APEC leaders convene in South Korea amid global economic uncertainty
APEC leaders convened in South Korea to discuss the 2025 Economic Leaders’ Meeting. The gathering comes at a time of rising global economic uncertainty and aims to foster dialogue and shared prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.
Dialogue and development
Ahead of the meeting, China Media Group, Yonsei University, and YTN organized a panel discussion in Beijing on October 25. The session, themed Dialogue on Global Governance and Asia-Pacific Shared Prosperity, brought together policymakers and academics to examine regional cooperation.
China’s Ren Hongbin emphasized the need for stronger shared governance and mutual benefit among nations. Malaysia’s Tengku Zafrul Aziz highlighted that trust, rules, and inclusiveness are essential for sustainable growth. Chile’s Ruben Oyarzo stressed Chile’s commitment to regional development and trust-building. Yonsei University President Yoon Dong-sup noted that addressing challenges like climate change, innovation, and aging populations requires dialogue and collective planning.
Cooperation amid challenges
The panel underscored that multilateralism faces unprecedented hurdles. China’s Global Governance Initiative was praised as a stabilizing force for the global economy. Participants agreed that transparency, collaboration, and mutual trust are critical to sustaining Asia-Pacific growth.
David Perez Des Rosiers of the Canada China Business Council called APEC a key platform for regional opportunities. Gaston Chee from the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce in China highlighted transparency to counter trade barriers. Chung Suh-Yong of Seoul International Law Academy urged the forum to foster open and inclusive partnerships balancing shared interests.
Shared prosperity as a path forward
Despite global fragmentation, the consensus remains that dialogue, cooperation, and shared prosperity are essential. Leaders agreed that regional collaboration can drive sustainable economic development and strengthen resilience across the Asia-Pacific.
