The APEC Business Advisory Council was a strong voice for business during 2021.
One of APEC’s advantages as an institution is its unique connection with business. New Zealand underscored the importance of having the voice of business at the heart of APEC’s work, with ABAC (APEC Business Advisory Council) injecting its voice into high-level meetings, including the ABAC-Leaders’ Dialogue in November and the Informal Finance Ministers’ Meeting with ABAC in June, which was a first.
In October 2021, the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) presented a report to APEC Leaders that called for ambitious outcomes on regional economic integration, sustainability, the digital economy, and greater inclusion for smaller businesses, women and indigenous people.
Download the APEC Business Advisory Group 2021 report(external link)
About ABAC
ABAC is an independent group of business leaders advising APEC leaders on priority issues for business in the region. It was made up of three private sector representatives from each APEC economy. In 2021 ABAC was chaired by Rachel Taulelei of New Zealand (pictured).
Opening remarks from ABAC Chair Rachel Taulelei at the ABAC/Leaders' Dialogue