APEC is a dynamic platform where economies unite to explore innovative solutions to shared challenges. Through economic and technical cooperation (ECOTECH), APEC fosters a collaborative environment where economies learn from each other, drive growth, and build a sustainable future.

A Journey of Progress: Strengthening ECOTECH in APEC

Since 1996, APEC has made significant strides in advancing economic cooperation, beginning with the adoption of the Framework for Strengthening Economic Cooperation and Development. This initiative laid the foundation for effective ECOTECH collaboration, with several milestones along the way:

• 1998: The establishment of the SOM Sub-Committee for Economic and Technical Cooperation.
• 2002: The elevation to the SOM Committee on Economic and Technical Cooperation (SCE).
• 2006: A reform led to the creation of the SOM Steering Committee on ECOTECH (SCE), enhancing our mandate to prioritize and execute ECOTECH activities effectively.
• 2010: The endorsement of a new framework to guide all ECOTECH activities, setting clear priorities for the region’s sustainable development.
• 2023: A new set of medium-term ECOTECH priorities are agreed.

In 2020, APEC leaders endorsed the Putrajaya Vision, setting a clear roadmap for “an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040, for the prosperity of all our people and future generations.”

Our Mission: Supporting APEC's Vision through ECOTECH

The SCE plays a central role in bringing APEC’s vision to life. Through strategic guidance, collaboration, and innovation, the SCE oversees diverse portfolios, working with APEC sub-fora to ensure the implementation of ECOTECH goals.

Key Areas of Focus

The SCE coordinates a wide range of initiatives across various sectors, including:

1. Agricultural Technical Cooperation Working Group (ATCWG)
2. Anti-Corruption and Transparency Experts’ Working Group (ACTWG)
3. Emergency Preparedness Working Group (EPWG)
4. Energy Working Group (EWG)
5. Experts Group on Illegal Logging and Associated Trade (EGILAT)
6. Health Working Group (HWG)
7. Human Resource Development Working Group (HRDWG)
8. Oceans and Fisheries Working Group (OFWG)
9. Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI)
10. Policy Partnership for Women and the Economy (PPWE)
11. Small and Medium Enterprises Working Group (SMEWG)
12. Telecommunications and Information Working Group (TELWG)
13. Tourism Working Group (TWG)
14. Transportation Working Group (TPTWG)

Our Objectives

• Advancing APEC’s Vision (APV2040 & APA): Aligning all activities with APEC’s long-term goals and priorities.
• Strengthening ECOTECH Activities: Prioritizing initiatives based on the commitments made by APEC Leaders and Ministers.
• Collaborative Innovation: Supporting the development and implementation of policies and initiatives that contribute to ECOTECH goals across the region.
• Capacity Building: Coordinating and executing projects that empower APEC economies to face emerging challenges and seize new opportunities.

Join Us in Building a Prosperous, Resilient Future

Through our work, APEC economies are not only advancing toward a shared future but also fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation that benefits all people. Whether through partnerships, capacity-building, or new initiatives, APEC is dedicated to building a more sustainable and inclusive Asia-Pacific region.

Last page update: October 2026

Current Activities

The SCE remains actively involved in coordinating issues across its sub-fora and between SCE sub-fora and other committees.

Activities in 2026

In 2026, the SCE held three meetings: SCE1 in Guangzhou on 9 February, SCE2 in Shanghai on 17 May, and SCE3 in Dalian on 26 August. Chaired by Viet Nam, the meetings advanced implementation of the Putrajaya Vision 2040 and the Aotearoa Plan of Action and strengthened coordination across the SCE’s 14 sub-fora.

In 2026, the SCE advanced initiatives on sustainable and inclusive growth, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, human resource development, gender equality and emergency preparedness. These efforts support cooperation among member economies and contribute to regional development.

Further, the 2026 APEC Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Award was launched to recognize the achievements of distinguished MSMEs, as key drivers within APEC economies, that have concretely implemented BCG economy approaches to advance economic growth, to serve as inspirations for the wider communities, and to provide replicable examples that can be applied elsewhere. Winner(s) will officially be announced and awarded a USD 5,000 cash prize for their outstanding efforts in furthering replicable BCG economy approaches at the 2026 Concluding Senior Officials’ Meeting (CSOM) scheduled to be held on 14–15 November in Shenzhen (China).