Advertisement
Apec ministers pledge to expedite transit of coronavirus vaccines
- Commitment part of a flurry of vaccine diplomacy, including stop in Taiwan by US senators
- Countries to push for consensus on IP waivers on doses through the WTO
3-MIN READ3-MIN
2
Distribution of coronavirus vaccines was top of the agenda in Asia on the weekend as trade ministers, diplomats and politicians held a series of meetings amid surges in cases throughout the region.
In a joint statement on Saturday, Apec trade ministers agreed to ease movement of Covid-19 vaccines and other medical supplies but stopped short of removing tariffs on the goods.
“[We] are united behind the essential role of trade in tackling the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and in enabling a strong economic recovery for all our people,” the 21 economies in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum said after a two-day virtual meeting hosted by New Zealand.
Advertisement
Separately, top diplomats from China and Indonesia agreed to bolster bilateral cooperation on vaccine production and development to fill access gaps, Beijing said.
And American lawmakers visiting Taiwan on Sunday revealed the US would donate 750,000 doses to the island, adding to the 1.24 million doses Japan has delivered to Taiwan.
Advertisement
The flurry of vaccine diplomacy comes as calls for international action to address vaccine inequalities grow, with G7 heads of state expected to tackle the issue in a summit next week and the World Health Organization calling for action in an assembly of nearly 200 health ministers last month.
Advertisement
Select Voice
Select Speed
1.00x