(VOVworld) - Trade ministers from 21 member economies of the Asia – Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum began a 2-day meeting in Arequipa, Peru on Tuesday to discuss preparations for the formation of a free trade area in the region. 

The scene of the meeting (Source: andina.com.pe)

Peru’s Minister of Commerce Magali Silva, the chair of the 22nd APEC trade ministers' meeting, expressed his hope that the meeting will produce some results. Ministers focused their discussions on the progress of setting up a Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP), during their first day of sitting. On the following day, they will consider specific steps to support the region’s small enterprises in accessing foreign markets. A joint statement is expected to be issued at the end of the meeting.