South Korea kicked off its APEC 2025 host year in the historic Gyeongju city with delegates from 21 economies, setting the stage for a year of policy deliberations and cooperation on trade, digital transformation, and sustainability.
Against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty, the first set of meetings from February 24 to March 9 will serve as a launchpad for the country's forward-looking agenda, according to a release received from the APEC Secretariat in Jakarta on Friday.
The agenda seeks to enhance regional connectivity, harness AI-driven growth, and accelerate the transition to a more resilient and prosperous Asia-Pacific, the release stated.
Under the overarching theme of "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow," APEC 2025 will focus on three 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," chair of the 2025 APEC Senior Officials' Meeting, Ambassador Yoon Seong-mee, said.
"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.
Once the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom and home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, Gyeongju has evolved into a dynamic modern city while preserving its rich cultural heritage, making it a fitting venue for the meetings.
More than 100 APEC events are set to take place in the city, 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 across the Asia-Pacific.
"APEC 2025 is about creating meaningful change. The discussions and commitments we make this year will shape the region's ability to tackle global uncertainties and ensure shared prosperity for all," executive director of the APEC Secretariat, Eduardo Pedrosa, said.
"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," he added.
The agenda in Gyeongju will include an exhibition 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 March 9 at 1:30 p.m. local time at the Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center (HICO), which will be addressed by Ambassador Yoon and Pedrosa.
They will provide a readout on the outcomes of the meetings and outline key priorities and APEC 2025 events 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 said.
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Reporter: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Editor: Anton Santoso
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