Since APEC's birth in 1989, it has grown to encompass 21 members spanning four continents, and represents about 40 percent of the world's population, 56 percent of global GDP and 48 percent of world trade.

APEC members include Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China,

China's Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.

Leaders of 21 APEC member economies last convened in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, in 2005. The two-day meeting yielded a Hanoi Declaration covering issues including advancing free trade and investment, enhancing human security, and building stronger societies and a more dynamic and harmonious community.