About ABAC

Much of APEC’s success is derived from its unique commitment to incorporating private sector input in its policy process. The APEC Business Advisory Council is unique feature of APEC that allows the government to seek business input and expertise and to coordinate with government policymakers to produce outcomes that are directly meaningful and relevant to the real needs of companies seeking to trade in the region. 

ABAC was established in 1996. It is comprised of up to three businesspersons from each APEC member economy who are appointed to serve on the Council by the Leaders of their respective economies. ABAC Members represent a range of business sectors, including small and medium enterprises. The council meets on a quarterly basis to assess the regional business climate and develop specific input to APEC officials at the ministerial and working group levels on how "doing business" can be made easier. The Council also meets face-to-face with APEC Leaders during the annual APEC summit to discuss issues of concern to the private sector. ABAC compiles these recommendations in an annual Report to Leaders which is presented to APEC Leaders prior to their annual summit in the fall of each year. ABAC reports and studies can be found on the website of ABAC's Manila-based secretariat: www.abaconline.org, and also in the reports section of our website.

Under the leadership of President Obama, the U.S. government has appointed Deborah Henretta, Group President, Asia, Procter & Gamble; Peter L. Scher, Executive Vice President of Global Government Relations and Public Policy, JPMorgan Chase and Co; and Richard P. Lavin, Group President and Executive Office Member, Caterpillar Inc., to represent the United States on the ABAC. (See their biographies here.)