Five focuses on APEC in Beijing

The APEC conference will be held in Beijing from 7th November, one of the biggest international events to be held in Beijing since the 2008 Olympic Games. 13 years after the conference in Shanghai, APEC is back in Beijing, What delicacies will it have to offer? [Special coverage]

Item 1: the FTAAP (Asia-Pacific Free Trade Agreement) is moving forward.

Wu Zhenglong, vice-chairman of The Pacific economic cooperation council, considers that the most significant topic of the conference is to move forward with the FTAAP, a proposal that was first raised by Canada in 2004. Economic leaders of APEC have been working on the issue for nearly 10 years; however, practical actions will be taken during this session.

FTAAP covers 21 Asian economics – it will be the largest free trade zone in the world. Final confirmation will take place during the summit conference and China will be one of the major sponsors.

As a free trade zone open to half of the world's population, the establishment of FTAAP represents a firm blow to criticism of China on trade protection.

Item 2: stimulate the recovering economies

"After the Asian Economic Crisis, the high pace of economic growth slowed down. Economic recovery was weak," Wu said

The committee issued a document called consensus on APEC economic innovation and growth, directing corporations towards healthy economic growth, avoidance of the medium-income trap, and urbanization.

Item 3: creating a blueprint for interconnection and interworking covering economics

The blueprint for interconnection and interworking will be under discussion during the conference, which will cover all the Asian economics and give consideration to the needs of members from both East and West of the Pacific. The file formulates a long-term plan for basic interactions, software, and people exchanges. Interconnection and interworking is mainly about basic measures that encourage economic growth and economic corporations.

Item 4: presence of economic leaders

Chen Mingming, an expert from the interpreting bureau in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, points out that APEC offers a perfect opportunity for China to promote foreign policy with neighboring countries. However, he is pessimistic on the prospect of meetings between China and Japan. But whether bilateral meetings take place or not, Japan has to vote yes to FTAAP although it is not the leading force. China carries more influence in the Asian economy than Japan.

Item 5: Chinese culture in food and clothing

According to tradition, activities of APEC, including welcome dinners and entertainment, should reflect the special features of the host country in terms of the arrangement of guests, site settings and leaders' clothing. How the Chinese host will convey Chinese characteristics is well worth awaiting.