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Recently, two big meetings were held in South America. APEC was held in Peru, and G20 was in Brazil. These groups might sound similar, but they are actually very different. Let me explain.

APEC, or Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, focuses on trade and economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region. It has 21 members, including Japan, China, and the United States. These countries work together to make trade easier, so businesses can grow and people can benefit. APEC is all about helping neighbors in this part of the world work as a team.

G20, or the Group of Twenty, is different. It looks at the world as a whole and tries to solve big problems, like climate change, health crises, and financial issues. Members of G20 include large economies like Brazil, India, and Germany. It’s not just about one region—it’s about everyone.

Both groups meet once a year. APEC takes turns hosting meetings among its members, following a set order. G20 also rotates its hosts. While APEC is about local teamwork, G20 is about finding solutions for the whole world. Both are important, but in different ways.
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(Image from “G20 Brazil 2024”)

Notes
currency 通貨;

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The Euro became the European currency in 2002. The Euro had always been stronger than the American currency, but now, for the first time in almost 20 years, 1 Euro equals 1 U.S. dollar. How did this happen? A major reason is energy. The U.S. produces most of its oil, so Americans don’t need to worry so much about energy. Most European countries don’t produce much oil, and since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, they are trying not to buy oil from Russia. The price of oil is going up, and this is hurting their economies. (by Prof. Douglas Jarrell)
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