APEC trade ministers call for stronger innovation, connectivity
‘Undersecretary Gepty, on behalf of DTI Secretary Cristina Roque, stressed that “building resilient supply chains is now a prerequisite for stability, security, and inclusive growth.’
Undersecretary Allan Gepty (right) met with Chilean Vice Minister of Trade Claudia Sanhueza on the sidelines of APEC Leaders’ Week, reaffirming the Philippines and Chile’s commitment to deepen economic ties through the advancement of the Philippines – Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations. Both sides expressed determination to finalize the trade deal at the soonest possible time and to forge stronger regional collaboration as the Philippines pursues accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and Chile’s interest in joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
Photograph courtesy of DTI
The Philippine delegation in the APEC Ministerial Meeting (AMM) was one with its 20 APEC member nation counterparts in a firm call for stronger innovation and connectivity to safeguard regional growth, as the Trade and foreign ministers reaffirmed their commitment to ensure sustainable growth for the Asia-Pacific region during the regional meet held on 29 to 30 October in Seoul, South Korea.
Representing the Philippines, Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Allan Gepty co-led the delegation as the respective Foreign Minister and Alternate Minister Responsible for Trade.
Undersecretary Gepty, on behalf of DTI Secretary Cristina Roque, stressed that “building resilient supply chains is now a prerequisite for stability, security, and inclusive growth.”
“The Philippines thus supports ongoing APEC work to strengthen supply chain resilience through innovation, promote trusted and interoperable digital ecosystems, and ensure that our collective initiatives contribute to the revitalization of the multilateral trading system,” Undersecretary Gepty added.
Convened ahead of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM), the AMM centered on the APEC 2025 theme “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow Together.”
The Republic of Korea, as this year’s APEC 2025 Chair, steered the discussion towards its three key priorities: “Connect,” “Innovate” and “Prosper.”
Meanwhile, APEC Ministers recognized the rapid transformational and structural changes shaping the region and urged for stronger collaboration in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to drive sustainable economic growth.
The AMM, which is the culmination of all sectoral ministerial meetings held throughout the APEC year, sets the tone for the AELM, graced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., last 31 October and 1 November, marking the final ministerial-level discussions of Korea’s APEC year.
As the chair of APEC 2025, Korea is leading efforts to produce key deliverables, particularly on AI and a framework on demographic changes at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.