The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum – APEC promotes trade facilitation, cooperation and investments in the Asia Pacific Region. It operates on a non-binding commitment basis, open dialogue and equal respect to all member economies‘ perspectives. Also decisions adopted in APEC are by consensus and commitments are taken on a volunteering basis.

APEC Secretariat headquarter is located in Singapore and it is in charge of arranging technical and advisory support.

APEC has 21 members which are called "Member Economies". This term is used because APEC main goal is related to trade and economic issues, and therefore member establish relationships as economic entities.