GYEONGJU, Republic of Korea — Against the backdrop of slowing trade growth and rising external uncertainties across the Asia-Pacific, leaders from APEC economies convened in Gyeongju for the 2025 Economic Leaders' Meeting under the theme "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper." This gathering aims to chart a path for future global governance and outline practical steps to reinforce regional cooperation.
Connect: Reinforcing Supply Chain Synergy
Connectivity is the bedrock of resilient trade. Participants highlighted the need to move beyond physical links and focus on institutional alignment. Building on the upgraded China–Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement, economies will expand services trade, digital commerce, and investment facilitation. Under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership framework, members will streamline rules of origin, mutual recognition of standards, and “single window” systems to cut transaction costs. Meanwhile, “green channels” for critical materials and coordinated contingency mechanisms will boost supply chain visibility and resilience.
Innovate: Forging a Digital Transformation Community
Innovation was heralded as the engine for inclusive growth. The Republic of Korea announced incentives—ranging from R&D tax breaks to talent development programs—to accelerate AI and semiconductor industries. The Chinese mainland underscored its Global AI Governance Action Plan, calling for an open, trustworthy, and inclusive AI ecosystem. Looking ahead, APEC members aim to build cross-border computing networks and green data centers, launch co-research pilots in intelligent manufacturing and robotics, and establish regulatory sandboxes to balance data security with innovation.
Prosper: Fostering Inclusive Growth Through Culture and Tourism
Prosperity goes beyond GDP figures. At the first APEC High-Level Dialogue on Cultural and Creative Industries, delegates explored the multiplier effect of the cultural economy. Plans are underway to promote cross-border cultural tourism, co-productions in film and television, and partnerships in performing arts IPs. Enhancing digital copyright protection and inclusive cultural finance will support small businesses and young entrepreneurs. The Chinese mainland also pledged continued investment in new energy and clean power equipment, aiming to stabilize industrial chains and expand green demand.
By solidifying institutional connectivity, driving joint innovation, and championing inclusive prosperity, APEC members hope to offset external uncertainties with the certainty of openness. Together with the Republic of Korea and other partners, the Chinese mainland reaffirms its commitment to collaborative solutions—offering replicable and scalable regional public goods for “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow.”
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Decoding the 2025 APEC keywords: Connectivity, innovation, prosperity
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