PECC provides intellectual support for the APEC process. For example, PECC has developed a set of indicators by which economic integration in the APEC era was measured. PECC therefore was able to determine that economic integration in the APEC region has improved since APEC was founded. Indeed, PECC was able to drill down to the countries that had increased their integration the most.

What this means is that the role of PECC within the framework of Pacific Rim trade is as a facilitator. PECC gather and disseminates information, and is a venue by which ideas can be put forth and issues discussed, such as the recent discussion on the economy. At PECC meetings, economic issues are discussed, whereas at APEC meetings trade deals and their terms are the subject of the talks. Yet, neither body has a clear, firm strategy or reason for being. Both are somewhat nebulous in that regard, but APEC is represented by government and PECC by government, academia and business together, free of governmental restraints.

While the latest meeting was concerned with the economic crisis, PECC is also currently working on other initiatives. These include the regional institutional architecture; the Asia-Pacific education market, international labor mobility in the region; and a State of the Region report.

It is hoped that the outcomes of the XVIIIth...

There was guidance provided as to the best approach to stimulus packages, and the nations were firm in their commitment not to resort to protectionism despite its political expediency. In some cases, the current crisis was related to the Asian economic crisis of 1998, and a comparison was done of the governmental reactions. It was felt, however, that many countries sough to export their way out of that crisis. A repeat of that trend, it was contended here, would spell disaster for the region by perpetuating the same policies that brought about the collapse. This theme -- the best way to restore the region's economy -- was the main cause for debate at the 18th PECC meeting. The parties all agree that greater trade was key to recovery, but disagreed about the methods. However, the dissenting views were known and each nation will bring those views back to their governments.
Works Cited:

PECC 18 website. Retrieved May 19, 2009 from http://www.pecc18.org/program.html

PECC website. Retrieved May 19, 2009 from http://www.pecc.org/mainpage.htm

Chan, Mignon. (2000). The Role of PECC in Support of APEC: Problems and Prospects. PECC. Retrieved May 19, 2009 from www.pecc.org/statements/APEC/2000_Brunei/SOM3-Annex.doc