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APEC members to bridge digital divide by 2030

"We also commit to bridging the digital divide, including halving the gender digital divide by 2030, taking into account different domestic circumstances," according to APEC leaders’ final declaration

SAN FRANCISCO /California/, November 18. /TASS/. Participants of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit that is about to end in San Francisco (California), are committed to bridge the digital divide by 2030, according to APEC leaders’ final declaration.

"We also commit to bridging the digital divide, including halving the gender digital divide by 2030, taking into account different domestic circumstances. We will strengthen digital infrastructure, facilitate access to information and communication technology goods and services, and ensure that no one is left behind by equipping all people with the necessary skills needed to thrive in the digital economy," the document reads.

"We reaffirm our commitment to create an enabling, inclusive, open, fair and non-discriminatory digital ecosystem for business and consumers," according to the declaration.

"We will accelerate digital transformation and cooperate on facilitating the flow of data and strengthening business and consumer trust in digital transactions, including through cooperation on regulatory approaches regarding the internet and digital economy, as well as consumer protection and data privacy in the digital environment," APEC leaders noted.

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation comprises 19 countries and 2 territories. These include 12 founding economies: Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, the United States, Thailand, the Philippines, South Korea, and Japan. Other members are China (joined in 1991), Mexico and Papua New Guinea (1993), Chile (1994), Russia, Vietnam and Peru (1998). Two Chinese territories, Hong Kong and Taiwan, joined APEC in 1991.

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