China’s chief trade negotiator, Li Chenggang, urged Asia-Pacific economies to reject a zero-sum mentality, grow the economic pie together and divide it fairly, as trade representatives from the 21 members of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) forum convened in the eastern Chinese city of Suzhou for a two-day ministerial meeting.“Apec economies vary in their stages of development, resource endowments and industrial structures, so it is completely normal for them to have different priorities and viewpoints,” Li, a vice-minister of commerce, said in opening remarks on Friday.“The value of Apec lies precisely in bringing these diverse economies together to reject zero-sum thinking. By approaching issues objectively, rationally and pragmatically, we can jointly explore where our interests intersect and find the greatest common denominator for cooperation.”Li chaired the morning meeting on behalf of Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, who Li said had “urgent business to attend to”.The meeting aimed to optimise institutional arrangements, cultivate momentum in emerging fields and jointly expand the Asia-Pacific economic pie, he said.“While making the pie bigger, we must also divide it fairly to achieve universally beneficial, inclusive and win-win outcomes,” Li said.The meeting’s priorities include advancing regional economic integration, supporting the World Trade Organization, enhancing digital cooperation and promoting a green economy.