Canada and APEC Emphasize International Cooperation for Post-Pandemic Recovery

Strategic Insights -

Canada's participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting highlighted the importance of international collaboration in achieving a strong, sustainable, and inclusive global economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Key to this effort is the development of long-term, sustainable, and inclusive growth in the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on strengthening international cooperation on COVID-19 research and development, promoting science, technology, and innovation, and ensuring restraint in the use of export restrictions and non-tariff barriers. Canadian ministers emphasized the need for collective action to achieve a more prosperous, resilient, and inclusive recovery, consistent with the rules-based international order and climate-action objectives.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 2-day virtual APEC Ministerial Meeting, hosted by New Zealand on November 8-9, endorsed the 32nd APEC Ministerial Meeting Joint Ministerial Statement 2021, which signals intent to pursue long-term, sustainable, and inclusive growth in the Asia-Pacific region.
  • Ministers from all APEC economies emphasized the need to strengthen international cooperation on COVID-19, including research and development, and to promote science, technology, and innovation to support the region's recovery.
  • Inclusion is a key priority, with ministers highlighting the importance of addressing the challenges faced by traditionally underrepresented groups, such as women, Indigenous peoples, and small and medium-sized enterprises.
  • Canada has committed to exercising restraint in the use of export restrictions and non-tariff barriers, ensuring consistency with World Trade Organization rules.
  • Minister Joly emphasized Canada's foreign policy approach centered on gender equality in decision making, contributing to long-term economic recovery and future growth.
  • Minister Ng reiterated Canada's commitment to increasing collaboration in the region to overcome economic, social, and development challenges posed by the pandemic.
  • The APEC economies collectively committed to a more prosperous, resilient, and inclusive recovery in a manner consistent with the rules-based international order and climate-action objectives.

Statistics:

  • The APEC Ministerial Meeting was a 2-day virtual event hosted by New Zealand.
  • The meeting was attended by Minister Joly and Minister Ng of Canada, as well as ministers from all 21 APEC economies.
  • The 32nd APEC Ministerial Meeting Joint Ministerial Statement 2021 was endorsed by all APEC economies.

Sources:

  • Government of Canada's Press Release on the APEC Ministerial Meeting (no date provided)
  • APEC website (no date provided)
  • World Trade Organization website (no date provided)