As the curtains close on the 2025 APEC meetings, Asia-Pacific leaders and experts are charting a new course for inclusive regional growth. In a live session hosted by CGTN’s Guan Xin, three thought leaders—Warwick Powell of Queensland University of Technology, Einar Tangen from the Center for International Governance Innovation, and Bunn Nagara of the BRI Caucus for Asia-Pacific—shared their insights on the economic outcomes and future pathways for cooperation.
Digital Connectivity: The Backbone of Growth
Adjunct Professor Warwick Powell highlighted a surge in cross-border digital trade and the need for robust digital infrastructure. He pointed to pilot programs that have boosted online exports and sparked a new wave of digital startups in remote communities.
Sustainable Supply Chains and Resilience
Einar Tangen emphasized the importance of resilient supply chains after recent global disruptions. He stressed that public-private partnerships can diversify suppliers and invest in green logistics, cutting carbon footprints while safeguarding against future shocks.
Regional Cooperation in Action
Bunn Nagara, director of the BRI Caucus for Asia-Pacific, underlined the role of multilateral frameworks in driving inclusive development. By aligning infrastructure projects with local needs and sustainability goals, countries can foster shared prosperity across diverse economies.
Next Steps for Inclusive Growth
Collectively, the experts outlined a roadmap that prioritizes digital inclusion, green finance, and policy coordination. Young entrepreneurs and digital nomads can expect more opportunities in eco-conscious startups and cross-border e-commerce. Thought leaders and policymakers are called to balance growth with equity and environmental stewardship.
As APEC moves forward, the Asia-Pacific region stands at a pivotal moment where innovation, cooperation, and sustainability can redefine its economic future.
Reference(s):
Live: APEC insights – Fostering inclusive growth in the Asia-Pacific
cgtn.com
