In an interview published on November 13, 2026, Juan Carlos Capuñay, a former executive director of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Secretariat and former Peruvian ambassador to China, said the region needed open cooperation. He described China’s proposed theme of “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together” and its priorities of openness, innovation and cooperation as responsive to the region’s needs.
Capuñay said China’s meetings on trade and investment, the digital economy, and small and medium-sized enterprises during its APEC host year had provided opportunities for economies to exchange views. He argued that progress toward a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific could reduce institutional trade costs and strengthen supply chains. He also expressed support for cooperation on trade digitalization, services trade and environmental goods.
On connectivity, Capuñay welcomed China’s effort to advance an updated APEC connectivity blueprint. Citing Peru, he said infrastructure cooperation with China had improved logistics and strengthened links with Asian markets. He also called for closer cooperation on digital standards, technology and training to help narrow the digital divide.
Recalling his first visit to Shenzhen in 1991, Capuñay said China’s experience with special economic zones and industrial parks offered lessons for developing countries, including Peru. He expressed hope that APEC economies would deepen their partnerships under China’s hosting.