This report summarizes the 15 September 2020 discussions held virtually during the Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) on Emerging Opportunities and Challenges in Implementing the APEC Connectivity Blueprint 2025. The COVID-19 pandemic had negatively affected the three pillars of connectivity in APEC which led the discussions to focus on mitigation and preparedness of the public and private sectors in addressing the impact of the pandemic. Arising from the PPD, seven strategies to be considered by APEC for sustaining connectivity in the region, include:

1. Digital connectivity is becoming more important than ever to support connectivity and cross-border access to remote working, health, and learning technologies, to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic and prepare for future economic renewal. APEC Economies should support opening of infrastructure such as port and airports, services such as maritime and aviation and digital infrastructure to support free flow of trade in goods and services during and post pandemic.
2. Work on supply chain connectivity remains critical. Adoption of digital technology might be the best strategy to provide a major confidence boost to businesses seeking to invest in productive capacity in the very sectors that the world needs.
3. APEC should encourage its members to support regional economic cooperation, implementing ACB in regional connectivity purposes, and to strengthen and deepen the connectivity in the region for structural reform.
4. Collaboration between private sectors and policy makers should be nurtured in reducing the connectivity gaps.
5. All connectivity pillars should be measured based on appropriate method for evaluating its implementation and also to provide strategic plan in the future.
6. Specific procedures and protocols that will be constructed by Economies in the region should be suitable and flexible in terms of promoting more connectivity and created more opportunities.
7. Digital technology should be fully utilized and innovation and invention of new technologies must be promoted to facilitate business travellers and other stakeholders.