APEC Officials Meet in Dalian to Advance Work on Region’s Economic Priorities

Officials from APEC’s 21 member economies are meeting in Dalian from 17 to 28 August to advance practical cooperation on the policies shaping the region’s economic future, from digital innovation and trade to food security and disaster resilience.

As the Asia-Pacific navigates supply chain disruptions, rapid technological change and more frequent extreme weather events, discussions will focus on strengthening resilience, boosting productivity and expanding opportunities across the region.

Across much of the agenda, economies are exploring how innovation can help address some of the region’s biggest economic challenges. Discussions will examine how digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, can strengthen business competitiveness, improve productivity and expand opportunities for people across the Asia-Pacific

As the region faces more frequent extreme weather conditions, disaster preparedness and food security are also in focus to strengthen regional and economic resilience.

Senior representatives and experts will convene for the Senior Disaster Management Officials' Forum, advancing early-warning systems and emergency management to help communities across the region better prepare for natural hazards.

Building momentum for the Food Security Ministerial Meeting which will be held in Hangzhou on 25 August, high-level discussions in Dalian will advance agricultural technologies, including precision farming and biotechnological breeding, to strengthen food supply chains amid growing disruptions.

With populations aging across much of the region, health experts will also explore how technologies such as artificial intelligence can support better health outcomes, including mental health.

Delegates will also cooperate to advance work on interoperable standards, helping businesses adopt emerging technologies with greater confidence while supporting deeper regional integration.

 “The challenges facing our region are becoming more interconnected, and so is APEC’s response,” said Eduardo Pedrosa, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat.

“The work taking place over the next two weeks helps economies solve practical problems together, from making supply chains more resilient to ensuring innovation and digital technologies support sustainable growth. This will then feed into the larger discussion that we’ll have during the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week this November.”

Outcomes from around 130 meetings, workshop and dialogues in Dalian will help shape discussions ahead of upcoming sectoral ministerial meetings before senior officials reconvene later this year to prepare recommendations for ministers and leaders.

For more information of the Third APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting and Related Meetings, visit this page.