APEC PERU 2024

Translated by Andrea Solazzo

The APEC 2024 Summit, held in Lima, Peru, from 10-17 November, was a crucial moment for economic and political dialogue in the Asia-Pacific region, which comprises 21 economies. Under the theme "Empower, Include, Grow", the attending leaders addressed a wide range of global and regional issues, reiterating the importance of multilateral cooperation to address common challenges.

The event took place in an international context marked by geopolitical tensions - particularly between the United States and China following the election of Donald Trump - and growing concerns related to climate change, food security and energy transition. However, the summit emphasised the importance of overcoming divisions through constructive dialogue: in the foreground were sustainability and economic resilience, issues that respond to the need for a development model capable of integrating economic growth and respect for the environment.

A major focus was placed on economic integration and the strengthening of global supply chains, but free trade agreements and improved market access for small and medium-sized enterprises were also identified as key tools to promote more inclusive trade. At the same time, digitisation and technological innovation were recognised as key levers to accelerate growth, improve productivity, and ensure competitiveness in the region. Leaders discussed the need for shared standards in areas such as cybersecurity and data protection, which are key to building trust in the digital economy.

In parallel, social inclusion played a central role in the discussions, with a focus on empowering women, youth, and marginalised communities. The need for policies that enable these groups to directly benefit from economic growth, thus helping to reduce inequalities within member states' economies, was emphasised. Sustainability was a cross-cutting theme. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the UN 2030 Agenda and discussed strategies to accelerate the transition to renewable energy. Food security, closely linked to climate change, emerged as a priority, highlighting the need to strengthen production chains and promote more sustainable agricultural practices. The Lima summit also provided a platform to discuss health issues, particularly related to preparing for future global emergencies. International collaboration through the sharing of best practices in medical research was recognised as essential to ensure the resilience of the region's economies.

Despite the complexities of the geopolitical landscape, the summit represented a step towards greater regional cooperation, especially given its coincidence with COP29 in Baku. Peru, as the host country, played a crucial role in facilitating dialogue and proposing an inclusive and sustainable vision for the future of the Asia-Pacific. The decisions taken in Lima could have significant implications not only for the region, which accounts for around 60% of global GDP, but also for the world economy.

MondoInternazionale APS - Riproduzione Riservata ® 2024