(VOVworld) – State leaders, senior officials, and entrepreneurs from 21 APEC member countries are gathering at the 2016 APEC Economic Leaders' Week in Lima, Peru, to discuss the future of international trade policies, economic growth and improvement of life conditions.

The APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) takes place as part of the 2016 APEC Economic Leaders' Week (Photo: EPA/VNA)

The event, which started on Monday, gives priority to advancing regional economic integration, enhancing the regional food market, supporting the development of small and medium businesses and boosting labor forces. Participants will examine ways to increase the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises in the global value chain, as well as how to make use of digital trading and the knowledge-based economy. They will also touch upon promoting APEC’s role in creating new policies to deal with food insecurity in the context of climate change and water shortages.