APEC is an official forum on Pacific economic cooperation formed by countries in Asia and the Americas, set up to promote free trade and investment in the region and enhance economic and technological cooperation between member economies. Unlike other international organizations based on treaties, APEC operates with non-binding commitment and voluntary involvement of the members, aiming to achieve common goals with open dialogue. A non-official leaders’ meeting is held regularly every year, as well as ministerial-level meetings for diplomatic or trade and economic ministries. The issues discussed have covered diversed areas in recent years, ranging from economic issues such as multilateral trade tariffs, and finanacial revolution, to non-trade issues such as global warming, renewable energy, anti-terrorism, and anti-corruption.