Guangzhou, China – The first Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Senior Officials’ Meeting and related gatherings commenced in Guangzhou on , marking the launch of the APEC “China Year.” The meetings signal a renewed focus on regional economic cooperation and integration, with a stated commitment to fostering prosperity across the Asia-Pacific region.
The overarching theme for APEC in 2026, agreed upon by all member economies, is “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together.” This ambition will be pursued through three core priorities: openness, innovation, and cooperation. These pillars are intended to guide APEC’s work throughout the year, addressing key challenges and opportunities facing the region.
Guangzhou’s selection as the host city for these initial meetings is significant. The city, a major commercial hub in South China’s Guangdong province, has a long history of openness to international trade and investment, stretching back over two millennia. This historical context aligns with APEC’s foundational principles of liberalization and economic integration. According to data presented during the meetings, Guangzhou has absorbed nearly $120 billion in utilized foreign investment from other APEC economies, representing 82.8 percent of its total foreign investment.
The meetings in Guangzhou also saw participation from high-level officials focused on anti-corruption efforts. The Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) attended APEC anti-corruption meetings, aiming to strengthen collaborations across the Asia-Pacific region in combating illicit financial flows and promoting good governance. This underscores a growing recognition that tackling corruption is essential for sustainable economic development and regional stability.
Beyond the formal meetings, Guangzhou is actively pursuing a series of initiatives to deepen its economic ties with the wider Asia-Pacific region. These plans include participation in over 150 overseas exhibitions, the hosting of more than 30 trade fairs in key economies such as Vietnam and Indonesia, and the organization of over 100 investment promotion activities targeting cities within the APEC forum. These efforts are designed to attract foreign investment, boost exports, and enhance Guangzhou’s role as a regional economic center.
The “China Year” within APEC comes at a crucial juncture for the global economy. The Asia-Pacific region remains a key driver of global growth, but faces numerous challenges, including geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. APEC provides a vital platform for member economies to address these challenges collectively and to forge a common path towards sustainable and inclusive growth.
The focus on openness, innovation, and cooperation reflects China’s broader economic strategy and its commitment to multilateralism. By prioritizing these principles, China aims to position itself as a leader in shaping the future of regional economic cooperation. The success of the “China Year” will depend on its ability to translate these priorities into concrete actions and to build consensus among APEC member economies.
The ICAC’s involvement in the anti-corruption meetings highlights the importance of integrity and transparency in fostering a level playing field for businesses and investors. Corruption undermines economic growth, distorts markets, and erodes public trust. By strengthening regional cooperation on anti-corruption measures, APEC aims to create a more stable and predictable business environment.
Guangzhou’s strategic location and well-developed infrastructure make it an ideal hub for trade and investment. The city’s deep integration with regional supply chains and its access to a large consumer market further enhance its attractiveness to foreign businesses. The initiatives launched by Guangzhou to strengthen its global ties are expected to generate significant economic benefits for the city and the wider Guangdong province.
A spokesman for the meetings emphasized the significance of the Guangzhou gathering, stating it was the first official event of the APEC “China Year.” This initial event sets the tone for the year’s activities and signals China’s commitment to playing a proactive role in APEC’s agenda. The meetings are expected to pave the way for further discussions and collaborations throughout the year, culminating in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week later in 2026.
The APEC forum, established in 1989, comprises 21 member economies representing approximately 38% of the world’s population and nearly 60% of global GDP. Its primary objective is to promote economic growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region through trade liberalization, investment facilitation, and economic and technical cooperation. The meetings in Guangzhou represent a key step in advancing these goals and strengthening regional economic ties.
