From 1966 to 2001, ASPAT international trade fair was the flagship trade promotion activity for the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, ESCAP.

• To promote trade and investment opportunities for ESCAP member countries and strengthen regional economic cooperation
• Enhance trade and investment prospects of LDCs in the region through a participation support plan
• Encourage participation of marginalized groups such as women entrepreneurs and first-time traders

• Jointly-sponsored ASPAT trade fairs
• Specialized themes of ASPAT trade fairs and main products displayed
• Special activities during the Fair
• LDC support at ASPAT and trade fair gains