Meanwhile, the ministers agreed to establish an APEC Food Safety Cooperation Forum, co-chaired by China and Australia, to help harmonize food safety regulations with international standards.
On the APEC reform, measures include the increase by 30 percent the membership contributions from 2009, the appointment of a Chief Operating Officer in 2007, and considering the appointment of a fixed-term Executive Director to enhance APEC's institutional work.
The ministerial meeting was convened in preparation for the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting scheduled here on September 8-9, and the ministers will submit their recommendations and outcomes of meeting to the leaders for approval.
Founded in 1989, APEC is the premier forum for facilitating economic growth, cooperation, trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region.
It represents the most economically dynamic region in the world, with its 21 member economies spanning four continents and accounting for approximately 40 percent of the world's population, 56 percent of world's GDP and 48 percent of world trade.
