HONOLULU
President Obama closed out the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference on a high note, signing a bill for the “the APEC Business Travel Card scheme,” legislation that was passed in Congress earlier this month. The new law increases the mobility of those who apply for the card by expediting scheduling of visa interviews and fast-tracking processing at immigration checkpoints in APEC economies throughout the region.
“I just signed a piece of legislation that was voted on unanimously out of Congress that essentially sets up an APEC business gold card,” the President told the summit, to applause. “Everybody here appreciates it because they're not going to have to wait in line as long at the airport,” he joked.
The “scheme,” as it’s being called, facilitates business travel in the Asia-Pacific region by allowing cardholders pre-cleared immigration entry into the 18 fully participating member economies, eliminating the cost and time involved obtaining visas; and expedited transit through fast-track lanes at major airports and seaports in 21 economies.
