Camilo Pérez-Restrepo In Singapore, specially in that area around the Heng Mui Keng Terrace it is not unusual to walk past several international organizations and think tanks within just a few blocks. There are APEC, the Asia Europe Foundation, ISEAS, WIPO, and of course the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC). For a young graduate student interested in economic development, cooperation and trade, that ecosystem feels like stepping into the heart of regional policy dialogue and as one...

Minister Víctor Muñoz Tuesta succeeds Ambassador Renato Reyes as the Chair of Peruvian National Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation (PERUPEC), effective 15 November 2025. Minister Muñoz is a career diplomat and lawyer from the University of San Martín de Porres, holding a Master’s degree in Diplomacy and International Relations. He has extensive experience within Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in overseas postings, and has represented Peru in major international negotiations on...

The Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kaewkamol Karen Pitakdumrongkit as Executive Director of the PECC International Secretariat, effective 1 January 2026. Dr. Pitakdumrongkit has been serving as the Interim Secretary General since February 2025, during which she has contributed actively to advancing PECC’s work in regional cooperation and policy dialogue. Her appointment follows the endorsement of the PECC Standing Committee. Dr....

The PECC International Secretariat is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Stéphane Michel as the new Chair of the Mexico National Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation (MXCPEC) and Dr. Gerardo Traslosheros as the Executive Director of MXCPEC. Brief biographies: Mr. Stéphane Michel is an international business leader with over 30 years of experience in the Asia-Pacific region. He currently serves as Chairman for Asia and Oceania at the Mexican Council for Foreign Trade (COMCE) and...

The Asia-Pacific region faces a pressing challenge: declining birth rates and aging populations are shrinking the workforce and threatening long-term growth. East Asia already records some of the world’s lowest fertility rates, while emerging economies are projected to experience similar demographic shifts in the coming decades. To tackle these challenges, the project highlights key policy priorities: Boosting Productivity : Through digitalization and innovation in high-value industries and...

On June 30, 2025, former CANCPEC Chair Donald. W Campbell was appointed to the Order of Canada, one of Canada’s highest honours which recognizes people across all sectors of society who have made extraordinary and sustained contributions to the country. Ambassador Campbell is a highly respected advisor in the private and public sectors and currently serves as Senior Strategy Advisor at Norton Rose Fulbright Canada. His stellar diplomatic career includes service as deputy minister of both...

On Monday, 2 June 2025, we hosted a distinguished delegation from Universidad Panamericana, Mexico City: 🔹 Dr. Santiago García Álvarez, President 🔹 Dr. Héctor Xavier Ramírez Pérez, Vice-Dean 🔹 Mr. Gerson Garudno, CEO, Singapore-Mexico Chamber of Commerce The delegation visited the PECC International Secretariat to gain insight into our mission, programs, and regional initiatives—and to explore meaningful avenues for collaboration between Mexico and the Asia-Pacific. 💡 Highlights: • Dr. García...

The Canadian National Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation (CANCPEC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Amb. Jonathan T. Fried to succeed Amb. Donald W. Campbell as Chair of CANCPEC, effective June 1, 2025. Amb. Campbell has served as Chair of CANCPEC since 2011 and was concurrently International Co-Chair of PECC from 2012 to 2020. Mr. Hugh Stephens will continue to serve as CANCPEC Vice Chair. Amb. Fried’s distinguished diplomatic career for Canada spanned law, economics, and...

On October 24th, the 2024 Global Ocean Development Forum was held in Qingdao, China. Amb. Zhan Yongxin, Co-Chair of PECC and Chair of CNCPEC attended "East Asia Maritime Cooperation Platform Qingdao Dialogue" of the forum and delivered a speech. Amb. Zhan was also interviewed by Shandong People's Radio, Qingdao Evening News and other media. Amb. Zhan delivered a speech at "East Asia Maritime Cooperation Platform Qingdao Dialogue In his speech, Amb. Zhan said that the ocean is the cradle of...

Mr Arjuna Nadaraja succeeds Mr Christopher Langman as the Chair of the Australian PECC committee (AUSPECC). Mr Arjuna recently retired after an extensive career as an Australian trade official with deep experience on regional economic issues, including services trade negotiations, services competitiveness issues and domestic regulatory reform. He is a former chair of APEC Group on Services. Mr Arjuna brings a wealth of relevant expertise and experience to take on the role of AusPECC Chair,...