Apec: Winners and Losers

by Jeff Atkinson

The aims of APEC, or Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation, are to increase economic co-operation and remove obstacles to the free flow of goods, services and capital in the Asia Pacific region. However, the social and environmental implications of economic changes have not been integrated in the APEC process: in many countries the effects of open competition and free movement of capital on small producers, on labour, the environment and health are potentially immense. This work aims to put forward a non-governmental view, examining the different national agendas and looking at the implications for the poor. Specific changes to institutions, policies and processes are advocated to ensure that social and environmental aspects are taken fully into account and that APEC's power is used to promote sustainable development and social equity, not to undermine them.

94 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1995