08:49 | Arequipa (Arequipa region), Apr. 11.
The meetings of Ministers Responsible for Trade and Women of the
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC), to be held in Peru's southern city of Arequipa, will include highest-level representatives of the 21 economies that are part of this free trade bloc, said Ambassador Carlos Vasquez, 2024 Chair of APEC Senior Officials' Meetings.
"The ministerial meetings will be the first challenge of 2024 because they will result in the adoption of statements containing ministers' recommendations for courses of action and public policies that should be adopted by the economies," he asserted.
The SOM chair reported that the Joint Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Trade and Women will be held on May 17 in the White City.
During said gathering, State ministers will sign a joint declaration for the development of initiatives that will contribute to empowering women in trade.
Then, on May 17 and 18, trade ministers from the 21 economies will meet to assess the development of a new vision for an Asia-Pacific Free Trade Area.
"Invitations have been extended to all trade and women ministers. We are in coordination with embassies to promote participation at the highest level," he told
Andina news agency.
Vasquez noted that this will be the first joint session of Ministers Responsible for Trade and Women, which reflects the enormous importance that APEC economies attach to this issue.
"It will be aimed at enhancing capabilities of women leading small and medium-sized businesses, so that they can hold leadership positions at companies and public entities, and can be engaged in economic disciplines usually intended for men," he pointed out.
(END) FHG/CVC/RMB/MVB
Published: 4/11/2024