KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 ― Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong will lead the Malaysian delegation at the 29th Apec Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting from May 25 to May 26, 2023, in Detroit, the United States (US).
Liew will share Malaysia’s efforts in complementing regional demands to strengthen trade while ensuring socio-economic sustainability and inclusivity as well as exchanging views with Apec trade ministers on ways to further enhance trade and investment for improved regional economic integration, said the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (Miti) in a statement today.
“As part of Apec’s continuous engagement with the private sector, Liew will also participate in the small and medium enterprise (SME) stakeholder luncheon with the theme ‘Connecting SMEs to the Global Economy’,” said Miti.
Furthermore, Apec trade ministers, together with the Apec Business Advisory Council representatives will discuss ways to strengthen SME inclusion in the global economy, it added.
The meeting would be the first ministerial meeting to be hosted by the US as Apec 2023 host, and US trade representative ambassador Katherine C. Tai will chair the 29th MRT meeting which is expected to be attended by all Apec trade ministers.
As part of MRT tradition, the director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Apec official observers, the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will also be present to share their stand and opinion on current global trade matters.
For Apec 2023, the US has chosen the theme “Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All”, supported by three main priorities, namely, Interconnected, Innovative, and Inclusive.
Guided by the theme and key priorities, Apec trade ministers will deliberate on issues related to inclusivity and economic prosperity for the benefit of the region, including proposed WTO reforms to build resilience in the face of current and future global challenges.
“In line with the Putrajaya Vision 2040, the Apec trade ministers are also expected to address concerns in building regional supply chain resilience, combating climate change, and addressing economic inequality,” said MITI. ― Bernama
