APEC is advancing the inclusive growth we all seek in Washington

After much planning and preparation with our host committee partners, we are honored to welcome the United States – Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to our region as more than 3,000 senior officials and delegates from the 21 member economies advance economic policies in the Asia-Pacific region to promote free, fair, and open trade and investment and advance inclusive and sustainable growth.

This informative op-ed in The Seattle Times by our host committee chairs, Governor Gregoire and Governor Locke, clearly articulates the strategic importance of these partnerships for all Washingtonians. A must read: https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/apec-is-advancing-the-inclusive-growth-we-all-seek-in-washington

As Seattle hosted the inaugural APEC meeting in 1993, Microsoft had just surpassed selling 25 million copies of Windows, Starbucks had launched 250 stores nationwide, Chukar Cherries had just opened in Pike Place Market and companies like Amazon, Expedia, and Zillow were not yet created.

Over the course of 30 years, our hometown companies have grown to more than a billion users on Windows, coffee at over 36,000 stores in more than 80 countries, and our companies are recognized in households across the world delivering online shopping and travel, cloud computing and a $4.99 rotisserie chicken.

As more than 3,000 senior officials and delegates from the 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation convene again from late July to mid-August, every Washingtonian has a stake in our state’s close ties with members of APEC as our jobs, small businesses, and companies are deeply connected.

Seattle Times

It’s going to be a busy few weeks here in Seattle. But we have an all-star team of partners to welcome the world.