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Current ABAC Priorities
The 2013 ABAC work Theme: Partnership, Resilience and Bridges to Growth

 


Indonesia took over Russia as Chair of ABAC in 2013 and outlined the ABAC 2013 theme: Partnership, Resilience and Bridges to Growth.


There are two sub-themes in 2013:

  • Strengthening regional resilience and integration with new areas of growth; and

  • Strengthening economic foundations and financial structures for balanced, inclusive and sustainable growth.


The overall priorities are:

  • Deepening regional economic integration;

  • Promoting infrastructure and sustainable development;

  • Fostering SMME development & entrepreneurship; and

  • Fostering the development and integration of financial markets.


Work focus of the ABAC Working Groups

ABAC’s Working Groups (WGs) were also restructured. The Infrastructure Development Group was merged into the Sustainable Development Working Group and became Infrastructure and Sustainable Development Working Group. Other WGs remain unchanged. Priorities for each Working Group in the year 2013 were re-defined as follows:
 

Working Group

Focus work areas in 2013

Regional Economic Integration Working Group (REIWG)

  • Trade and investment liberalisation - in pursuit of the Bogor Goals and FTAAP

  • Supply chain connectivity

  • Services

SMME and Entrepreneurship Working Group (SMEEWG)

  • Support policy development in promoting creation of new businesses and new business models

  • Facilitate the use of internet technologies to empower SME access to international markets

  • Support policy development in promoting sustainability of businesses, in particular in access to finance

Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG)

  • Ensuring food security

  • Promoting technology transfer and cutting-edge technology investment

  • Addressing energy security

Finance and Economics Working Group (FEWG)

  • Marco economic overview and G-20 developments

  • Promote Asia-Pacific Financial Forum (APFF)

  • Develop strategies to achieve balance growth and stronger integration

  • Promote PPP and infrastructure Finance

  • Promote financial inclusion

Infrastructure and Sustainable Development Working Group (ISDWG)

  • Accelerate infrastructure development

  • Promote development of the blue economy

  • Promote green growth, including environmental goods and services

  • Strengthen food security and liaison with PPFS

  • Strengthen energy security

  • Accelerate technology dissemination

Action Plan and Advocacy Working Group (APAWG)

  • Track progress and effectiveness of ABAC recommendations

  • Help synchronize ABAC Working Groups in identifying and enhancing linkages within ABAC recommendations and with APEC

  • Develop Action Plan and Advocacy Plan for ABAC 2013 key priorities

  • Build greater awareness in home economies of the role and importance of ABAC and its priority areas

 

Expected work outcomes

ABAC’s recommendations will be conveyed to APEC governments through a range of avenues including to APEC Senior Officials; Trade, SME, and Finance Ministers; and directly to APEC Economic Leaders at the annual ABAC Dialogue with APEC Leaders. They will also be conveyed by individual ABAC members to leaders in their own home governments.

 

 

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