CYBERJAYA: About 16,000 delegates are expected to make their way to Malaysia for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2020.
International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Darell Leiking said these delegates would attend more than 120 meetings in five cities around Malaysia, scheduled throughout next year.
“This venue has a historic significance of being the host for the APEC Leaders’ Meeting in 1998 that was hosted by our current Prime Minister. Next year, the same Prime Minister will host APEC 2020.
“The hosting of APEC 2020 will emphasise on three main elements – Hospitality, Substance and Inclusivity."
Guided by the theme “Optimising Human Potential Towards a Future of Shared Prosperity”, the minister said APEC 2020 would drive the APEC 2020 agenda through three priority areas.
These areas are improving the narrative of trade and investment; inclusive economic participation through digital economy and technology; and driving innovative sustainability.
“In November 2020, we expect to welcome 21 Leaders from APEC Economies to deliver a consensus declaration on the critical issues and launch the new Post-2020 Vision of APEC.
“Adding to the long list of agenda items for APEC 2020, the year 2020 is also the end of the Bogor Goals.
“This means, Malaysia is entrusted with an enormous task of leading the 21 APEC economies to draft the future of APEC beyond 2020,” said the minister, adding that inclusivity was central to APEC 2020.
“In line with the inclusivity agenda, and to ensure appropriate distribution of prosperity, we have made it a point for Malaysian brands and SMEs are accorded special priority to directly benefit from the hosting.
“At the margins of the meetings, there will also be programmes arranged for Malaysian businesses, including SMEs, Social Enterprises and Start-ups to showcase their products and capabilities.
“The objective is to incorporate the Malaysia Boleh spirit among us,” he said, adding these efforts were consistent with the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030.