Leaders To Discuss Sustainable, Inclusive Economic Recovery In Upcoming APEC Summit

BANGKOK, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- Thailand will host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Week (AELW) from Nov 14 to 19 in Bangkok where leaders will discuss how to advance the Asia-Pacific region towards a sustainable and inclusive economic recovery from the COVID-19. The first in-person summit in four years under the themed “Open. Connect. Balance.” will be held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok. In a statement, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand said both substantive and logistical preparations are well underway to welcome leaders, ministers, delegates as well as international media to APEC 2022 Thailand. “Prime Minister Prayuth Chan o-cha will chair the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting where leaders will discuss how to advance the Asia-Pacific region, through ongoing global economic challenges, towards sustainable and inclusive economic recovery from COVID-19. “The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will also attend the meeting to share her views on the global economic outlook,” it said. In 2019, AELW scheduled in Chile was cancelled due to anti-government protests across cities in the country. In 2020, Malaysia held a virtual AELW while in 2021 New Zealand hosted another virtual summit following COVID-19 hiatus Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida will grant an audience to all APEC leaders or representatives as well as the guests attending the AELM. The AELW programme will begin with the Concluding Senior Officials’ Meeting (CSOM) on Nov 15 and 16. APEC Senior Officials will work together to sum up important work since the beginning of the host year, including negotiations of draft outcome documents of the AELW, and prepare for the 33rd APEC Ministerial Meeting (AMM) on Nov 17 and the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) on Nov 18 and 19. As this year’s host economy, Thailand to welcome leaders and representatives from 21 economies including Chinese President Xi Jinping and US Vice-President Kamala Harris expected to attend the summit. Thailand also invited current chair of ASEAN, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss how APEC and its trading partners can work together to promote sustainable trade and investment amidst on-going economic challenges. Two important activities involving APEC business leaders and youth will be held in conjunction AELW - APEC CEO Summit (Nov16-18) and APEC Voices of the Future 2022 (Nov 12 -19). Delicate Thai cuisine, arts and crafts as well as cultural performances will be showcased throughout the week to highlight Thailand's cultural identity and unique hospitality. The AELW will also adhere to the concept of a “green meeting” in line with the Bio-Circular-Green Economic Model which is the overarching theme of APEC 2022. -- BERNAMA