Share your photographic interpretation of APEC Indonesia’s 2013 priorities by entering the APEC Photo Contest 2013. You can send up to three of your best shots, with each photo representing your interpretation of any one of the three APEC priorities for 2013. These priorities may seem technical at first glance, but the challenge lies in capturing their very real presence and impact in our lives

Each year, APEC and its host economy select specific priorities to focus on. This year, Indonesia hosts APEC under the theme “Resilient Asia-Pacific, Engine of Global Growth”, which reflects the region’s dynamism and its ability to drive global economic recovery.

1. SUSTAINING THE MOMENTUM TOWARD FREE AND OPEN TRADE BY 2020

In 1994, APEC’s Economic Leaders committed to opening up trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific by 2010 for developed economies and by 2020 for developing economies. Today, that momentum continues as APEC keeps strengthening the trading system across economies and boosting reforms of institutional frameworks, regulations, and policies. As tariffs come down, APEC is increasingly turning to behind-the-border barriers such as enhancing electronic processing of government permits or ensuring transparency in government regulations. By improving the efficiency and economic performance of member economies, APEC helps to build a seamless regional economy that brings the benefits of trade to all.

2. MOVING TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT WITH EQUITY

Amidst the global financial crisis, APEC seeks to respond comprehensively to rising challenges with a growth strategy that is sustainable and inclusive. Sustainable growth with equity is about quality growth – ensuring economic growth is relevant to vulnerable sectors in the economy, such as women and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This entails enhancing SMEs’ global competitiveness through innovation and tapping women’s productivity in the economy, as well as working on ensuring financial inclusion. As part of this priority, APEC also supports green growth through the adoption of green technologies, promotes sustainable ocean development, while strengthening the supply and production of food and improving access to health services.

3. IMPROVING CONNECTIVITY

To increase output and productivity, APEC will pursue efforts to link existing growth centers and build new ones across the region. This means improving physical connectivity through the construction of infrastructure like ports, roads, transport networks, but also enhancing connectivity amongst government institutions and systems, as well as people-to-people connectivity. APEC’s efforts will include the development of infrastructure, facilitation and promotion of infrastructure investment, including infrastructure for connectivity in the Pacific Ocean as a major link between economies in the region.