May 20, 2021 The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory Council (ABAC) recently issued a statement highlighting that it strongly supports the multilateral rules-based trading system, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its heart. “For decades, the WTO system has helped to advance international cooperation for the common good. It now has a key role to play in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic – both in overcoming health challenges and in bolstering economic recovery,” said ABAC. “ABAC warmly welcomes the appointment of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the Director-General of the WTO. There are also encouraging signs of renewed engagement across the WTO membership. Now is the time to act. Concerted, constructive and collaborative engagement from all WTO members is needed to face down global challenges. APEC can, and should, lead in this effort.”