The 3rd APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) 2019 Meeting is held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province on July 22. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), a major adviser of the Asia-Pacific economic bloc, calls for more efforts to tackle challenges in the global trading system, according to a meeting on July 22.

The 3rd ABAC 2019 Meeting, held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, gathered 600 business leaders and representatives from 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to discuss a series of pressing topics, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), climate change and digital economy.

"I'm glad to see the determination of ABAC in tackling global trade conflicts and bringing about a sustainable environmental development model, and we're ready to play our part," said Richard von Appen, chairman of ABAC.

He added that the organization will send a strong signal to leaders from the Asia-Pacific region to address conflicts in the WTO disputes settlement system, while further improving the rules to ensure the development of modern business models and that women and small and medium-sized enterprises have access to the opportunities and benefits of the global economy.

Appen spoke highly of Hangzhou's innovative achievement in digital economy.

"It is fitting to hold the ABAC meeting in Hangzhou, a model city of digital innovation," he said, adding that the Asia Pacific region needs to attract talents from countries across the world to provide innovative products and services, while establishing a market-oriented open regulatory environment.

ABAC, created by APEC leaders in 1995, is the primary voice of business in APEC. The organization presents advice and suggestions on priority issues to APEC leaders. 

Foreign representatives visit the 5G application during the 3rd ABAC 2019 Meeting in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province on July 22. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]