A business luncheon in honor of APEC Trade Ministers and the APEC Business Leaders' Dialogue will be held today in Qingdao.

The events are hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, the China APEC Business Advisory Council and the non-profit APEC China Business Council comprised of top Chinese business leaders.

The council provides a channel for voices in the Chinese business community and encourages them to get involved in APEC initiatives, said an official.

The theme of this year's dialogue is "partnerships in Asia-Pacific in the future".

From May 5 to 18, the APEC Trade Ministers and Senior Officials' Meetings in Qingdao includes in-depth discussions with the goal of consensus among Asia-Pacific partners.

The result will be significant for the APEC leaders' meeting in Beijing in November, an organizer said.

About APEC

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation founded in 1989 is the most influential official forum for economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

APEC has 21 members, including China and the United States that generate 54 percent of global GDP and 44 percent of worldwide trade.

zhuanti@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 05/16/2014 page24)