It analyses trade and investment interdependencies that shape APEC’s integration into global production networks, focusing on their evolution, existing asymmetries, and sectoral contributions to value creation.

The first chapter presents: a bibliometric mapping of GVC research, a network analysis of Trade Agreements, and an assessment of backward/forward linkages based on OECD Inter-Country Input-Output tables. It also applies the smile curve framework to identify where value added is concentrated across APEC economies and to trace changes in specialization and value creation (1995-2020). The second chapter summarizes presentations and survey results from the Workshop “Trade and Investment Interdependencies in GVCs: Analyzing the Challenges and Differences among APEC Region,” (SOM3 Incheon, Korea, August 2025). 

The study highlights that the APEC region made important strides in consolidating its position within global production networks, with growing evidence of structural diversification and regional cooperation.  and concludes with a set of policy orientations and recommendations.