A briefing paper released today by International Policy Network today calls on APEC leaders to practice what they preach on trade during the upcoming Summit in Singapore.  All APEC Leaders have boasted of their ability to resist protectionism over the past twelve months, but the sad reality is that 18 of APEC's 21 Members have implemented protectionist measures over this period.  Most egregiously, some of APEC's biggest members are imposing specific trade barriers against each other - We're talking about you, Beijing and Washington!  Read below for a summary of "Combating Protectionism and Boosting Growth at APEC 2009 Singapore Summit".

• 18 of APEC’s 21 Members have broken their pledge not to implement protectionist measures in the wake of the financial crisis;
• Trade has rebounded in spite and not because of this protectionism;
• APEC’s economies are still vulnerable to the potential impact of decreased demand from the United States and the potential for an abrupt end to growth in China;
• The Singapore APEC summit must pave the way for sincere pledges to abolish protectionist policies and promote open trade throughout the Pacific Rim and throughout the rest of the world;
• APEC can still play a leading role in facilitating trade liberalisation if it sticks to its core competency;
• Trade and investment liberalisation has driven economic development and diversification in the APEC region and helped over 500m people lift themselves out of poverty;