The 2011 APEC Economic Policy Report (AEPR) was released on the sidelines during the meetings of APEC officials in Big Sky, Montana, United States from 7-21 May 2011. The report shows the progress of individual APEC economies in pursuing domestic structural reforms. It also evaluates APEC’s work in raising awareness of the importance of structural reforms, and building the capacity of its member economies, particularly developing ones, to carry them out.

The AEPR 2011 shows various research results which underscore the importance of undertaking structural reform to achieve economic growth. A study by APEC has found that reform in key infrastructure industries in member economies has resulted in lower prices for consumers, increased consumer choice and improved efficiency and productivity. It has also estimated that further reform in the energy, telecommunications and transport sectors of the APEC region will generate USD175 billion a year in additional income.

Many programmes were undertaken by economies aiming at creating a business-friendly environment through regulatory reform. This shows that governments across the APEC region recognised the importance of regulatory reform as a key instrument in attracting businesses and enhancing growth potential.

For further information, the AEPR 2011 can be downloaded from the APEC Official Website at www. apec.org



MITI Weekly Bulletin Vol.145, 7 June 2011