Apec meeting cancelled

THE Asia-Pacific Economic Leaders’ Week in Chile has been cancelled for the safety and welfare of delegates.
According to the executive director of the Apec Secretariat in Singapore Dr Rebecca Maria, President Sebastian Pinera, who is also the chairman of the Apec Chile 2019, announced that Apec leaders week would not be held because he was concerned with ongoing protests against his government.
“The safety and welfare of Chile and the member economies are Apec’s utmost priority. As such, the Apec Secretariat supports Chile’s decision to suspend the hosting of Apec leaders’ week,” Maria said in a statement.
“We thank Chile for tirelessly advocating for more inclusive growth throughout its host year, including by prioritising the economic empowerment of women and small businesses.” Maria said all Apec members would continue to advance the critical agenda of making sure all communities across the Asia-Pacific throughout the Asia-Pacific reaped the benefit of economic growth and integration.
Apec Authority (PNG) chief executive officer Chris Hawkins told The National that it was the first time that Apec leaders’ week was cancelled.
Hawkins, who was part of Apec since being part of the PNG delegation in 1998, said Chile last hosted the Apec meeting in 2004. Malaysia will host Apec 2020.