|
The Osaka Action Agenda (1995)
Brief Introduction
In Osaka on 19 November 1995, APEC economic leaders initiated the
work of translating the Blake Island vision and the Bogor goals
into reality. They adopted the Osaka Action Agenda, a blueprint
for implementing their commitment to free and open trade and investment,
business facilitation, and economic and technical cooperation. Part
I of the Action Agenda deals with trade and investment liberalization
and facilitation. Part II deals with economic and technical cooperation
in areas such as energy and transportation, infrastructure, small
and medium enterprises, and agricultural technology. A Trade and
Investment Liberalization & Facilitation (TILF) Special Account
was established under the APEC Central Fund for APEC projects that
support implementation of the Osaka Action Agenda.
The Bogor Declaration of Common Resolve (1994)
Brief Introduction
On 15 November 1994, Indonesian President Soeharto hosted the second
meeting of APEC economic leaders who discussed where the economies
of the region need to go in the next 25 years. In their Declaration
of Common Resolve, the economic leaders agreed to achieve the goal
of free and open trade and investment in the region no later than
2010 for the industrialized economies and 2020 for developing economies.
The economic leaders further agreed to narrow the gap in the stages
of development among Asia-Pacific economies. To this end, APEC will
provide opportunities for developing economies to increase further
their economic growth and level of development consistent with sustainable
growth, equitable development, and member economy stability.
The Blake Island Economic Vision (1993)
Brief Introduction
On 20 November 1993, APEC economic leaders, hosted by U.S. President
Clinton, met for the first time at Blake Island, Seattle, Washington
to hold informal discussions. Their vision was for an Asia-Pacific
that harnesses the energy of its diverse economies, strengthens
cooperation, and promotes prosperity, in which the spirit of openness
and partnership deepens and dynamic growth continues, contributing
to an expanding world economy and supporting an open international
trading system. They envisioned continued reduction of trade and
investment barriers so that trade expands within the region and
with the world, and goods, services, capital, and investment flow
freely among APEC economies. People in APEC economies would share
the benefits of economic growth through higher incomes, high skilled
and high paying jobs and increased mobility. Improved education
and training would produce rising literacy rates, provide the skills
for maintaining economic growth and encourage the sharing of ideas
that contribute to the arts and sciences. Advances in telecommunications
would shrink time and distance barriers in the region and link APEC
economies so that goods and people move quickly and efficiently.
Finally, they envisioned an Asia-Pacific in which the environment
is improved as APEC economies protect the quality of air, water,
and green spaces and manage energy sources and renewable resources
to ensure sustainable growth and provide a more secure future.
|
