APEC operates by consensus. In 1991, members committed themselves to conducting their activities and work programs on the basis of open dialogue with equal respect for the views of all participants.

The APEC Chair, which rotates annually among members, is responsible for hosting the annual ministerial meeting of foreign and economic ministers.

The purpose of the APEC meeting is to promote free trade and Asia Pacific cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment and technology.

On Nov. 14, 1991, the APEC issued the "Seoul Declaration" at its third ministerial meeting in Seoul, defines the objectives of APEC, its scope of activity and mode of operation among its 15 members.

The objectives of APEC, the Declaration said, are "to enhance the positive gains, both for the region and the world economy, resulting from increasing economic interdependence; to develop and strengthen the open multilateral trading system; and to reduce barriers to trade in goods and services and investment."

According to the declaration, cooperation among APEC 's members will be governed by "the principle of mutual benefit and a commitment to open dialogue and consensus-building, with equal respect for the views of all participants."

Referring to the scope of APEC 's activity, it said that APEC will lay stress on those economic realms "where there is scope to advance common interests and achieve mutual benefits."

The activities include the exchange of information and consultation on policies and developments relevant to the common efforts of APEC economies and development of strategies to reduce impediments to the flow of goods and services and investment world-wide and within the region.

They also cover the promotion of regional trade, investment, financial resources flows, human resources development, technology transfer and etc., and cooperation in specific sectors such as energy, environment, fisheries and tourism as well as in other.

APEC Meeting Summary

There are various APEC meetings in a year. A summary of all major APEC annual meetings provides a brief, condensed and quick reference on major decisions and issues covered in a particular year.

To view and print the documents, download Adobe Acrobat Reader

	APEC Meeting 1989		APEC Meeting 1990
	APEC Meeting 1991		APEC Meeting 1992
	APEC Meeting 1993		APEC Meeting 1994
	APEC Meeting 1995		APEC Meeting 1996
	APEC Meeting 1997		APEC Meeting 1998
	APEC Meeting 1999		APEC Meeting 2000
	APEC Meeting 2001		APEC Meeting 2002
	APEC Meeting 2003		APEC Meeting 2004
	APEC Meeting 2005		APEC Meeting 2006
	APEC Meeting 2007		APEC Meeting 2008[NEW]