Hello, amigos! APEC 2025 kicked off in the ancient city of Gyeongju, Republic of Korea, under the banner "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper." With trade growth slowing and uncertainties rising, leaders are doubling down on three game-changing themes: connectivity, innovation, and prosperity. Here’s the lowdown:
🔗 Connect: Breaking Barriers
Connectivity is the foundation for robust supply chains and stable markets. Under the upgraded China–ROK Free Trade Agreement, both sides want to expand services, digital trade, and smoother investment rules. Through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, they’re aligning rules of origin, mutual recognition of standards, and a single window system to trim red tape. On top of that, “green channels” for critical materials and coordinated contingency plans will boost supply chain resilience. Remember, “de-risking” shouldn’t mean “de-cooperation”!
💡 Innovate: Powering the Future
Innovation is the engine driving productivity. The Republic of Korea is fueling AI and semiconductor growth with tax breaks, R&D incentives, and talent programs. Meanwhile, China is championing an open, inclusive AI ecosystem through its Global AI Governance Action Plan. Joint projects will link cross-border computing grids and green data centers, run co-research in smart manufacturing and robotics, and set up regulatory sandboxes to safeguard data. When tech is shared, everyone levels up! 🚀
🌱 Prosper: Growing Together
Prosperity is the ultimate goal, with quality and inclusivity at its core. APEC’s first High-Level Dialogue on Cultural and Creative Industries spotlighted the magic of culture-tourism partnerships, co-productions in film and performing arts, and digital copyright protections. Support for startups and young creators is on the menu, along with green investments in new energy vehicles, storage, and clean power. By opening ports, logistics, and e-commerce, the region can build a vibrant, future-ready economy.
Connectivity sets the stage, innovation drives the action, and prosperity marks the finish line. If Asia-Pacific achieves solid progress on rule alignment, tech collaboration, and inclusive growth, it can transform uncertainty into open-door opportunities. Together with the Republic of Korea and other partners, China plans to keep the momentum going—offering scalable solutions for a truly sustainable tomorrow. 🌏✨
Reference(s):
Decoding the 2025 APEC keywords: Connectivity, innovation, prosperity
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