economic policies , co-operation and growth which support global efforts to comprehensively address all environmental challenges , including climate change , extreme weather and natural disasters , for a sustainable planet .
To maintain APEC ’ s unique position as the premier forum for regional economic co-operation as well as a modern , efficient and effective incubator of ideas , we will embrace continuous improvement of APEC as an institution through good governance and stakeholder engagements . We will advance the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 with a spirit of equal partnership , shared responsibility , mutual respect , common interest , and common benefit . We will achieve the vision by 2040 , with an appropriate implementation plan and review of its progress .
2020 KUALA LUMPUR DECLARATION
The 2020 Kuala Lumpur Declaration by 27 th APEC Economic Leaders ’ Meeting on November 20 , 2020 stated the following :
We , the Economic Leaders of APEC , stand united in our determination to enable the Asia- Pacific region to successfully recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impacts . We are committed to protecting our people ’ s lives and safeguarding their health . We resolve to further navigate the region towards recovery along the path of strong , balanced , inclusive , sustainable , innovative and secure economic growth . Our co-ordinated action and co-operation are more important than ever to overcome the challenges of COVID-19 and realise new and emerging opportunities for prosperity for all .
COVID-19 is one of the most challenging health and economic crises of our times . We express our deepest condolences to those who have suffered and lost loved ones . We are saddened by the devastation to jobs and livelihoods as a result of widespread economic disruption and we are grateful to those serving on the frontline .
We are meeting virtually for the first time in our history under the APEC 2020 theme of Optimising Human Potential towards a Resilient Future of Shared Prosperity . Pivot . Prioritise . Progress . We have aligned our efforts along the priorities of : Improving the Narrative of Trade and Investment ;
Inclusive Economic Participation through Digital Economy and Technology ; and Driving Innovative Sustainability .
Combatting and Mitigating the Impacts of COVID-19
We will continue to work together to use all available policy tools to support an inclusive , effective and sustained response to COVID-19 , minimising its impact on people ’ s livelihoods . We recognise the need to enhance stimulus measures that facilitate economic recovery and job creation . In facilitating economic recovery , we underscore the importance of improving fiscal sustainability and transparency to support long-term resilient economic growth and future financing needs . We acknowledge the need to support developing economies in combatting COVID-19 . We also welcome the recent establishment of a digital platform for co-ordinated information sharing on policy responses related to COVID-19 . We commend the varied and continued efforts as well as the contribution of additional resources across APEC to combat the pandemic and support workers and sectors through the economic recovery process .
We will co-operate to facilitate the movement of essential goods and services , as well as the essential movement of people in a safe manner , identifying and resolving unnecessary barriers to trade and strengthening the resilience of our supply chains . We recognise the importance of working together to ensure trade and investment can continue to flow in these trying times . We are encouraged by the implementation of measures that facilitate trade and urge Economies to ensure emergency trade measures designed to tackle COVID-19 are consistent with World Trade Organisation ( WTO ) rules .
We recognise that science , technology and innovation are important to the region ’ s post- COVID-19 recovery . We reaffirm the need to cooperate constructively on COVID-19 including the research and development , production , manufacturing and distribution of diagnostic tests , essential medical products and services , therapeutics and vaccines . We highlight the importance of facilitating equitable access to safe , quality , effective and affordable vaccines
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