This week marked 10 years since the founding declaration of a mechanism that has been applauded but has also earned criticism about its progress in recent times: the Asia Pacific Alliance.

Several achievements of the bloc formed by Colombia, Peru, Chile and Mexico stand out. Among them, there is close to US$ 16,566 million (2019) of exports and, since 2016, when the Additional Protocol to the Framework Agreement came into force, 92% of the products traded were tax deducted.

The interoperability of the Foreign Trade Single Windows has also been key, with 91,267 certificates of origin and phytosanitary certificates exchanged. The regulatory harmonization of various products or the creation of the 'Exporta Fácil' seal have also added to the benefit of the bloc. 

However, there is still much work to be done, and the Alliance has several objectives. One of them is the introduction of new members and associated states. The terms of reference for negotiations with Ecuador and South Korea have already been finalized, and they are committed to start negotiations as soon as possible.

In fact, with Ecuador, which would become a member of the Alliance, the process is expected to accelerate with the victory of Guillermo Lasso as the new president, more inclined to free markets.

Likewise, together with Korea, which would be an associated State, there is also progress with Singapore.