Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (The Era of Relative Peace)

The Asia-Pacific Economic Corporation (APEC) is a forum for 26 Pacific Rim member economies (plus 3 U.S. associated states) that promotes free trade throughout the Asia-Pacific region. It was established in 1989 in response to the growing interdependence of Asia-Pacific economies and the advent of regional trade blocs in other parts of the world; to defuse fears that highly industrialized Japan (a member of G8) would come to dominate economic activity in the Asia-Pacific region; and to establish new markets for agricultural products and raw materials beyond Europe.

APEC meetings are held annually located in the host country's city (usually the capital). The meetings are usually attended by the head-of-state or the head-of-government of a country.