Guangzhou, February 6: The first plenary meeting of the 2026 APEC Customs Process Subcommittee commenced on February 4 in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, as part of a series of activities marking the “Chinese Year” of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
During this meeting, it was reported that the total value of China’s imports and exports with other APEC economies reached 125.49 trillion yuan during the “14th Five-Year Plan” (2021-2025), representing a 39.4% increase compared to the “13th Five-Year Plan” (2016-2020). Notably, in 2025, the total value of trade between China and other APEC economies was 26.29 trillion yuan, accounting for nearly 60% of China’s foreign trade during that period. The benefits of cooperation and development between China and other APEC economies continue to grow.
China chairs the 2026 APEC Customs Process Subcommittee. On the same day, Zhao Zhenglian, Deputy Director of the General Administration of Customs of China, stated that the Asia-Pacific economy currently represents over 60% of the global economy, and the Asia-Pacific trade accounts for nearly half of global trade. This vibrant region not only serves as an engine for global economic growth but also reflects the shared development aspirations of all countries and regions.
The three-day meeting focuses on the theme “Building a Shared Community in the Asia-Pacific and Promoting Common Prosperity.” It will emphasize three priority areas: openness, innovation, and cooperation, discussing pressing issues such as technology and innovation, smart customs development, and cross-border trade facilitation. More than 100 representatives from customs authorities of 18 APEC economies, international organizations, academia, and businesses are participating in this meeting.
APEC is the highest-level, largest, and most influential economic cooperation mechanism in the Asia-Pacific region. Established in 1994, the APEC Customs Process Subcommittee has since become a core “incubator” for promoting customs process innovation and technological advancement, driving the creation of a more connected, secure, and resilient Asia-Pacific supply chain.
(Source: China Media Group, Beijing)
