Apec's resolve a strong signal of free trade commitment: PM

THE fact that the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) forum sticks to its goals and commitments will send a "powerful signal" to the international community that the 21-member bloc continues to support free trade, says Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Doing so would also give a confidence boost to businesses and spur them on to invest and create new jobs, he told a gathering of Asian and Pacific Rim leaders in Bali yesterday.

"If we waver, the ripple effects would have significant negative consequences," warned Mr Lee on the first day of the Apec leaders' retreat.