APEC Adopts 'Golden Gate Declaration'... "Reaffirming the Importance of WTO-Centered Trade System"

As the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit concluded, the leaders of the member countries adopted the '2023 Golden Gate' declaration.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

On the 17th (local time), the APEC Summit adopted the 2023 Golden Gate Joint Declaration, reaffirming "the importance of a rules-based multilateral trading system centered on the World Trade Organization (WTO)." The declaration also included commitments to continuously advance economic integration within the Asia-Pacific region through market-driven approaches and to foster a friendly trade and investment environment.

Additionally, the declaration stated efforts to develop and implement hydrogen produced using zero and low-emission technologies, and to establish an inclusive, open, and fair digital ecosystem for businesses and consumers. It also reaffirmed the commitment not to provide safe havens for corrupt criminals and their illicit assets.

Most member countries strongly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine through the chair’s statement. They emphasized the necessity of achieving a just and lasting peace based on the principles of the United Nations Charter.

The leaders exchanged views on the war between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas, with some leaders, including those from the United States, sharing their respective positions. However, some member countries reportedly opposed including the chair’s statement on this matter in the declaration, arguing that "APEC is not a forum to discuss geopolitical issues."

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