Frequently Asked Questions

Who Should Join

As the world’s largest public-private partnership to strengthen ethical business practices in health-related sectors, the Forum will convene senior leaders from government authorities, industry associations and companies, healthcare providers and professional societies, patient organizations, and other leading health and trade-related stakeholders from across the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) region and beyond.

What to Expect

The 2023 Forum will be conducted in-person with a plenary session and dynamic workshops to advance collective action to realize vision 2025 and support SME growth. The Forum will also highlight the Initiative’s decade-long work and provide a look-ahead for the next decade of accomplishments.

When to Join

27-28 September, 2023

Where to Join

Downtown Washington, DC. There is no registration fee for this official, invitation-only event.

How to Register

Please register to mark your interest in attending the 2023 Forum via this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LM76WH2

Obtaining a Visa to the United States

Some APEC delegates may require a B-1 Visa to enter the United States to attend the 2023 Forum.  According to the U.S. Department of State, a B-1 visa is required for “business travelers looking to 1) consult with business associates; 2) attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference; 3) settle an estate; 4) negotiate a contract.” If you are a representative from one of the following economies, please still indicate your interest in attending the Forum through the registration link above. APEC economies that require a visa are:

• China
• Hong Kong, China
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• Mexico
• Papua New Guinea
• Peru
• Philippines
• Russian Federation
• Thailand
• Viet Nam

B-1 visa requirements and instructions on how to apply can be found here: Visitor Visa (state.gov). There are several steps in order for a visa application to be complete. Please consult your economy’s U.S. embassy or consulate visa instructions here: Official list of embassies from the U.S. Department of State (usembassy.gov)

Visa Waiver Program

The following APEC economies are eligible for the United States’ Visa Waiver Program:

• Australia
• Brunei Darussalam
• Canada
• Chile
• Japan
• Korea
• New Zealand
• Singapore
• Chinese Taipei

Representatives from the above APEC economies are required to apply for and receive an approved travel authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Applicants who are denied an ESTA will need to apply for a Visa at their respective U.S. consulate or embassy. Please find more information about the Visa Waiver Program and ESTA here: Visa Waiver Program | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov)

Additional Questions

Please contact apecethics@crowell.com with any questions regarding the Forum.

*Please note: Each participant of the Forum is responsible for their own visa. More information about visa processing and wait times by economy can be found here: Visa Appointment Wait Times (state.gov)

“Please reach out to the Stakeholder Liaison Team for additional guidance at apecethics@crowell.com.”