Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation nations gathered in Vladivostock, Russia for the start of the summit Saturday.<br/> <br />The group of 21 nations are meeting to discuss a number of issues to help boost world economic growth.<br/> <br />The group is expected to reject limitations on food exports saying open markets help secure world wide food supplies.<br/> <br />Earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged the governments of member nations to support high level trade agreements.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S.SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON, SAYING:<br/> <br />"The private sector needs to stand up for the system that will allow you to thrive over the long run. That means pushing governments to support high-standard trade agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership, to drop harmful protectionist policies. It means playing by the rules, respecting workers and opening doors to qualified women."<br/> <br />Clinton plans to meet with several APEC member leaders during the summit and is expected to have an informal discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a reception on Saturday evening.
