Gyeongju APEC 2025, Korea
Written by Peter Li-Chang Kuo ( Chinese ) This week marks the APEC Leaders’ Week, held in Gyeongju , South Korea — the so-called “ grand gathering ” that has now drawn to a perfect close. Last year’s feast in Peru feels as if it were just yesterday, and yet another summit has already passed. Much was discussed, but upon reflection, it seems that little of substance was achieved. Fig 1: APEC 2025 Gyeongju Logo The APEC member economies account for over 40% of the global population, more than 60% of the world's economic output, and 50% of global trade volume. Since APEC's establishment in 1989, by 2025, trade and investment facilitation has lifted “ over one billion people ” out of poverty. Leaders acknowledge that as the region faces challenges such as demographic shifts, technological transformation, and reshaping of trade patterns, this formidable strength comes with increasing social responsibility. At APEC 2020 in Malaysia, the host country announced: "...