Mutual Recognition Agreements for Professional Qualifications and Licensure in APEC: Experiences, Impediments and Opportunities

This project explores the broad trends that have characterized the development of mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) for professional qualifications, licensure, and registration in APEC economies. The study aims to support future work across APEC to further expand professional recognition, as articulated in APEC Services Competitiveness Roadmap (2016-2025) which calls for “supporting cross-border mobility for professionals, building on initiatives such as the APEC Architects and Engineers Registers to facilitate mutual recognition arrangements” (APEC, 2016). The study involves the first systematic analysis of data in the APEC Inventory of Mutual Recognition Agreements for Professional Qualifications and Licensure (the Inventory). In addition, detailed investigation is undertaken in relation to four professions – engineers, architects, nurses, and dental practitioners – in order to better understand the different experience of MRA development in business services and healthcare services.