The 2012 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC) opened today/ on Sunday with its usual senior officials' meeting aimed at identifying issues for further discussion.

The APEC senior officials meeting, which will conclude on Monday, is scheduled to deal with all items on the 2012 agenda as declared by Russia during its rotating presidency of the 21-economy forum. The issues proposed at the meeting might hinder the formation of a final statement to be presented to the ministers and then the heads of member economies next Sunday for approval. Related topics range from further trade and investment liberalization, regional economic integration, establishment of reliable supply chains and intensive cooperation to foster innovative growth.