The historic city of Gyeongju, South Korea, will welcome leaders from 21 Asia-Pacific economies from October 31 to November 1, 2025, for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. Known for its UNESCO World Heritage sites, the coastal city now prepares to address pressing global challenges through regional collaboration.
APEC’s Role in a Changing World
Established in 1989, APEC has driven regional integration, reducing average tariffs from 10% to 5% and boosting intra-regional trade from $3 trillion to $14 trillion. Its 21 members—including the Chinese mainland, the U.S., and Japan—represent 60% of global GDP and nearly half of world trade.
2025 Agenda: Sustainability & Innovation
Under the theme ‘Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate and Prosper,’ discussions will focus on three pillars:
Connect: Strengthening supply chains and advancing WTO reforms
Innovate: Bridging digital divides in AI adoption
Prosper: Accelerating clean energy transitions and food security solutions
Key Players & Expected Outcomes
Leaders from major economies like the U.S. and China will shape dialogues, while emerging members like Vietnam and Chile advocate for inclusive policies. The accompanying CEO Summit will feature tech leaders including Nvidia’s Jensen Huang and TikTok’s Shou Zi Chew.
While binding agreements are unlikely, observers anticipate commitments to renewable energy investments, digital inclusion frameworks, and progress toward a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific.
