Apec ministers push innovation, connectivity for growth
In a pivotal meeting held in Gyeongju, South Korea, trade and foreign ministers from the 21 Apec member economies gathered to discuss the future of the Asia-Pacific region. The Apec Ministerial Meeting (AMM) on October 29-30, 2025, focused on the theme "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow Together," with a strong emphasis on three key priorities: "Connect," "Innovate," and "Prosper."
The Apec Ministers recognized the rapid, transformative, and structural changes shaping the region, particularly the rise of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). They called for stronger collaboration to harness the potential of AI and drive sustainable economic growth. This call to action is especially relevant as the Philippines and Chile, represented by Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty, respectively, aim to strengthen their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CepaEPA).
Undersecretary Gepty, speaking on behalf of DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque, emphasized the importance of building resilient supply chains. He stated, "Resilient supply chains are essential for stability, security, and inclusive growth."
The Philippines, in alignment with Apec's goals, supports initiatives to enhance supply chain resilience through innovation, foster trusted and interoperable digital ecosystems, and ensure that collective efforts contribute to the revitalization of the multilateral trading system. This commitment is crucial as the Philippines pursues CPTPP accession, and Chile seeks to join RCEP, with bilateral trade reaching a remarkable 137 percent surge, totaling US$334.13 million in 2024.
The AMM, a culmination of sectoral ministerial meetings, sets the stage for the Apec Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM), where President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., will attend on October 31 and November 1. This meeting also marks the final ministerial-level discussions of Korea's Apec year, with the country leading efforts to produce key deliverables, including advancements in artificial intelligence and a framework addressing demographic changes.
