Evolving Agendas in APEC Ministerial Meetings: Tracing the Changing Focus of Economic Cooperation in Asia-Pacific Region

Abstract

This study provides an extensive analysis of the thematic evolution within the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods to examine over 460 ministerial meeting documents spanning from APEC’s inception in 1989 to the present. The analysis employs various text mining techniques to uncover primary themes and keywords, offering insights into how APEC’s policy focus has shifted over time. This research is structured into three main areas: First, it investigates the distribution and changes in agendas discussed in APEC meetings across various levels and sectors. Second, it tracks the thematic evolution within sector-specific meetings, particularly highlighting keywords in major sectors, trade, finance, and small and medium enterprise. Third, it investigates the interconnections among these meetings, assessing the similarities and disparities in statements across different sectors to reveal the dynamic relationships within APEC’s framework. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the shifts in APEC’s cooperation agenda for economic growth among Asia-Pacific member economies.