By Janet Ekstract
NEW YORK-U.S. President Joe Biden is in San Francisco this week for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Week where he will welcome top U.S. officials, ministers, thousands of delegates, business leaders and journalists. In a statement to the media, the U.S. State Department stated this year’s theme is Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All for years to come and “lays the groundwork for continued cooperation in APEC following our host year and will play a crucial role in solidifying this year’s APEC theme.” APEC Economic Leaders’ Week which runs from November 11-17 is an opportunity for the U.S. to emphasize its economy’s resilience and strength, long-standing economic ties with Asia-Pacific countries, the increase in job-creating investments from APEC economies into the U.S. in recent years and the role the U.S. economy plays in driving growth and innovation in the Asia-Pacific and globally.
The APEC Leaders’ Week is the culmination of a productive series of meetings that took place in Honolulu, Hawaii (December 2022); Palm Springs, California (February); Detroit, Michigan (May); and Seattle, Washington (August). Key ministerial and leaders’ meetings will be held throughout the duration of AELW. U.S. SDelegates from 21 member economies will participate in high-level meetings and side events with key stakeholders covering a wide range of topics, including: supply chain resilience; science, research, and innovation; critical and emerging technology; clean energy; high-standards infrastructure; women’s economic empowerment; and inclusivity. Key ministerial and leaders’ meetings will be held throughout the duration of AELW. U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen will chair the APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting from November 12-13. U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and United States Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai will co-chair the APEC Ministerial Meeting from November 14-15. President Joe Biden will chair the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting from November 16-17 and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will chair the ABAC Dialogue.
This year the U.S. will pass APEC hosting responsibilities over to Peru, the host of APEC in 2024. The State Department said: “We eagerly anticipate working alongside Peru to further our shared commitment to fostering international partnerships and advancing economic prosperity for the APEC region.” It added: “The United States is committed to hosting a productive and meaningful AELW and looks forward to welcoming APEC economies to San Francisco to continue this important work.”
