Trade Minister Gan: APEC economies should work together for regional economic recovery

Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong represented Singapore at the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting.

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies have to work together for regional economic growth in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong said.

He represented Singapore at the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade virtual meeting on June 5, hosted by APEC Chair New Zealand.

APEC Ministers discussed the essential role of trade in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of an open and fair multilateral trading system.

It was discussed that APEC economies would expedite the flow and transit of all COVID-19 vaccines and related goods.

The Ministers also committed to support ongoing World Trade Organization (WTO) reforms and to play a constructive role in delivering meaningful outcomes on the fields of e-commerce, environmental sustainability, and MSMEs at the upcoming WTO Ministerial Conference in November.

Gan also participated in a dialogue with the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) on June 4 along with ABAC Singapore Representative and CEO of the Singapore Business Federation Lam Yi Young.