The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) was established in 1989 in response to the growing interdependence among Asia-Pacific economies. Starting out as an informal dialogue group, APEC has now become the primary regional vehicle for promoting open trade and practical economic cooperation. Its goal is to advance Asia-Pacific economic dynamism and sense of community.

APEC has 21 members - referred to as "Member Economies" - which account for more than 2.5 billion people, a combined GDP of $ 19 trillion US dollars and 47 percent of world trade.