China and ASEAN moved to expand 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, 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 cooperation agreement for its trade showcase.

Past analysis contended that mainstream international trade theory fails to account for development. That view points to gaps in how trade benefits are measured across economies.