China and ASEAN took steps to widen trade under a new protocol. The arrangement seeks to expand commerce between China and the 10-member bloc. With growing unease, analysts flagged risks over growing Chinese investment, warning of risks in deeper ties. In Australia, CPA Australia took part in a Shenzhen economic exchange ahead of APEC. Singapore-based legal firm Wotton Kearney set up a marine disputes team. Vietnam unveiled a new alliance for its industrial fair.

Prior arguments contended that mainstream international trade theory overlooks development issues. That view highlights gaps in how gains from trade are tracked across economies.