By Esther Teo

LET'S get down to real business.

That is why the new agenda for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) economic integration will focus on day-to-day obstacles faced by businesses, rather than big-picture issues such as the lowering of tariffs.

Mr Ravi Menon, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, said the nitty-gritty details of making businesses cheaper, easier and faster will be key to facilitating the next wave of economic integration.

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