Today, Trade Minister Tim Groser will leave for the annual Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) trade ministers meeting in Singapore, where he would be highlighting on the necessity of advancing trade liberalization talks.

He said that this comes as one of the biggest Asia Pacific trade meetings this year.

He continued: "I want to take the opportunity to remind ministers that we need a deal in the WTO (World Trade Organization) Doha round to help lift the region out of economic crisis."

According to Mr. Groser, a lot can be done by APEC's 21 member economies to stimulate or promote global action.

He added: "The meeting will also examine what trade and investment measures member economies have implemented since the onset of the crisis and the impact these had had on trade flows and business across the region."

Lastly, he confirmed that he will be encouraging ministers to avoid raising any new barriers to cross-border investment and trade.