Business and political leaders from 21 of the world's most dynamic economies are meeting in Mexico City. They're helping to shape government policies on technology and trade. CGTN's Franc Contreras has details.
The plenary session of the APEC Business Advisory Council – one of the world's most influential business gatherings – got underway in Mexico City on Thursday.
All 21 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation economies have representatives at the table. Many are business leaders. Some work directly with government policymakers from their nations.
Mexico sent Undersecretary Luis Gutierrez of the Economy Ministry to address the group.
Luis Rosendo Gutierrez Mexico's Undersecretary for Foreign Commerce "ABAC is the only non-governmental body on the official agenda of the APEC Economy Leaders Meeting. That is not a courtesy. It is a recognition that sustainable policy cannot be made without the private sector."
Franc Contreras CGTN Correspondent, Mexico City "The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation gathering is one of the few spaces where the U.S., China, and others – like Mexico – sit at the same table without binding treaty constraints. That flexibility is exactly what creates business opportunities."
CGTN spoke with Kimi Liu, vice president of Trip.com, one of the world's leading on-line travel agencies.
Kimi Liu Vice President, Trip.com "I think it's a unique opportunity for us to know the first tier of partners and suppliers in Mexico. And it's very critical for a company like us to open the market in Mexico."
Chinese tourism to Mexico is emerging as one of the fastest-growing international business segments. That growth is driven by high-end luxury, cultural interests, and the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Analysts say Asian economies often use ABAC meetings to shape trade and supply chain planning in real time. Latin America views the gatherings as an opportunity to attract foreign investors. APEC leadership sees ABAC as a road to the future of the global economy.
Ren Hongbin President of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation "We look to ABAC to focus on the integration of technological and integration innovation, promoting the sharing of innovation outcomes, and bridging the digital and AI device. By doing so, we can deliver the benefits of innovation to all economies across the region."
By hosting the 2026 ABAC meeting here, Mexican officials say their country has an opportunity to fortify its trade relations with both Asia and the United States. And it gives Mexico a leg up, as it prepares to host the APEC gathering in 2028. FC, CGTN, Mexico City.
