In the past decade, the top earners have captured a disproportionately large share of the total income in many market economies, at the expense of the majority of people at the lower end of the earning scale. It is the case in most Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development country members as well as in the US and Thailand. To build sustainable and balanced economies, Apec should discuss how countries can create infrastructure to proportionately spread wealth to every member of society.
For instance, Apec guidelines should give more encouragement to small and medium enterprises, instead of letting the richest and best connected reap unfair benefits at the expense of free competition. The agricultural sector and environmental protection should be developed in parallel with the growth of industries to form a solid socio-economic foundation.
The Thai government's spokesman expects Apec leaders will discuss relevant economic issues, particularly enhancing economic integration, fostering SME participation in both the regional and world economy, investing in human capital development and building sustainable and resilient communities.