity in the region,” he explained. “Our aim is to formulate a unifying framework that promotes better physical, institutional and people-to-people linkages.”

Initiatives that can help to facilitate the movement of people, goods, services, information and energy in the region are among APEC economies’ focuses. This includes a pursuit of mechanisms that support greater infrastructure development and investment which is needed to ensure long-term growth.

“Reducing and eliminating barriers to trade through the harmonization of processes, standards and regulation is a key component of efforts by APEC economies to improve connectivity between them,” added Dr Alan Bollard, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat.

“The progress that has been made in implementing their agenda for enhancing supply chain performance and creating a more fertile business environment across the region offers a foundation for further work in these areas,” he said.

The next step will be to explore ways to establish a connectivity framework that brings each of these elements together in a coherent way and is guided by a set of goals and timelines.

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ENDS

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