In 1997, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) imposed a moratorium on new members until 2007, and the moratorium was further prolonged to 2010. Since member countries could not agree on potential new members in the case of an enlargement, no definitive decision was reached in the 2010 APEC Summit either. While underlining the benefits of APEC membership as well as the need for efficiency to achieve results, it was announced that APEC will continue to review the question of new membership.
With the joint demographical, financial and commercial power of its members, APEC turned out to be an important international platform. Outreaching to four different continents, APEC covers almost 40 % of the world population (approximately 2.7 billion people), 55 % of the world economy and % 45 of the global trade with its 21 members. In parallel with the growing importance of the Asia-Pacific region, Turkey closely monitors all developments within the context of APEC.