New Zealand to host APEC 2021 virtually

Wellington, Nov 21 : New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern took over the rotating chairmanship of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) on Saturday, when she joined leaders from the 21 APEC economies virtually for the forum’s final 2020 meeting.
Receiving the mantle of APEC chairmanship from Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, Ardern said the country is looking forward to hosting a fully virtual APEC 2021 next year, Xinhua news agency reported.
Ardern said that delivering an innovative and well-run virtual APEC will demonstrate New Zealand’s digital and creative capabilities, along with its commitment to continued and effective diplomacy, which is more important now than ever in a Covid-19 world.
“As Chair, New Zealand will build on Malaysia’s work and ensure APEC is focused on making a difference for all our people. This will include continuing APEC’s critical work in leading a collaborative regional response to the economic impacts of COVID-19,” she said.
While the APEC 2021 is not an in-person meeting, it will be one of the most important international events New Zealand will host in decades.
“Working together, we will show the value of APEC to New Zealand and the broader region in driving the economic recovery and enabling sustainable and inclusive economic growth,” said Ardern.