APEC Economic Leaders Chart Path to Collective Prosperity Amid Turbulent Global Economy

Strategic Insights -

Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders have convened in Gyeongju to chart a collective path toward a more connected, innovative, and prosperous Asia-Pacific region. The 2025 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, chaired by the President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae Myung, marks a pivotal moment as economies navigate rapid technological transformation and mounting global uncertainty.

President Lee highlighted the long-standing contribution of the Republic of Korea to APEC's journey, noting that throughout APEC's history, Korea has played an active role in advancing multilateral cooperation and regional growth. He emphasized that APEC's success story is a testament to the power of openness and cooperation across the Asia-Pacific, with the combined GDP of its members growing fivefold and trade volume increasing tenfold since APEC's founding.

The 2025 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting is being held under the theme "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper," reflecting the forum's commitment to realizing the Putrajaya Vision 2040 and ensuring that technological and demographic transitions translate into inclusive growth. President Lee invoked the Hwabaek spirit, a centuries-old Silla tradition of consensus and dialogue, as a model for APEC's ongoing deliberations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 2025 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting is a pivotal moment for APEC economies as they navigate rapid technological transformation and mounting global uncertainty.
  • The combined GDP of APEC member economies has grown fivefold since APEC's founding.
  • Trade volume among APEC member economies has increased tenfold since APEC's founding.
  • The APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting is being held under the theme "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper," reflecting the forum's commitment to realizing the Putrajaya Vision 2040.
  • The meeting will focus on trade and investment, AI and digital cooperation, demographic changes, and strategies for building a future-ready Asia-Pacific.
  • President Lee emphasized the importance of cooperation and solidarity in overcoming current global headwinds and achieving a better future.
  • The Hwabaek spirit, a centuries-old Silla tradition of consensus and dialogue, is serving as a model for APEC's ongoing deliberations.

Statistics:

  • The combined GDP of APEC member economies has grown fivefold since APEC's founding.
  • Trade volume among APEC member economies has increased tenfold since APEC's founding.
  • The APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting is being held under the theme "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper," reflecting the forum's commitment to realizing the Putrajaya Vision 2040 by the year 2040.

Sources:

  • APEC -- Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation
  • President Lee Jae Myung's opening remarks at the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting
  • APEC's founding declaration
  • Putrajaya Vision 2040