Founded in 1989, APEC was envisioned as a platform for 21 member economies in the Pacific Rim to discuss free trade and economic cooperation. This year, New Zealand is chair of APEC, after picking up the baton from last year's chair, Malaysia. As such, "we will work with [APEC] member economies to resolve it in a constructive manner, and for mutual benefits," he said. He noted that 12 RCEP signatories and 11 CPTPP participants are also APEC members. Mr Cherdchai said Thailand will press ahead with the trilateral highway project and upgrade its seaports to improve connectivity.

Source: Bangkok Post January 05, 2021 00:22 UTC