[3] The main objective of APTA is to accelerate economic development among the seven Participating Countries that opt for trade and investment liberalization measures that contribute to economic trade and strengthening through the coverage of goods and services, a synchronized investment regime and free transfer of technology, which allows all participating States to participate in an economic situation. The aim is to promote economic development and cooperation by adopting trade liberalization measures. APTA is open to all members of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, which is the secretariat of APTA. APTA members are currently participating in the fourth round of tariff concessions, which is expected to be completed in October 2009. [4] APTA, formerly the Bangkok Agreement, is a preferential regional trade agreement and aims to foster the economic development of its members by adopting mutually beneficial trade liberalization measures, contributing to regional trade expansion and economic cooperation. The fourth round, launched in October 2007, was to be concluded by the Third Council of Ministers in October 2009. This round aims to extend preference coverage to at least 50% of each member`s number of customs lines and at least 20-25% of the value of bilateral trade. In addition, a customs concession of at least 50% (on average) should be granted. The Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) is a preferential trade agreement that was formerly known as the Bangkok Agreement.