About APEC 2025 KOREA

The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MOEF) successfully concluded the 2025 APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) and Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting (SRMM), held from October 21 to 23 in Yeongjongdo, Incheon. This year’s meeting marked the first time in 20 years that Korea has hosted the APEC FMM since 2005, and also the first-ever joint session linking FMM and SRMM in APEC’s history. Under the overarching theme of “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper,” which reflects the vision of this year’s APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM), participants discussed policy directions for regional cooperation to achieve sustainable growth and shared prosperity amid rapid AI and digital transformation, as well as structural changes in industry and demographics.   At the 32nd APEC FMM held on October 21, the ministers discussed the global and regional economic outlook, digital finance, and fiscal policy. Based on these discussions, they adopted a Joint Statement and the “Incheon Plan,” which sets forth the framework for economic cooperation over the next five years.   The “Incheon Plan” serves as a medium- to long-term roadmap that outlines the themes and directions of discussion for the APEC Finance Ministers’ Process (FMP) over the next five years. It is structured around four key pillars – Innovation, Finance, Fiscal Policy, and Inclusive Access & Opportunity. For the first time in the APEC Finance Ministers’ track, the Plan incorporates Korea’s proposals on the AI-driven transformation and the creation of an innovation ecosystem, as well as on promoting inclusive economic opportunities for all, thereby broadening the scope of policy discussions within the forum.   Following FMM, the 4th APEC SRMM was held from October 22. The ministers adopted a Joint Statement and two annexes, which focus on enhancing the regional business and market environment, promoting AI and digital transformation, and advancing shared prosperity through broader economic participation.   The first annex, titled “Strengthened and Enhanced APEC Agenda for Structural Reform (SEAASR) 2026 – 2030”, presents four key directions for advancing structural reforms across the region over the next five years:                  i.               Enabling Fair, Market-Oriented Competition;                ii.               Enabling Environment for Doing Business;                iii.               Promoting Innovation and Digitalisation; and                iv.               Empowering All to Achieve Their Economic Potential for Sustainable Economic Growth.   Based on this framework, each member economy will develop its own structural reform action plan to deliver tangible outcomes in regional reform efforts.   The second annex, titled the “Fourth APEC Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) Action Plan,” sets an APEC-wide target of achieving a 20 percent improvement in five priority areas for the 2025-2035 period:              i.            Business Entry            ii.            Financial Services            iii.            business location,            iv.            Market competition, and            v.            Dispute resolution.   To this end, member economies agreed to undertake capacity-building and consultative process, and to assess progress in 2030 and 2035 in order to broaden the impact of reforms and ensure continuous improvement.   This year’s APEC FMM and SRMM was the final ministerial meeting among APEC’s 14 sectoral ministerial gatherings held prior to the AELM. By concluding successfully, it laid the groundwork for the success of the forthcoming AELM and served as a bridge toward the region’s shared prosperity. Also, it provided a meaningful opportunity to share Korea’s economic growth strategy and vision, including the AI-driven transformation, across the APEC region. Furthermore, through joint sessions and a luncheon with the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), it presented a new model of policy cooperation, reaffirming APEC’s role as a “policy incubator” in shaping the future course of regional cooperation.   Please refer to the attached files. 

- Second Advance Visit for Leaders’ Meeting with APEC Member Economies -   The Preparatory Office for APEC 2025 hosted the Second Advance Visit for APEC 2025 Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) in Gyeongju from Tuesday, September 30 to Wednesday, October 1.   * Launched as a ministerial meeting in 1989 and elevated to a leaders’ meeting in 1993, APEC now comprises 21 member economies including Korea, the United States, and Japan. APEC aims to accelerate economic integration and foster shared prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.   The Second Advance Visit, which included site visits to the venues of Leaders’ Meeting and APEC Economic Leaders’ Dinner, and principal airport, was organized to share progress updates on the preparations for the AELM with the APEC member economies. Approximately 180 delegates from 21 member economies, Korean government agencies (such as the Presidential Security Service, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Korea Airports Corporation, and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry), and the APEC Secretariat participated in the event.   On the first day, during an informal Q&A session held as a part of the welcome dinner, participants asked various questions related to the AELM venue, APEC Economic Leaders’ Dinner, immigration procedures, and media operations among many areas. With the AELM less than a month away, delegations expressed particular interest in the newly constructed International Media Center (IMC) and accommodations, as well as great expectations for Gyeongju.   On the morning of the second day, participants had an opportunity to look around key facilities including venues for the AELM (Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center), the APEC Economic Leaders’ Dinner (Lahan Select Gyeongju), and the CEO Summit (Gyeongju Arts Center). As these are the main areas used by Economic Leaders and Business Leaders, delegations took two hours to thoroughly review the overall travel routes, facilities, and security arrangements for the AELM.   In the afternoon, the delegations visited the Gimhae International Airport, the APEC Spouse Program venues (Bulguksa Temple and Wooyang Art Museum), and the International Media Center. At the airport, with the support of the Busan Regional Office of Aviation and the 5th Air Mobility Wing, delegates walked through key airport facilities and reviewed Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) procedures. At the newly built International Media Center, delegations expressed their satisfaction with the preparation status as they looked around the facilities such as the International Broadcasting Center, briefing rooms, and media desks.   Following the site visits, participants divided into breakout sessions—protocol, security, and media—to have in-depth Q&A sessions for each sector. Based on their in-person site visits, delegations actively asked questions, reflecting their meticulous preparations for the AELM.   Ambassador Kimo Lim of the Preparatory Office for the APEC 2025 emphasized that the Korean Government and government agencies, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, and the City of Gyeongju will continue to work together as one team and devote utmost efforts in all aspects—including protocol, cultural and business events, and infrastructure preparations—until the very end for the successful hosting of the AELM.   The APEC 2025 Economic Leaders’ Week, in which Economic Leaders, Senior Officials, and Business Leaders of 21 member economies will participate, will be held in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, from October 27 to November 1. The AELM will be held from Friday, October 31 to Saturday, November 1, and be preceded by the Concluding Senior Officials’ Meeting (October 27–28), the CEO Summit (October 28–31), and the APEC Ministerial Meeting (October 29–30).

Korea to Host the APEC High-Level Meeting on Health and the Economy for the First Time - Senior officials from 21 member economies and business leaders to attend, strengthening health–economy cooperation across the Asia–Pacific - - Working toward a shared vision: “Building a Healthy, Smart and Aging-Responsive Society -   The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, Minister Jeong Eun Kyeong) announced that the 15th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) High-Level Meeting on Health and the Economy (HLMHE) will be held on Monday–Tuesday, September 15–16 at The Shilla Seoul. The meeting will bring together delegations from all 21 APEC member economies.* This marks the first time that Korea will host the HLMHE.   * Asia: Korea, China, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Viet Nam, BruneiAmericas: United States, Canada, Chile, PeruOceania and others: Australia, Papua New Guinea, Russia (Note: APEC uses the term “member economies” as participants join in that capacity rather than as countries.)   As the host economy for APEC 2025, Korea will convene this ministerial-level meeting, with Minister Jeong Eun Kyeong presiding as Chair. Approximately 480 participants are expected to attend, including ministers and vice ministers, from all 21 member economies as well as representatives from international organizations including the World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WHO WPRO), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), along with business leaders.   The meeting will be held in conjunction with the World Bio Summit 2025,* fostering policy-industry collaboration and providing a platform to further enhance Korea’s international standing in the health and biotechnology sectors.   * World Bio Summit: An international forum launched in 2022 by the Korean government and the WHO, where global leaders in health and biotechnology—including ministers and vice ministers of health, heads of international organizations, CEOs from the vaccine and biotech industries, and leading experts—gather to discuss global health agendas.   At this year’s meeting, discussions will be held under the theme “Innovate, Connect, Prosper: Building a Healthy, Smart and Aging-Responsive Society,” focusing on three key agenda items: (1) Digital Health, (2) Healthy Aging, and (3) Mindful Youth. Member economies will share their policies and experiences in addressing health challenges across the Asia-Pacific region and explore collaborative solutions.   The meeting will officially begin with a welcome reception at 6:00 p.m. on September 15, followed by the plenary session starting at 9:00 a.m. on September 16.   In the Digital Health session, participants will examine the transformative potential of digital health technologies and AI in improving healthcare delivery and advancing the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. Under the theme “Harnessing AI for Future-Ready Health Systems,” they will review real-world applications of AI in healthcare and work toward regional consensus on its responsible adoption—addressing key issues such as appropriate regulatory frameworks, ethical guidelines, and policy incentives.   In the Healthy Aging session, recognizing the major demographic shifts in the Asia-Pacific—driven by persistently low birth rates and rapid population aging—participants will explore strategies under the theme “Promoting Healthy and Active Aging in APEC” to help older adults maintain good health and remain active in their communities.   In the Mindful Youth session, participants will examine the changing social environment in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the overwhelming flow of digital information, which have brought youth mental health issues to the forefront as an emerging challenge. They will discuss the importance of school-, family-, and community-based support systems spanning prevention through crisis response, and explore ways to strengthen access to everyday mental health services by leveraging AI and digital technologies. Participants will also share recent research highlighting the potential effectiveness of digital therapeutics, along with real-world examples of how the public is using AI-powered applications and digital tools to support mental well-being in daily life.   The official luncheon will be hosted by the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). Featuring opening remarks by Lee Kyu-ho, Vice Chairman of Kolon and Chair of the inaugural ABAC Biohealthcare Working Group, as well as invited speakers, the luncheon will include discussions on the future of digital health driven by data and AI. Korea will continue to work closely with ABAC to ensure that the priorities of the biohealth industry are reflected in APEC’s main agenda.   Concurrently with the APEC HLMHE, 21 affiliated events will be organized by Korean and international companies and organizations, offering opportunities to share policies and promote initiatives. Participants will not only engage in in-depth discussions on each agenda item and explore policy directions, but also have the opportunity to experience cutting-edge healthcare innovations integrating AI and digital technologies, gaining insights into global industry trends.   On Day 2 (September 16), a side event will feature the launch of the Cervical Cancer Elimination Roadmap*, which was endorsed by all 21 member economies at the Health Working Group meeting held in Incheon in August. Incorporating best practices** from Korea and other economies, the roadmap outlines collective policy commitments and is expected to serve as a foundation for improving women’s health across the APEC region.   * Targets by 2030: 90% HPV vaccination coverage among girls under 15; 70% high-performance screening coverage for women at ages 35 and 45; and 90% treatment coverage for women diagnosed with cervical disease (90% of precancerous lesions treated and 90% of invasive cancer cases managed) ** Example from Korea: A free HPV vaccination program for girls aged 12 and above   The meeting will conclude on September 16 with the adoption of a Joint Statement, followed by a joint APEC–World Bio Summit dinner, further strengthening international cooperation on health and the economy across the region.   Minister Jeong Eun Kyeong stated, “I am pleased that, through the integration of health and the economy, we can explore ways to advance cooperation for a healthy and sustainable future for the Asia–Pacific region. Korea will continue to lead regional cooperation and global solidarity.”   - END -

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (Minister HAN Seongsook) announced that the 31st APEC SME Ministerial Meeting(SMEMM), held at the International Convention Center Jeju (ICC JEJU) from Monday, September 1 to Friday, September 5, was successfully concluded, and that after intensive discussions among member economies, a Joint Statement and the “Jeju Initiative” proposed by Korea were adopted. This meeting marked the first time in 20 years since the 2005 Daegu conference that Korea hosted and chaired the event. Under the theme “MSMEs as Engines of Sustainable and Inclusive Growth,” ministers in charge of SMEs and high-level delegations from APEC member economies engaged in in-depth discussions. The meeting addressed key challenges faced by SMEs, including artificial intelligence and digital transformation, responses to demographic changes, cooperation between large and small enterprises, and integration into global value chains, while exploring potential solutions. The Joint Statement adopted after intensive discussions reflected the shared commitment of member economies to promote innovation, support sustainable growth through smart policies, and strengthen connectivity to expand the foundations for growth. It reaffirmed that SMEs remain a key driver of growth and prosperity even amid an uncertain global economic environment, and it was recognized as a tangible outcome that clarified practical directions for cooperation at the APEC level. The most noteworthy achievement was the adoption of the “Jeju Initiative,” led by Korea. The initiative includes the launch of the APEC Startup Alliance, designed to connect the startup ecosystems of APEC member economies, and outlines concrete action plans such as regular forums, an online information-sharing platform, and the establishment of a standing network. These measures are expected to significantly strengthen startup exchanges and cooperation within the region. In particular, this initiative represents the first case among this year’s various APEC ministerial meetings in which a new initiative was adopted, serving as a meaningful outcome that demonstrates Korea’s leadership in the startup sector. In addition, the ministerial meeting not only presented a blueprint for cooperation in the SME and venture sector within the region but also served as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral partnerships with individual member economies. During the meeting, Minister HAN Seongsook of the MSS held a series of bilateral talks with the Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs of Indonesia, the Minister of Production of Peru, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, and the Vice Minister of Finance of Vietnam. They engaged in extensive discussions on practical cooperation measures in areas such as entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology exchange. Through these efforts, Korea enhanced the global standing of its SME policies while also reinforcing its bilateral cooperation networks. In addition, more than 20,000 participants, including domestic and international startups, venture investors, and representatives from innovation institutions, visited Jeju for over ten side and affiliated events held alongside the ministerial meeting, such as Global Startup Day in Jeju, the Innovation Network Forum, and the K-Shopping Festa. Participants actively engaged in exchanges through technology exhibitions, investment consultations, and networking activities, which in turn revitalized Jeju’s lodging, tourism, transportation, and exhibition industries, making a significant contribution to boosting the local economy.   Minister HAN Seongsook stated, “In Jeju, we engaged in intensive discussions under the themes of innovation, sustainability, and connectivity, and achieved the significant outcome of adopting a Joint Statement that sets the growth direction for SMEs and ventures.”   She emphasized, “In particular, the APEC Startup Alliance, officially launched through the jointly adopted ‘Jeju Initiative,’ will serve as a springboard to accelerate the global leap of our startups and become an important stepping stone for Korea to advance as one of the world’s top four venture powerhouses.”