Initiative Structure and Support 

The Business Ethics for APEC SMEs Initiative was launched in 2011 and is overseen by the U.S. Department of Commerce under the auspices of the APEC Small and Medium Enterprise Working Group. 

The Business Ethics for APEC SMEs Initiative is a public-private partnership and has received support from APEC and private sector partners.  Since its inception in 2011, APEC has provided annual project funding for the Initiative’s work, which is used for such costs as hosting the annual APEC Business Ethics for SMEs Forum, expert travel, and research.   

Currently, the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) serves as industry chair of the Initiative’s Implementation Working Group and their annual financial and in-kind contributions support the Initiative’s Stakeholder Liaison. The Stakeholder Liaison provides day-to-day management of the Initiative and engages with multiple stakeholder groups involved in the Initiative, including representatives from industry, patient organizations, healthcare professionals, and other health-related entities. Ethicist International currently serves as the Stakeholder Liaison.    

For further information about the Initiative, please contact apec@ethicist.com. 

Updated June 2025