The APTA market covers 2.7 billion people and accounted for US$15 trillion in terms of gross domestic product in Fiscal Year 2015–2016.

[3] APTA’s key objective is to hasten economic development among the seven participating states opting trade and investment liberalization measures that will contribute to intra-regional trade and economic strengthening through the coverage of merchandise goods and services, synchronized investment regime and free flow of technology transfer making all the Participating States to be in equally winsome situation.

Its aim is to promote economic development and cooperation through the adoption of trade liberalization measures.

Members of APTA are currently participating in the Fourth Round of Tariff Concessions, which are expected to conclude in October 2009.

The Fourth Round of negotiations is extending into areas beyond the traditional tariff concessions in order to deepen trade cooperation and integration.