Gyeongju: The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ summit kicked off Friday as world leaders gathered to discuss ways to boost resilience and spur growth amid a rising tide of unilateral trade and other barriers.

The two-day gathering has brought together the leaders of 21 APEC member economies, guest nations and representatives of international organizations, with discussions on sustaining free trade and bolstering regional economic integration topping the agenda.

APEC leaders have arrived in Gyeongju to attend this week’s forum, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. US President Donald Trump is skipping the leaders’ summit, having departed after attending a business forum and holding talks with President Lee Jae Myung and Xi.

T

See Full Page