British News Agency

Wong said that APEC is meeting in South Korea at a critical time for the region and the world.

She noted that increasing trade tensions and economic uncertainty mean that Australia must continue to strengthen its relationships and defend open markets and rules that benefit Australian businesses and workers, adding:

“One in four jobs in Australia depends on trade. At APEC in Gyeongju, I am continuing the Albanese Government’s work to keep markets open, reduce barriers, and create new opportunities for Australian exporters. Australia’s priorities include making cross-border trade more efficient through paperless trade, promoting policy reforms in services trade, and advancing the economic empowerment of all peoples.”

Wong said they are committed to strengthening the World Trade Organization and the transparent, rules-based trading system that underpins the global economy.