APEC is very important region and driver of future global growth: U.S. scholar

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a very important region and driver of future global growth, said a professor at Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business.

The professor, Arthur Dong made the remarks ahead of this year's APEC meeting, which will be held in Peru from Nov. 10 to Nov. 16 under the overarching theme of "Empower, Include, Grow."

"It is one of the largest multilateral trade organizations in the entire world. And when you look at the significance of APEC, in terms of their size, almost two thirds of global trade is conducted within this body. This is quite a remarkable sort of story of growth," he said.

Established in 1989, the organization has evolved into one of the largest multilateral trade bodies in the world. Originally founded with twelve members, including the United States, Australia, Japan, and Malaysia, APEC welcomed China in 1991, followed by Peru, Russia, and Vietnam in 1998. Since then, the forum has expanded its reach and significance, particularly in light of China's rapid economic development.

China's ascent has been pivotal to APEC's growth. In 1991, the country's GDP was less than 400 billion U.S. dollars; today, it's about 18 trillion U.S. dollars.

"China's role has been enormous. This was a pivotal period in China's opening and reform period, where China really started to accelerate its opening up to the rest of the world. China is a very important trade partner, and a very important member, disproportionately also, as a part of this trade body," Dong said.

Currently, APEC economies account for approximately 60 percent of global GDP, and with continuous economic growth projected in the Asia-Pacific region, the forum's importance is expected to rise.

"This is an organization that's at the right time and at the right place. GDP is growing at a level that's greater than other parts of the world. So, all those things taken into consideration make APEC and the APEC member region, a very important region and driver of future global growth," Dong said.

Bringing together around 20,000 participants, including heads of state and dignitaries from 21 member economies across Asia, the Pacific, North America, and South America, APEC aims to foster sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the region.

APEC is very important region and driver of future global growth: U.S. scholar

As China's elderly population grows, shopping malls in Shanghai have actively adapted part of their services to cater to the needs and preferences of elderly consumers, tapping into silver-haired consumer market.

This trend reflects the city's efforts to enhance elderly care services amid the population aging. By the end of 2023, people aged 60 and older reached 5.68 million in Shanghai, representing a whopping 37.4 percent of the city's total population.

A shopping mall on the downtown Nanjing East Road pedestrian street has opened a dedicated club for senior citizens, offering a diverse range of activities from the operation of health workshops to traditional handicraft classes.

"I gain a lot every time I come here. I can participate in various club activities and also exchange knowledge and everyday life hacks with others," said Fu Meilin, an elderly resident.

The mall houses nearly 60 time-honored brands, along with dining and entertainment options suited to senior citizens.

Another business district in Shanghai's Putuo District has adopted a different approach, focusing on attracting retirees during weekdays while catering to younger shoppers on weekends.

Restaurants offer affordable off-peak meal deals priced under 100 yuan (about 13.88 U.S. dollars), attracting a large number of senior customers.

To ensure a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience for the elderly, many shopping malls have conducted age-friendly renovations, including providing comfortable seating areas, accessible restrooms, and consumer guidance services for the elderly shoppers.

Driven by the population aging, China's "silver economy" has shown vast growth potential, with the market currently estimated at around seven trillion yuan and projected to reach a 30 trillion yuan by 2035.

Shopping malls in Shanghai adapt to cater to growing 'silver economy'