APEC began in 1989 with 12 members and has now grown to 21.
APEC members are Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the United States and Viet Nam.
APEC members are referred to as "Member Economies” because not all members are states and the APEC process is predominantly concerned with trade and economic issues.
APEC spans four continents and is home to more than 40 per cent of the world’s population. APEC accounts for close to 45 per cent of the world’s trade and 55 per cent of global GDP.
The focal point of APEC is its Annual Economic Leaders' Meeting, the largest gathering of its kind in the region. The APEC process involves ministerial and officials' forums covering a wide range of issues, including trade and investment, economic cooperation and counter-terrorism.
APEC Member Economies