Preface

There have been significant developments in the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA), the oldest preferential trade agreement (PTA) among countries in the Asia-Pacific region, over the last fifteen years, including the landmark accession of China back in November 2001, the change of the name from the Bangkok Agreement to the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement in 2005, the creation of the APTA Ministerial Council, the signing and ratification of the APTA Framework Agreements on Trade Facilitation, Trade in Services, and Investment and the conclusion of the Fourth Round of tariff concession negotiations.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions