"The APEC is now seeing a new development in the form of a trade war. It is important to stick to the ideals for which it was formed," Kalla said.Acapulco, Mexico (ANTARA News) - Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla has urged the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru to avoid a trade war among members of the forum, especially the large countries.
"The APEC is now seeing a new development in the form of a trade war. It is important to stick to the ideals for which it was formed," Kalla said at the Juan Alvarez, Alcapulco airport in Mexico on Thursday night (Nov 17, 2016) local time while he was on his way to attend the APEC summit in Lima.
Kalla and his entourage had made a transit halt at the Juan Alvarez, Alcapulco airport, on his way to Lima, Peru, for the November 19 and 20, 2016 APEC summit.
The vice president explained that APEC, which was formed in the West Java provincial city of Bogor in 1994, aimed to boost trade.
At that time, the United States and Japan were the drivers of the world economy. Now, China is emerging in that role," he pointed out.
According to Kalla, the APEC summit in Peru will play a very important role in deciding the direction of the global economy.
"So there are two alternatives: whether the US dominates the economy or other countries take the initiative," he pointed out.
Kalla further noted that in the beginning, APEC had many ceremonial activities such as seminars, but now this forum has shifted to trade issues.
He predicted that the US will not be playing a dominant role in the future because it (US) will opt for economic protection.
In response to Donald Trump being elected the US president, Kalla claimed it has no major impact on the Indonesian economy.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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