SANTIAGO, July 11 (Xinhua) -- Digital economy and services, regional connectivity, and women and economic growth are the three topics to be addressed as priorities in the meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to be held in Chile in 2019, Chilean authorities said Wednesday.

Rodrigo Yanez, director general of international economic relations of Chile's ministry of foreign affairs, made the statement Wednesday during a meeting with local and foreign press.

Yanez said Chile, as the APEC host, has "a great opportunity to lead and set the regional agenda in terms of a smoother flow for commerce."

"The agenda allows us to define the substantive areas of work in accordance with our commercial policy strategy, especially in relation to our priorities in terms of economic possibilities abd sustainable growth, both inclusive and integral," Yanez said.

Digital economy and services will be focused on finding results for the path to best regulatory practices, Yanez said.

"This is meant to encourage capacity for an inclusive digital economy, to improve statistical conditions as well as consumer confidence rates in the use of digital tools, and reach a level where we are able to do our jobs using new technologies," he said.

Regional connectivity will help establish more fluid, dynamic and inclusive commerce, the official said.

"Boosting development in widespread connectivity will allow us to respond to the new needs of the markets and promote integration of small- and medium-sized companies into the global market," he said.

The theme of women and economic growth will be brought up for the first time as an APEC priority, Yanez said.

"We will increase the participation of women in the economy and international commerce as a source of economic growth and reduction in gender gaps," he said.

It is expected that about 20,000 delegates from 21 APEC members will participate in more than 200 meetings in 2019, according to the Chilean foreign ministry.

Chile hosted an APEC meeting in 2004.