APEC ministers emphasize free trade at Lima meeting but fail to reach joint statement

APEC ministers met in Lima on November 14 to discuss the importance of free trade amid rising concerns about protectionism, particularly with Donald Trump returning to the U.S. presidency. Despite the discussions, the 21 member economies, including Japan, the U.S., and China, could not agree on a joint statement. Efforts to create one are ongoing. Japanese officials emphasized the need for cooperation to promote a fair trade environment and strengthen the World Trade Organization's role. They highlighted the importance of international collaboration in the current global context.