APEC what is it? APEC stands for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. This agreement was signed into law in 1989 and has 21 members, including the US, China and Australia. APEC ensures that goods, services, investment and people move easily across borders. Members also promote this trade through faster customs procedures at boarders. For example, a product can be more easily exported with just one set of common standards across all economies. One of its other concerns is improving the living standards and education of people in Asia-Pacific countries. That is, APEC aims to help all residents of the Asia-Pacific members in the growing economy. For instance, APEC projects provide advanced skills training for rural communities and help local women export their products to other countries. Over the last decade, APEC has trained over half a million people and almost half are female. Many men and women who received the training found jobs or started their own businesses, improving livelihoods and incomes for their families. APEC members also play the initiatives to boost sustainable management of forest and natural resources.