With AI technologies continuing to transform industries and societies, discussions at the meeting of the APEC Sub-Committee on Standards and Conformance in Gyeongju last week focused on promoting the recognition of AI-related standards to support trade and ensure transparency in the digital economy, according to a release received here from the APEC Secretariat on Thursday.
Chair of the APEC sub-committee, Byung Goo Kang, emphasized the importance of international collaboration on AI standardization, noting that technical alignment can enhance trust in AI systems while reducing regulatory complexity for businesses.
The meeting laid the groundwork for the APEC AI Standards Forum Conference, which will be held in August this year.
The conference will aim to strengthen mutual cooperation among APEC economies to share information on international standardization, regulatory frameworks, and certification systems in AI.
"AI is revolutionizing industries around the world, and with the accelerating development of the technology, standards and conformance assessments to ensure reliability and interoperability are becoming increasingly important," Kang said.
"At the APEC AI Standards Forum Conference, we will exchange knowledge and best practices on AI standardization, discuss ways to improve interoperability, and build a network of AI-related experts to promote the safe and responsible development of AI," he added.
APEC members are also intensifying cooperation to develop the next generation of experts in standards and conformance, recognizing the critical role of technical expertise in supporting trade and regulatory alignment.
A panel discussion at the meeting explored strategies to enhance training programs, institutional support, and international collaboration on capacity-building initiatives.
Member economies shared approaches to integrating standardization education into professional development programs.
"As standardization is key to international trade, training and empowering the next generation of professionals is critical to the continued development of standards and conformity assessment. Therefore, enhanced cooperation among APEC economies is essential," Kang explained.
With businesses and regulators facing evolving market demands, the members discussed the importance of harmonizing digital conformity assessment procedures and expanding e-certification to reduce administrative burdens.
Stepping up cooperation on digital standards certification among APEC economies will enhance interoperability, improve efficiency, and support trade.
Discussions at the meeting also emphasized the need to expand mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) and explore the impact of digital transformation on standards development.
The efforts will focus on enhancing cross-border recognition of conformity assessment systems and aligning digital standards with global frameworks.
At the meeting, members reaffirmed the importance of ensuring that digital certification systems are consistent with the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) and Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreements to promote regulatory coherence.
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Members also intensified cooperation on sustainable energy standards to support the transition to low-carbon technologies and renewable energy adoption.
They explored ways to align renewable energy standards, expand carbon reduction initiatives, and enhance certification frameworks for clean energy technologies.
Additionally, the members highlighted opportunities for greater collaboration with international standardization organizations, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), to support the development of global best practices for energy efficiency and sustainability.
“The APEC Sub-Committee on Standards and Conformance’s efforts have been instrumental in driving domestic regulatory development. It has played an important role in promoting economic growth and alignment with international standards,” Kang said.
“Now, we need to continue working together to advance AI standardization, digital certification, and sustainable energy standards so that we can build a more resilient and innovative APEC region that supports businesses, consumers, and economies alike,” he added.
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Reporter: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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