China and ASEAN took steps to widen trade under a new protocol. The arrangement aims to boost commerce between China and the 10-member bloc. With growing unease, analysts warned over growing Chinese investment, highlighting risks in deeper ties. In Australia, CPA Australia attended a Shenzhen economic exchange ahead of APEC. Singapore-based legal firm Wotton Kearney added a shipping disputes practice. Vietnam unveiled a cooperation agreement for its industrial fair.

Earlier commentary contended that mainstream international trade theory fails to account for development. That view highlights gaps in how trade benefits are measured across economies.