Online platforms where businesses access APEC economies

The 2018 APEC App Challenge in Papua New Guinea addressed a persistent issue: how to connect small and micro enterprises in the handicraft sector, many of whom live and work far from major urban centers that are cut off from technology-driven trade, to greater market opportunities. In partnership with Google, APEC, and Australian DFAT, the Foundation brought teams of software developers from across the Asia-Pacific to participate in a marathon coding session. We worked with the winners of the challenge—an inspiring father and daughter team from Port Moresby whose app helps local artisanal weavers of traditional bilum bags connect with more customers and grow their business—to demonstrate the app for trade ministers and policymakers at the APEC Economic Leaders Week.