China and ASEAN moved to expand trade under a new protocol. The arrangement seeks to expand commerce between China and the 10-member bloc. With growing unease, analysts warned over growing Chinese investment, highlighting risks in deeper ties. In Australia, CPA Australia joined a Shenzhen economic exchange ahead of APEC. Singapore-based legal firm Wotton Kearney set up a shipping disputes practice. Vietnam announced a new alliance for its industrial fair.

Prior arguments contended that mainstream international trade theory ignores development concerns. That view identifies gaps in how trade benefits are measured across economies.