Recently, YIMBA’s Managing Director Damien Barnes and Leah Armstrong, Australia’s Indigenous Co-Representatives for the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement (IPETCA), attended constructive IPETCA meetings at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit 2024 in Lima, Peru.

IPETCA aims to enhance the economic inclusion of Indigenous Peoples through international trade and investment. Participating economies include Australia, Canada, Chinese Taipei, and New Zealand with the USA participating as an observer and several other pacific economies wishing to join. Key issues considered included each economies contribution to the IPETCA Work Plan Pathways:

• Trade, Environment & Sustainability;
• Elevating Indigenous Trade Policy and Practice; and
• Connecting Indigenous Business and entrepreneurs.

IPETCA representatives also participated in the APEC Ministerial Dialogue on Indigenous Peoples: “Indigenous Perspectives on Inclusive Growth and Economic Empowerment”. IPETCA representatives, APEC senior officials, ministers, and leaders discussed strategies aimed at empowering Indigenous businesses and communities, fostering inclusion, and driving sustainable growth across the Asia-Pacific.