This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and anticipation is building as the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting approaches. A recent global survey conducted by CGTN has revealed overwhelming support for APEC’s contributions to regional growth. An impressive 86.4 percent of respondents praised APEC for its remarkable achievements in promoting economic growth and deepening cooperation across the Asia-Pacific region. This collaborative effort has effectively enhanced trade and investment liberalization, solidifying the region as the world’s most dynamic economic bloc with immense growth potential.
The Asia-Pacific economies have been pivotal in driving global economic growth, primarily through increased internal demand and mutual trade. The region’s history of prosperity underscores a vital lesson: cooperation breeds development, while non-cooperation poses significant risks. Reflecting this sentiment, 85.2 percent of survey participants emphasized the importance of adhering to multilateralism and embracing economic globalization. They advocate for a collective effort to build an open economy and strengthen the regional cooperation framework. Additionally, 89.5 percent opposed all forms of protectionism, urging countries to maintain an open and inclusive spirit to advance the construction of the Asia-Pacific Free Trade Area.
Amid global economic sluggishness and challenges to regional collaboration, the Asia-Pacific region shoulders greater responsibilities. With the upcoming APEC 2024 themed “Empowerment, Inclusion, and Growth,” there is a unified call for the region to uphold the spirit of cooperation and proactively address emerging challenges. Notably, 93.7 percent of respondents called on all parties to forge consensus and build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future characterized by openness, inclusiveness, innovative growth, connectivity, and win-win cooperation. Furthermore, 88.5 percent believe that developed economies should extend more support and assistance to Global South countries to achieve common development. In facing a new wave of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, 90.1 percent of respondents stressed the need for countries to innovate development strategies, adhere to green development, and ignite new growth through innovation.
China’s journey with APEC marks a significant milestone since its reform and opening-up. As the first regional economic cooperation organization China joined, APEC has been instrumental in deepening China’s participation in economic globalization. China’s development has not only benefited from the Asia-Pacific region but has also contributed substantially to it. The survey highlighted this, with 95.1 percent of respondents highly affirming China’s role as a “propellant” in APEC economic cooperation. They praised China’s unwavering commitment to expanding openness, active participation in APEC affairs, and significant contributions to the region’s prosperity and stability.
The CGTN survey resonated globally, published across English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Russian platforms. Within just 24 hours, it engaged 6,071 netizens worldwide, reflecting a collective eagerness for strengthened cooperation and shared growth in the Asia-Pacific region.
Reference(s):
CGTN global poll: China expected to boost Asia-Pacific cooperation
cgtn.com
