ZCZC
BCN-34
APEC-CHILE-ECONOMY-GROWTH
APEC 2019 to focus on digital economy, connectivity, women’s role in
economic growth
SANTIAGO, July 12, 2018 (BSS/Xinhua) – Digital economy and services,
regional connectivity, and women and economic growth are the three topics to
be addressed as priorities in the meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation (APEC) to be held in Chile in 2019, Chilean authorities said
Wednesday.
Rodrigo Yanez, director general of international economic relations of
Chile’s ministry of foreign affairs, made the statement Wednesday during a
meeting with local and foreign press.
Yanez said Chile, as the APEC host, has “a great opportunity to lead and
set the regional agenda in terms of a smoother flow for commerce.”
“The agenda allows us to define the substantive areas of work in
accordance with our commercial policy strategy, especially in relation to our
priorities in terms of economic possibilities abd sustainable growth, both
inclusive and integral,” Yanez said.
Digital economy and services will be focused on finding results for the
path to best regulatory practices, Yanez said.
“This is meant to encourage capacity for an inclusive digital economy, to
improve statistical conditions as well as consumer confidence rates in the
use of digital tools, and reach a level where we are able to do our jobs
using new technologies,” he said.
Regional connectivity will help establish more fluid, dynamic and
inclusive commerce, the official said.
“Boosting development in widespread connectivity will allow us to respond
to the new needs of the markets and promote integration of small- and medium-
sized companies into the global market,” he said.
The theme of women and economic growth will be brought up for the first
time as an APEC priority, Yanez said.
“We will increase the participation of women in the economy and
international commerce as a source of economic growth and reduction in gender
gaps,” he said.
It is expected that about 20,000 delegates from 21 APEC members will
participate in more than 200 meetings in 2019, according to the Chilean
foreign ministry.
Chile hosted an APEC meeting in 2004.
BSS/XINHUA/HR/1448