In an interview published on November 13, 2026, Juan Carlos Capu\u00f1ay, a former executive director of the APEC Secretariat and former Peruvian ambassador to China, said the Asia-Pacific needs open cooperation more than ever.<\/p>\n
Speaking to the People\u2019s Daily reporter, Capu\u00f1ay said China\u2019s proposed theme of \u201cbuilding an Asia-Pacific community and promoting common prosperity,\u201d with priorities of openness, innovation and cooperation, responds to the region\u2019s development needs. He described China as an important force in APEC cooperation and said meetings hosted during China\u2019s APEC year had provided opportunities for economies to discuss trade and investment, the digital economy and small-business development.<\/p>\n
Capu\u00f1ay 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.<\/p>\n
On connectivity, Capu\u00f1ay pointed to infrastructure cooperation between Peru and China, saying it had improved transport efficiency and strengthened Peru\u2019s links with Asian markets. Recalling his first visit to Shenzhen in 1991, he said China\u2019s experience with special economic zones and industrial parks offered lessons for developing countries, including Peru.<\/p>\n
These assessments and expectations are Capu\u00f1ay\u2019s views as reported in the interview, not announcements of new APEC agreements.<\/p>\n