Facts about Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation

About Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation

APEC is regional economic forum of 21 Pacific Rim member economies that promotes free trade throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

These 21 member countries collectively account for nearly 50% of the world’s trade and about 57% of GDP.

It was established in 1989 in order to leverage the growing interdependence of Asia-Pacific region’s economies and promote free trade in the region.

Headquarters: Singapore.

21 Members Economies: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United States, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Chile, Peru, Russian and Vietnam.

India is observer of APEC since 2011 and has applied for membership.