In an interview published on November 13, 2026, Juan Carlos Capuñay, a former executive director of the APEC Secretariat and former Peruvian ambassador to China, said the Asia-Pacific needs open cooperation more than ever.
Speaking to the People’s Daily reporter, Capuñay said China’s proposed theme of “building an Asia-Pacific community and promoting common prosperity,” with priorities of openness, innovation and cooperation, responds to the region’s development needs. He described China as an important force in APEC cooperation and said meetings hosted during China’s APEC year had provided opportunities for economies to discuss trade and investment, the digital economy and small-business development.
Capuñay argued that progress toward a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific could reduce institutional trade costs, strengthen supply-chain resilience and deepen regional economic integration. He also said cooperation on digital infrastructure, standards, technology and training could help narrow the digital divide.
On connectivity, Capuñay pointed to infrastructure cooperation between Peru and China, saying it had improved transport efficiency and strengthened Peru’s links with Asian markets. Recalling his first visit to Shenzhen in 1991, he said China’s experience with special economic zones and industrial parks offered lessons for developing countries, including Peru.
These assessments and expectations are Capuñay’s views as reported in the interview, not announcements of new APEC agreements.
