SANTIAGO, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chilean President Sebastian Pinera on Friday called on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies to continue to cooperate and work closely with international organizations, the private sector and civil society.
During his speech at the virtual 27th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting chaired by Malaysia, Pinera highlighted the importance of jointly fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a statement from the presidential office.
The Chilean leader underscored the importance of a multilateral trading system, reaffirming his country's commitment to carrying out necessary reforms of the World Trade Organization.
"In APEC there should be no space for protectionist policies. There should be no space for trade wars," he said, while calling for the creation of a true free trade area in the Asia-Pacific region.
APEC has become a dynamic engine of economic growth and one of the most important regional forums in the Asia-Pacific. Its 21 member economies are home to around 2.9 billion people and represent approximately 60 percent of world GDP and 48 percent of world trade in 2018, according to the official website of APEC. Enditem
