In late 2025, South Korea hosts the APEC meetings under the banner “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper.” APEC+1 The summit in the historic city of Gyeongju offers a timely platform for the 21 member economies to advance their cooperation amidst rising global uncertainty. 해외공관+2APEC+2 Below are the key agenda themes and their significance.
1. Connect – Strengthening Trade, Investment and People-to-People Ties
One core pillar of this year’s agenda is “Connect” – advancing trade and investment within the Asia-Pacific region, and deepening connectivity across physical, institutional and human channels. 외교부+1
- Member economies will explore how to revitalise trade flows in an era of weaker global demand and increasing fragmentation. Reuters
- Institutional connectivity: aligning rules, customs, cross-border procedures, data flows and regulatory frameworks to reduce friction. APEC+1
- People-to-people ties: Encouraging mobility, innovation exchange, cultural/creative industries (notably through a “High-Level Dialogue on Cultural and Creative Industries” held in Gyeongju) to generate new growth drivers. APEC 2025+1
Why this matters: Trade and investment remain the lifeblood of many APEC economies. In a time of geopolitical tension and supply-chain rethinking, forging stronger connectivity can help stabilise and open new channels of growth.
2. Innovate – Digital Transformation, AI Governance and Future Industries
The second pillar — “Innovate” — signals a forward-looking agenda around digital innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), data governance and emerging industries. APEC+1
- Sessions in Gyeongju include exhibitions on customs technologies and green customs initiatives, policy dialogues on AI governance, digital privacy and cross-border data flows. APEC
- Discussions also touch on how the region can harness innovation (digital, biotech, creative industries) to leap ahead rather than be left behind.
Why this matters: The Asia-Pacific region is racing to adapt to disruption from AI, automation and digital platforms. APEC’s role is to help set norms, align policy and ensure broader inclusion in the transition.
3. Prosper – Sustainable and Inclusive Growth in Changing Times
The third priority, “Prosper”, focuses on inclusive growth and sustainability in light of pressing global challenges—energy transition, food security, demographic change (aging populations, low birth rates) and structural reform. 외교부
- Clean-energy transitions: Workshops on hydrogen, fuel cells and standardisation of low-carbon infrastructure. APEC
- Food security and demographic resilience: Recognising that economic growth must be sustainable and leave no one behind. APEC
- Structural reform and financial inclusion: Laying groundwork for more resilient economies capable of withstanding shocks. APEC
Why this matters: Many APEC economies face structural headwinds—aging populations, climate risks, volatile markets. Prosperity therefore means not only higher GDP, but better resilience and equity.
4. Geopolitical and Strategic Context
While the summit’s themes are primarily economic and technical, the geopolitical backdrop cannot be ignored. With tensions high between major economies, the APEC forum (in Gyeongju) serves as a critical diplomatic arena. 코리아타임스+1
- South Korea’s hosting sends a message of middle-power diplomacy—seeking to bridge interests and maintain multilateral cooperation. 코리아타임스+1
- The forum offers a chance to reaffirm the value of open trade and cooperation amidst rising protectionism.
5. Why Gyeongju Was Chosen & What It Symbolises
Gyeongju, with its thousand-year history as capital of the ancient Silla dynasty, was selected as the host city to give symbolic weight to the idea of continuity and transformation. 위키백과+1 The choice emphasises Korea’s ambition to link heritage with innovation, and stability with change.
6. Implications for Businesses, Especially in Beauty & Health
As your company works in international beauty and health products from Korea, these APEC agendas could translate into several opportunities:
- With connectivity and trade emphasised, regulatory harmonisation and cross-border e-commerce frameworks may ease exporting Korean products abroad.
- Innovation-driven discussions may prioritise digital platforms, data privacy and cross-border digital health/beauty tech—areas you might leverage.
- The “prosper” pillar emphasising inclusive growth suggests growing demand in ageing populations, health/beauty solutions for demographic change.
- Being aware of trade dynamics and multilateral policy shifts will help anticipate tariff or non-tariff changes that could impact beauty/health exports.
Conclusion
The 2025 APEC meeting in Gyeongju sets a comprehensive agenda that interlinks trade, innovation and sustainable prosperity. While the themes are broad, the real value lies in the concrete policy directions and ongoing cooperation among member economies. For stakeholders in Korean beauty and health exports, this offers a strategic moment to align with wider regional trends, anticipate shifts and strengthen your global positioning.
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