Ministers from 21 members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum have gathered in San Francisco.
Japan's Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko and Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi were among the attendees on Tuesday.
Issues on the agenda included sustainable economic growth. Nishimura said it is important to seek a diverse and realistic path to achieve net zero emissions of greenhouse gases.
Japan planned to tell the meeting it would contribute to sustainable growth in the region. It also planned to call for support for decarbonization, strengthening of supply chains, and reform of the World Trade Organization.
It remains to be seen whether the ministers can send a unified message, as the United States and some other members in the forum remain at odds with China and Russia.
APEC ministers have been unable to compile statements in previous meetings on topics that included trade and finance, due to disagreements over wording that was critical of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.