APEC Pacific Rim ministers gather for progress on regional free trade zone. Trade and foreign ministers for the 21 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member nations came together for the APEC Ministerial Meeting starting on Wednesday, November 10 leading up to the weekend leaders’ summit in Yokohama, Japan. During their two-day meeting, the ministers pledged to continue efforts to stabilize the global economy by refraining from introducing any new trade or investment limitations until 2013. They also focused on a long-term regional free trade zone, called the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), with a goal of improving the livelihoods and residents of all nations. The nations of Brunei, Chile, New Zealand and Singapore have already signed up for the TPP, while US President Barack Obama pledged that his country would join.

Our sincere appreciation, Your Excellencies and participating nations, for your commitment to increased global economic stability and opportunity. May such cooperative endeavors bring fulfillment and prosperity to the people of the Pacific Rim countries and the world.