Trade and economic growth continue to improve across the Asia-Pacific. Yet, progress is uneven and the outlook for the medium-term is not as favorable as it could and should be.

Trade ministers from China and the 20 other APEC member economies are meeting in the port city of Qingdao to harness new growth drivers and ensure that businesses and people throughout the region feel the benefits.

Part of this involves further opening of markets and lowering of tariff barriers. APEC economies have taken great strides in this respect over the past 25 years through substantial policy and technical coordination.