37th APEC dual ministers’ meeting held by video on 3 Nov, co-chaired by Wang Yi and Wang Wentao; prepares for Shenzhen leaders’ meeting. | China Day chinaday.news
China's MFA and Ministry of Commerce posted readouts about 00:20 on 4 November: the 37th APEC Ministerial Meeting (foreign and trade) was held by video in Beijing on 3 November, co-chaired by Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, with representatives of member economies, the SOM chair, the Secretariat, ABAC and observers. Xinhua (about 01:18) and Xinhua English (about 02:11) reported Wang Yi saying China is APEC host again after 12 years, that more than 300 events had been held under the theme of building an Asia-Pacific community to prosper together with priorities of openness, innovation and cooperation; he set out four lines—solidarity, an open architecture and WTO-centred multilateral trade, an innovation ecosystem, and inclusive sustainable development—and pledged to finish the 'China Year' well ahead of the leaders' meeting. Wang Wentao urged free trade, innovation-driven growth and a fairer economic order, more flexible FTAAP pathways and digital-intelligent rules coordination, and restated China's high-level opening and national treatment for foreign firms. Thailand's MFA said Deputy PM and FM Sihasak joined by video and noted the Shenzhen leaders' meeting on 18–19 November. CNA had earlier reported Mao Ning saying the video format was to ensure effectiveness. Only a flash that the meeting had been held was available at last night's close; the formal post-meeting readouts landed afterward.
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