An influential trade body yesterday called on the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (Apec) forum to accelerate the shift from its 'vision' of trade liberalisation to action.
The Pacific Economic Co-operation Council (Pecc) also urged this year's host nation, Canada, to focus on implementing existing policy rather than attempting to add to the forum's sweeping goals.
Pecc brings together government officials, business leaders and academics from 22 Pacific Rim countries to discuss trade and economic issues.
Hong Kong's Pecc committee, chaired by William Fung, yesterday held its 19th meeting to discuss trade issues and formulate policy.
There was general support for the need to attain Apec's aims, but differing views on the importance of comparing member's reform proposals contained in their Individual Action Plans (IAP).
The call for action comes as finance ministers from the member-economies prepare to meet in the Philippines' island resort of Cebu on Saturday and Sunday, their fourth meeting and the first since Kyoto, Japan.