Linda Logan

World SPOT LIGHT Assignment

DUE December 5, 2014
APEC Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation
Provide a summary of President Obamas remarks by touching on the following:

1. Some of the factors he mentions that indicate the

interconnectedness and interdependencies.
The current U.S. and Chinas relationship is based on a history of mutual
respect and trust between these two nations. The U.S is committed to

Asias future growth in maintaining a balanced, strong and sustainable

economic. Both governments have worked to create strategy to
decrease trade barriers and create Free Trade Area that will allow
prosperity to be shared by both countries, and APEC countries alike;
Growth that will not just affect One Corporation over another, but have
continued positive effect of economic growth for citizens as well. The
President also spoke on the cooperation of both countries in sharing
security and environmental concerns. China and the US are the top two
emitters of carbon into the atmosphere. Also he spoke on the shared
responsibility of disaster relief and fighting the spread of infectious
diseases like Ebola and containing ISIS/ISIL threats. He also focused on

2. What is distinctive about the Asia-pacific region and

economic growth?
The APEC region contains 40% of the worlds population, and the 6
largest economies within APEC make up 60% of the worlds GDP and is
3/5th of the worlds global economy.

3. What is distinctive about the U.S. economy?

The U.S has always been consistent in its position of strength, security and
sustainability of its own economy and growing other world economies,
specifically Chinas within the last 2 decades. According to current job
forecast, current job production in the US has grown at an uninterrupted pace
since the 1990s during the Clinton Administration. Also, the broader
economy has been growing at a rapid pace in areas of: manufacturing,
education and energy. Other area of growth can also been seen in the drop in
healthcare inflation, deficit shrinkage by 2/3 rd.

4. What are China and the U.S. working on together?

Together China and the US are working on maintaining their current
relationship and focusing their efforts in areas of biotechnology in agriculture

for a sustainable food supply for increasing global populations; protection of

Intellectual Rights, rejecting cyber theft for commercial gain; creating
balanced market exchange rates; importance of fundamental Human Rights
policies and providing higher standards and protection of worker safety and
the environmental security. Both countries are also interested in deepening
economic ties thru bilateral investment treaty that will allow American
investment in China in equal parts; and create level playing field for fair
treatment of American businesses in China.

5. His description of the trade picture as it relates to the

Asian-Pacific countriesfacts, numbers, percentages,
etc.
Both countries want to work together to decrease trade barriers that will lead
to free trade areas within the APEC countries. The US top exports bought by
APEC economies decreasing tariffs, also reduces shipping costs which allows
for faster service. Strategy to deepen trade agreements include: extending
VISA time limits for students to 5 years and for tourist and business travelers
to 10 years. Last year Tourism from China and other APEC countries
amounted to 1.8 million visitors and 21 billion dollars to US economy and
resulted in supporting 100,000 US jobs.
APEC countries are concerned with not whether they grow but how they grow.
They want to work together to: provide sustainable growth for small business
and ensure access to markets; recognize the potential and contributions of
woman in economic, social and political issues; encourage the free flow of
internet connectivity; reduce corruption by creating transparent economic
systems.

6. What is most striking to you about or in the

presentation? Explain why.
President Obama is the most striking element in the presentation. He
instills confidence in his listeners and inspires us all to do our part at
home and abroad. The eloquence and articulation of this man are both
seconded to his extreme intelligence. When the words flow from his
mouth, you know and feel instantly that he is a man of great
conviction, honesty and integrity. He is a husband, father, brother;
neighbor, friend, and the worlds most powerful man and above all, he
can be trusted because his word is bond

7. Develop two questions you think are significant and

should be examined at the next APEC summit.
A. What type of environmental security control upgrades will be created to
reduce increased emissions and water pollution as a result of rapid
industrial growth?

B. As a result of the strengthening of trade relations, will the US work to

bring a more democratic alignment of APEC countries especially China in
where students protest against repressive political tactics and
undemocratic electoral processes, or will the US continue to its hands off
approach based on its economic interdependences as it did in 1989 after
the Tiananmen Square Massacre?

http://www.apec.org/Press/Videos/2014/2014_1110_us_obama.aspx