On Sunday, the 13th of November, leaders form 19 world nations and representatives from two other nations formally met in Hawai and kick started the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. This summit is basically intended to develop trade and commerce between the nations and also to uplift those nations who are lying low in the field of economic development.

The US Minster had expressed his interest to renew the engagement with Asia, seeking to highlight domestic jobs that increased exports to the region would create. Over the weekend, Obama has met personally with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Chinese President Hu Jintao. With Medvedev, the president discussed economic issues and Iran, which a recent IAEA report finds to be closer to have the capacity to make nuclear weapons. Russia has expressed skepticism of the findings. In his meeting with Hu, the president addressed currency manipulation and protecting U.S. intellectual property from illegal use by Chinese companies and the government.

The only APEC leaders not in attendance are from Thailand and Mexico, which sent lower-level representatives as their heads of state dealt with flooding and, in the case of Mexico, the death of its interior minister.

Report by Anupama

US extends trade relations with Asia in the APEC summit