Following the conclusion of the 2025 APEC Ministerial Meeting in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea, ministers issued a joint statement reaffirming their shared commitment to regional cooperation and inclusive growth.
The meeting was co-chaired by Cho Hyun, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Yeo Han-Koo, Minister for Trade of the Republic of Korea, and marked a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the APEC Economic Leaders’ Summit.
Set against the backdrop of global economic uncertainty and shifting geopolitical dynamics, ministers reiterated their dedication to the Putrajaya Vision 2040, which envisions an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040.
They emphasized the need to strengthen regional connectivity through enhanced trade and investment flows, resilient and diversified supply chains, structural reforms, and deeper people-to-people ties—key pillars for sustainable and inclusive development.
In light of ongoing challenges to the multilateral trading system, ministers recognized the urgent need for comprehensive reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
They stressed the importance of improving the WTO’s core functions—negotiation, dispute settlement, and monitoring, to ensure it remains relevant and responsive to contemporary global realities, including digital transformation and climate change.
Acknowledging the transformative power of technology, ministers welcomed the establishment of the APEC Center of Excellence for Paperless Trade (ACCEPT). This initiative aims to promote digitalization in trade processes, reduce administrative burdens, and foster stronger collaboration between public and private sectors.
ACCEPT is expected to serve as a regional hub for best practices, capacity building, and innovation in paperless trade systems.
Ministers also addressed the demographic shifts reshaping the region, particularly the challenges and opportunities posed by aging populations and youth unemployment.
They underscored the importance of empowering younger generations through education, skills development, and entrepreneurship, ensuring they are equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
The Gyeongju meeting served as a critical juncture for APEC economies to reaffirm their unity and shared purpose.
Despite concerns over trade tensions and fragmentation, the joint statement reflects a collective resolve to pursue inclusive, forward-looking policies that benefit all member economies Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation The Korea Herald Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.
