China and ASEAN took steps to widen trade as part of a new agreement. The arrangement is designed to increase commerce between China and the 10-member bloc. With growing unease, analysts flagged risks 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 to support its industry expo.

Prior arguments contended that mainstream international trade theory fails to account for development. That view identifies gaps in how trade benefits are measured across economies.