APEC Organization

Organization Chart

The chair of APEC rotates yearly among its members. The APEC chair usually hosts the annual meetings of ministers and, since 1993, of leaders. Senior officials of all member economies generally meet four times throughout the year to develop recommendations and to ensure follow up.

APEC has three main committees: the Committee on Trade and Investment; the Economic Committee; and the Budget and Management Committee. A senior officials' subcommittee is responsible for overseeing the Economic and Technical Co-operation (ECOTECH) work program.

APEC also has sectoral working groups in the following areas: energy; fisheries; human resources development; industrial science and technology; marine resources conservation; telecommunications; trade promotion; transportation and tourism. These working groups promote practical co-operation among members to build capacity in their respective area.

Ad hoc groups address issues such as agricultural technical co-operation, small and medium enterprises, and environment and sustainable development.

To support APEC's activities, a permanent secretariat was established in Singapore in 1993. Its staff of 40 professionals provides direct administrative and co-ordination support for all APEC forums. It also administers the APEC central fund, which supports projects approved by ministers and leaders.

In 1995, APEC leaders created the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) in order to have a direct channel for advice. Canada has three representatives on this council. The council meets annually with leaders to discuss its recommendations.