Australia pushes Asia-Pacific free trade zone: Peruvian officialAustralia's idea for an Asia-Pacific free trade zone and community would likely be fleshed out at an APEC APEC in full Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Trade group established in 1989 in response to the growing interdependence of Asia-Pacific economies and the advent of regional economic blocs (such as the European Union and the North American Free Trade Area) summit in Lima next month, Peru's presidential office said Thursday. The proposal was the subject of a discussion between Peruvian President Alan Garcia and Richard Woolcott, a special Australian envoy tasked with promoting relations with Asia. Woolcott described the talks as "productive" and "useful" and expressed optimism that steps would be made for the community's creation. The Australian envoy was in Lima to prepare the ground for an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation: see under Pacific Rim. summit to be held November 21-23. He was also to visit Chile and Mexico. Woolcott explained that the Asia Pacific Community championed by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd  Editing of this page by unregistered or newly registered users is currently disabled due to vandalism. would not be based on the model of the European Union European Union (EU), name given since the ratification (Nov., 1993) of the Treaty of European Union, or Maastricht Treaty, to theEuropean Community , with a common currency and parliament. Rather, he said, it would rely on ongoing dialogue between heads of government on joint problems and issues. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation groups 21 nations, among them Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, The Philippines, Russia, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. . 
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