Jakarta, Aug. 29 -- China is pushing for an agreement to implement the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) at this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum to strengthen regional economic cooperation amid growing global trade uncertainties.

Business representatives have also voiced support for the initiative, urging APEC members to take concrete steps to reduce trade barriers and facilitate cross-border business operations.

"We have heard strong calls from the business sector to reinforce openness," Chair of the 2026 APEC Senior Officials' Meeting Chen Xu said during the forum in Dalian, China, according to a press release received here on Friday.

"This includes advancing early deliverables toward the Free Trade Ar...