APEC Ministers Issue Joint Statement

Gyeongju, Republic of Korea, 1 November 2025APEC ministers issued a joint statement following the conclusion of their meeting in Gyeongju, co-chaired by Cho Hyun, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Yeo Han-Koo, Minister for Trade of the Republic of Korea.

Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the Putrajaya Vision 2040 and underscored efforts to strengthen regional connectivity through promoting trade and investment, supply chain resilience, structural reform and people-to-people ties.

They recognized the importance of comprehensive reform of the World Trade Organization to improve its functions to be more relevant and responsive in light of today’s realities.

Ministers noted the benefits of digitalization to enhance and facilitate trade and welcome the establishment of the APEC Center of Excellence for Paper Less (ACCEPT) which aims to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors.

They also acknowledged the impact of demographic changes on younger generations and emphasize the importance of empowering and equipping them with the necessary tools to build a resilient and prosperous future.