APEC 2025: Korea Advances Regional Trade, AI, and Sustainability Agenda
Korea kicks off its APEC 2025 host year in Gyeongju, a historic city home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites. It brings together delegates from 21 economies to set the stage for a year of policy deliberations and cooperation on trade, digital transformation and sustainability.
Against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty, this first set of meetings taking place from 24 February to 9 March, will serve as the launchpad for Korea’s forward-looking agenda — one that seeks to enhance regional connectivity, harness AI-driven growth, and accelerate the transition to a more resilient and prosperous Asia-Pacific.
Under the overarching theme of “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow,” APEC 2025 will focus on three key priorities: Connect, Innovate, and Prosper. These pillars reflect APEC’s commitment to developing practical policies to support a resilient and interconnected future.
“The Asia-Pacific is navigating complex challenges — supply chain disruptions, the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs and industries, and fundamental changes in the demographic landscape,” said Ambassador Yoon Seong-mee, Chair of the 2025 APEC Senior Officials' Meeting.
“Through APEC, we have a unique opportunity to strengthen trade and investment flows, promote resilience in supply chains, and foster innovation that is beneficial to everyone,” she added.
Also read: Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: APEC Returns to Korea After 20 Years
Once the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, Gyeongju has evolved into a dynamic modern city while preserving its rich cultural heritage — making it a fitting venue for these meetings. More than 100 events are set to take place covering issues such as investment, trade facilitation, anti-corruption efforts, energy cooperation, and digital economy policy. The city is anticipating participation from around 1,500 delegates from all around the Asia-Pacific.
“APEC 2025 is about creating meaningful change,” said Eduardo Pedrosa, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat. “The discussions and commitments we make this year will shape the region’s ability to tackle global uncertainties and ensure shared prosperity for all.”
“Korea’s role as host is not just about convening meetings — it is about setting a vision for a resilient, interconnected, and innovative APEC region. We look forward to working with all member economies, businesses, and stakeholders to turn this vision into reality,” Pedrosa added.
Notable sessions for the meetings in Gyeongju include an exhibitions on customs technologies and green customs initiatives; policy dialogues on AI governance, digital privacy, and cross-border data flows; workshops on carbon-free energy, hydrogen and fuel cell standardization, and clean energy transitions; as well as discussions on financial inclusion, structural reform, and the future of work.
A press conference is scheduled for Sunday, 9 March, at 13:30 local time at the Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center (HICO), featuring Ambassador Yoon Seong-mee and Eduardo Pedrosa. They will provide a readout on the outcomes of the meetings and outline key priorities and upcoming events for APEC 2025 in the months ahead. The time and venue are subject to change, with updates to be communicated via email and posted on APEC’s social media platforms.
“We are at a critical juncture for the global economy and Korea is committed to making APEC 2025 a platform for real and measurable progress on economic resilience, digital transformation, and sustainability,” Ambassador Yoon concluded.
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