ABAC Report Highlights Innovative Solutions for More Sustainable Data CentersAPEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC)Busan, Republic of Korea | 29 October 2025Today, the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) released its report titled Powering the Digital Economy: The Data Center Dilemma, highlighting both the economic benefits and environmenta...
For the first time, APEC ministers responsible for finance and structural reform convened a joint session to chart a common agenda for innovation and digitalization. They recognized the transformative role of emerging technology in shaping productivity, competitiveness and sustainable economic growth across the Asia-Pacific.Meeting in Incheon, ministers ex...
APEC economies are making measurable progress in aligning regulatory approaches for medical products, according to new survey results endorsed by the APEC Regulatory Harmonization Steering Committee, which operates under the Sub-Committee on Standards and Conformance (SCSC).The updated indicators highlight how economies are working together ...
(Photo: Front view of the “Smile of Silla,” a human-face tile from the Silla period at the National Gyeongju Museum. This timeless design inspired the APEC 2025 Korea emblem, alongside a butterfly symbol of connection and innovation.)Leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) will gather in Korea at the end of October for the 2025 APEC Econo...
Ministers responsible for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from across the Asia-Pacific convened in Jeju and underscored their commitment to strengthening SMEs, which make up around 97 percent of businesses that underpin jobs, innovation and inclusive economic growth.Opening the 31st APEC Small and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meeting, Han Seong-sook,...
Energy ministers from the 21 APEC member economies issued a joint statement at the conclusion of the 15th APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting in Busan, Republic of Korea, on 27–28 August 2025.Ministers recognized that addressing the region’s energy challenges will require the use of available energy sources and technologies, together with advanced energ...
Ministers responsible for telecommunications, information and communications technology (ICT) and digital policy from the 21 APEC member economies gathered in Incheon for the first-ever APEC Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting, a milestone moment in the region’s digital cooperation.The meeting underscores the growing urgency for trusted, reliable and human...
KEY MESSAGES• Artificial intelligence (AI) can be a transformative tool for advancing more resilient, efficient and smarter energy systems. AI can enhance grid forecasting, optimisation and situational awareness while improving demand management. It strengthens energy security by boosting efficiency in energy intensive sectors and supporting th...
EXECUTIVE SUMMARYKEY FINDINGS: Uneven progress and persistent gaps demand urgent actionIt has been 10 years since the APEC Women and the Economy Dashboard was first launched in 2015. Monitoring movements in indicators in the last 15 years shows considerable progress in some aspects of women’s participation in economic activity. However, most indicator...
KEY POINTS:1. APEC growth moderates in Q1 2025 as elevated uncertainty and geopolitical headwinds dampened demand, with early trade gains providing only temporary support.2. Merchandise trade registers solid growth in Q1 2025 from frontloaded shipments ahead of anticipated restrictive measures, but momentum may ease as transitory factors fade.3. APEC stand...
