" ... it should not be forgotten that multilateralism ... gives small powers a voice and influence that they could not otherwise exercise on the world arena".

Oh yes? With China involved? I don't think so.

And heaping platitude upon platitude, the mountain of dung grew taller and taller, until ?

A Siamese cat is sleek and inspiring for the cat breeder, but, as with the mountain of dung, is just a cat after all!

And what chance a cat in the field of the dragon?

Dan

That's all well and good. We need to start taking second and third looks and what that means fo our own economic sovereignty if such agreements allow others (debt-laden foreigners) to buy what they want!

Nobody in their right mind/intelligently led, would trade their economic independence for that garbage and a few crumbs, i.e., jobs!

We need to become a cash and carry economy. And sell to all comers without also selling the assets! That sounds like a trade agreement that truly serves the nation as opposed to a few elite, i.e., the usual suspects?

All politicians need to be put on notice, you will never have a mandate to do this shite in our name! Regardless of any financial benefits that might accrue to them or their immediate family?
Alan B.

And while on that theme, how about we retrospectively reverse some of the (blatantly bogus) suspect (all of them) privatisation outcomes!

The article predictably carries the quaint tone of an avuncular Professor.

Too bad APEC's Happy Days are over.

APEC now houses Trump vs China's trade war.

APEC also houses increasing strategic tensions mainly caused by the aggresive strategic drive of China over APEC's weaker Asian members.

It is likely China will steadily manipulate APEC into an Asian collective against its few "white" members (US, Canada, Aus, NZ).

Professor Dr. Voicu’s decades-long direct involvement in multilateral diplomacy as, among others, an active participant at the United Nations General Assembly meetings, and his work, research, and lifelong dedication to multilateral cooperation bring important insights into the 2020 APEC meeting. Multilateralism and trade (see theories reaching as far back as Ricardo’s comparative advantage) have long been established as important preconditions for economic growth and prosperity. APEC’s astute 2040 Vision ranges, among others, from promoting broad economic integration and addressing climate change to specific strategies for effectively eliminating the COVID-19 virus, and to ensuring inclusive participation in the digital economy and new technology. Fighting regressive unilateralism and advancing solid governance and broad member involvement while ensuring equal participation and shared responsibility are imperatives for a successful implementation of APEC’s mandates. Great read, thank you.