► All agreements for the IPEF were meant to be concluded during the 2023 APEC summit, but participating countries failed to reach a deal on trade, including the labor and environmental sectors, due to the differing laws and policies of each country, and decided to continue negotiations. ► "San Francisco Principles on Integrating Inclusivity and Sustainability into Trade and Investment Policy" [explains th...

► It is evident that the US’ domestic political uncertainty has constrained both APEC and IPEF development. Foreign policy and trade are not on the US government’s list of priorities, especially with next year's upcoming presidential election. ► Three APEC member economies: Viet Nam, Indonesia and Mexico are among “the connector” of a fragmented global economy by avoiding being trapped in the stra...

► As the host for APEC 2023, the US can take the lead to respond to the concerns of members related to the rising momentum of green (new) protectionism and advance the economic agenda to limit the scope of protectionism. ► The APEC fora can increase its economic leverage and facilitate trade in environmental goods by expanding the list of related goods based on a global value chain approach, identif...

► While critics tend to dismiss APEC citing its non-binding nature, the platform has shown to have significant implications for regional economy and economic governance. ► As the host, the US is advancing the cooperation under the theme of “Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All”, reflecting the continuity of the grouping’s cumulative effort over the years to realise the Putrajaya ...