Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)

The Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC) is an organization comprising business, government and academic leaders that promotes international cooperation across the Asia-Pacific region.
As the only non-governmental official observer of APEC, PECC provides information, analytical support, and proposals to APEC upon request, sharing research results from its task forces and working together.

Members:
Australia; Brunei Darussalam; Canada; Chile; China; Colombia; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Japan; Korea; Malaysia; Mexico; New Zealand; Peru; Philippines; Singapore; Pacific Islands Forum; Chinese Taipei; Thailand; United States of America; Vietnam

Associate Members: France (Pacific Territories)

Japan has played a crucial and foundational role in the establishment and continued development of PECC. The concept of Pacific economic cooperation was significantly advanced by Professor Kiyoshi Kojima of Hitotsubashi University, whose 1965 proposal of the “Pacific Free Trade Area Concept” laid the theoretical groundwork for regional integration. This concept, which aimed to create a free trade area among key Pacific economies—including Japan, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand—helped inspire the creation of PECC. Japan’s rapid economic growth, and leadership in both academia and the business community, have further propelled the momentum for Pacific cooperation.
Through its role as the preeminent donor within PECC, Japan underscores its commitment to the organization, ensuring the sustained operation of the secretariat and the execution of its strategic research projects and initiatives.
Japan actively participates in and co-leads important research projects within PECC. For example, the recent Japan-Korea joint project addressing labor shortages caused by low birth rates and aging populations exemplifies Japan’s proactive engagement in tackling critical regional challenges. Through such initiatives, Japan continues to play a vital role in promoting economic cooperation, sustainable growth, and policy development across the Asia-Pacific region.