(VOVworld) – The Senior Officials’ Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) opened in Beijing on Wednesday—the beginning of a series of APEC events which continue next week.

APEC officials pose for a group picture at the Chinese National Convention Center in Beijing on Wednesday. (Photo: Xinhua)

The two-day meeting, chaired by Li Baodong, the Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister, is to prepare for all up-coming APEC events, including the Ministerial Meeting, the CEO Summit, the Business Advisory Council Dialogue with Leaders, the 22^nd Economic Leaders’ Meeting, and a dialogue on strengthening connectivity. Chinese President Xi Jinping will chair the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, which will be attended by US President Barack Obama and other APEC country leaders.