Two recently published APEC policy papers highlight how collaboration between governments and technical experts can shape more transparent, trustworthy, and competitive markets in the digital age.
The research is the result of a close partnership between the Governments of Peru and Canada, developed through the Expert Deployment Mechanism for Trade and Development (EDM). Funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Cowater International and the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC), the EDM supports demand-driven technical assistance that connects public institutions with global expertise to address emerging trade and regulatory challenges.
The papers were produced by Professor Jeremy de Beer, Canada Research Chair in Innovation and Intellectual Property Law at the University of Ottawa, and Professor Alexandra Mogyoros, Assistant Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University. Their work was supported by Gabriela Guadalupe Bolanos Vainstein, LLM Candidate at the University of Ottawa. Together, the team brought academic rigour and practical policy expertise to issues at the forefront of digital advertising, consumer protection, and sustainable trade.
What began as a bilateral Canada–Peru collaboration, working closely with Indecopi, Peru’s competition and consumer protection authority, has evolved into policy guidance relevant to all APEC economies. The two papers respond to growing risks at the intersection of digital marketing, consumer protection, and sustainability, areas where regulatory frameworks are still catching up with rapidly changing business practices.
Together, the publications demonstrate how practical, evidence-based research can help economies align standards, strengthen consumer trust, and support fair competition across borders.
Influencer Advertising Standards: Best Practices and Policy Recommendations to Enhance Transparency
This paper examines the rapid growth of influencer marketing and the regulatory gaps that have emerged as advertising increasingly shifts to social media platforms. It highlights the risks posed by undisclosed paid partnerships, blurred distinctions between personal opinion and advertising, and inconsistent enforcement across jurisdictions.
Drawing on international experience, the paper outlines best practices for improving transparency in influencer advertising. These include clearer disclosure requirements, guidance for platforms and advertisers, and coordination among regulators to ensure consistent consumer protection while supporting innovation in digital markets.
Read the full paper on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation website: https://www.apec.org/publications/2025/06/influencer-advertising-standards–best-practices-and-policy-recommendations-to-enhance-transparency
Standards, Tools and Best Practices to Promote Integrity in Environmental Claims in Advertising
As sustainability claims become more prominent in marketing, this paper addresses the growing challenge of greenwashing. It explores how misleading or unsubstantiated environmental claims can undermine consumer trust, distort competition, and weaken progress toward sustainable trade.
The analysis presents practical tools and policy approaches that regulators can use to assess environmental claims, improve enforcement, and promote integrity in advertising. By strengthening standards around environmental marketing, the paper supports both consumer protection and credible sustainability efforts across APEC economies.
Read the full paper on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation website: https://www.apec.org/publications/2025/06/standards–tools–and-best-practices-to-promote-integrity-in-environmental-claims-in-advertising
Collaboration That Delivers Regional Impact
Together, these publications reflect the strength of the EDM model. By pairing government priorities with targeted technical expertise, the programme helps translate shared challenges into actionable policy solutions with regional relevance.
Through continued collaboration, the EDM supports APEC economies to navigate complex regulatory issues, respond to evolving digital markets, and advance inclusive, responsible, and sustainable trade.
For more information about the EDM, visit https://edm-mde.ca/
