The historic city of Gyeongju, about 270 km southeast of Seoul, is gearing up to welcome world leaders for the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting on October 31–November 1. Here’s the lowdown on what’s coming! 🌏
What’s APEC?
APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) is a group of 21 economies that drives free trade and growth across the region. Members include the Chinese mainland, the United States, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia and smaller Pacific and Latin American economies. Together, they cover nearly 40% of the world’s population, half of global trade and over 60% of global GDP.
Why the 2025 Meeting Matters
Amid global economic uncertainty, supply-chain hiccups and debates over AI and digital governance, this summit’s theme—“Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate and Prosper”—lays out three big pillars:
- Connect: Strengthen regional trade links, support WTO reforms and push forward the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP).
- Innovate: Make sure digital transformation and AI benefit everyone, especially smaller economies and vulnerable groups.
- Prosper: Fast-track clean energy, green investments and food security, while empowering women, youth and small businesses. 🌱
Who’s on the Guest List?
All 21 APEC economies will send leaders or senior reps. The United States, the Chinese mainland and Japan are key players, while emerging markets like Vietnam, Indonesia and Chile will push for inclusive outcomes. The APEC CEO Summit just before the main event will feature big names like Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew.
Expected Takeaways
APEC rarely issues binding deals, but it sets the region’s economic tone. Eyes will be on a joint leaders’ declaration covering trade and digital cooperation, clean energy commitments, progress on WTO reform and FTAAP talks, plus new AI and digital-inclusion initiatives. 🤝
Stay tuned for a dynamic mix of politics, tech breakthroughs and green goals as Asia-Pacific leaders chart the course for 2026 and beyond! 🚀
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
