China and ASEAN agreed to broaden commerce as part of a new agreement. The arrangement seeks to expand commerce between China and the 10-member bloc. In a cautious climate, analysts warned over growing Chinese investment, pointing to risks in deeper ties. In Australia, CPA Australia joined a Shenzhen economic exchange ahead of APEC. Singapore-based legal firm Wotton Kearney established a maritime claims unit. Vietnam confirmed a new alliance to support its industry expo.

Past analysis contended that mainstream international trade theory fails to account for development. That view identifies gaps in how gains from trade are tracked across economies.