Japan and New Zealand are warning against the temptation of retreating into trade protectionism, saying keeping markets open is the way to restore a global economy battered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Speaking by video link from Tokyo to a meeting of Asia-Pacific CEOs on Friday, Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said a "free and open Indo-Pacific will be the cornerstone for the prosperity of this region".
Japan and 14 other Asian neighbours on Sunday signed the world's largest free trade agreement, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
Suga, who took office in September, said Japan will next push for a wider free trade pact among the 21 members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.
"Amidst a risk of inward-looking temptations in the face of the slump of the global economy, making rules for a free and fair global economy is critically important," he said.
"While continuing to promote WTO reform, Japan will aspire for the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific."
The event came ahead of a meeting late on Friday of APEC leaders hosted by Malaysia that will be conducted via video conference due to the pandemic.
Malaysian officials said US President Donald Trump, who is busy challenging the outcome of the recent presidential election, will participate.
Trump last participated in the APEC forum in 2017 and last weekend skipped the East Asia Summits, also held online.
Trump, or his representative, was initially due to speak to the CEOs on Friday morning but that was cancelled, with no reasons given.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who spoke to the CEOs after Suga, voiced hope APEC leaders will agree at their meeting on new development goals for the next 20 years that focus on free trade, digital innovation and sustainability and inclusion.
"As we confront this generation's biggest economic challenge, we must not repeat the mistakes of history by retreating into protectionism," she said.
"APEC must continue to commit to keeping markets open and trade flowing."
As APEC chair for next year, Ardern urged APEC economies to work together to "reignite growth and plan for a long-lasting economic recovery" that is sustainable, inclusive and digitally enabled.
New Zealand will also host APEC meetings virtually due to the pandemic.
Australian Associated Press
