On August 1, 2016, the APEC Ad Hoc Steering Group on the Internet Economy (AHSGIE) held its engagement session in Shenzhen, China. The theme of the session was the Internet Economy: Generating New Momentum for Growth. PECC jointly organized the session with AHSGIE and ABAC. The session mainly discussed the role of internet and digital economy in enhancing inclusive growth, and in promoting connectivity and innovation. As before, the session involved a number of internationally renowned internet economy practitioners. 

On behalf of PECC, Amb. Tang Guoqiang, Co-Chair of PECC, made an opening address, in which he emphasized the importance of internet economy as a driver of economic growth and the great potential as well as challenges for the Asia Pacific region to develop internet economy. He called on engagement with the business society and stakeholders, inclusive growth, minimizing the digital gaps in the region and domestically. He especially stressed the significance of pragmatic cooperation and continued dialogues between government, business and academia.

On the same day, the APEC Business Advisory Coucil (ABAC) held 2016 Asia-Pacific Financial Forum: High-level Symposium in Shenzhen. The theme of the symposium was Public-Private Collaboration to Develop APEC Financial Markets – Achievements and Way Forward. Amb. Tang Guoqiang, Chair of CNCPEC and Co-Chair of PECC, and Prof. Tan Khee Giap, Chair of SINCPEC attended the symposium. The support of PECC was acknowledged by Mr. Hiroyuki Suzuki, Chair, ABAC Finance and Economics Working Group; Chair, Asia-Pacific Financial Forum in his opening remarks. The symposium discussed issues related to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) financing, financial market development and integration in Asia-Pacific, role of insurance and pension sector in the regional financial system, potential of fintechs, and financial regulation, etc.