"In a world where we cannot travel due to COVID-19, continuing close collaboration with our regional partners is key to accelerating New Zealand's economic recovery," Ardern said in a statement prior to the meeting.

APEC has always been a place where the 21 member economies, share experiences and identify solutions to shared economic challenges. In a COVID-19 world, finding those solutions will require new and different ways of thinking, Ardern said.

"We must also ensure that APEC remains focused on enabling trade and economic growth that is inclusive and sustainable, as we know that women, SMEs, indigenous populations and youth have been disproportionately impacted economically by the pandemic," she said.