November 22, 2008 APEC pledges against trade barriers

LIMA, Peru (AP) - Leaders from 21 nations that account for half the world's economy are pledging not to implement any protectionist measures for the next 12 months, no matter how punishing the global downturn gets.

The leaders are endorsing a declaration made at last weekend's summit in Washington, saying they won't raise new trade barriers over the next year.    

They are also pledging to reach agreement next month on the outlines of a World Trade Organization pact that collapsed in July after seven years of negotiations.

A spokesman for the Japanese government said Saturday that concern over the global financial crisis revived willingness to push forward on the so-called Doha round of trade talks.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)