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Friday, November 20, 2020, 22:55
Malaysian PM calls for APEC unity against COVID-19
By Xinhua
Friday, November 20, 2020, 22:55 By Xinhua

Malaysia's Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin delivers an opening remark at the first virtual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders' summit, hosted by Malaysia, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Nov 20, 2020. (YONHAP / AFP)

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on Friday urged members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to stand united against the COVID-19 pandemic and push for economic recovery.

In his opening speech at the virtually held APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, Muhyiddin said APEC would play a central role in spearheading post-pandemic recovery.

READ MORE: Xi vows support for Asia-Pacific

Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin urged APEC members to ensure equitable access to vaccines and health technology, while working towards economic recovery

He urged APEC members to ensure equitable access to vaccines and health technology, while working towards economic recovery.

"Today, as we work together as a region to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, the relevance of APEC has become even more pronounced."

"We need to trade and invest our way out of the current economic downturn. We must come together and work constructively towards navigating the region along a path of robust, inclusive and sustainable economic recovery and growth," he said.

As APEC stands at a critical juncture for its future direction, Muhyiddin outlined three priority areas for the groups to focus its efforts on: support and commitment for the rules-based multilateral trading system, bolster the digital economy as a means of generating employment, and inclusive economic growth.

ALSO READ: APEC warns of downside risks for global economy

By the end of Friday's meeting, APEC leaders are expected to unveil the Post-2020 vision to replace the Bogor Goals, which was launched in 1994 and will reach maturity at the end of the year.

APEC is a regional economic forum established in 1989 to leverage the growing interdependence of the Asia-Pacific. APEC's 21 members aim to create greater prosperity for the people of the region by promoting balanced, inclusive, sustainable, innovative and secure growth and by accelerating regional economic integration. 

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