Adoption Of Gyeongju Declaration, APEC Encourages Inclusive Trade In The Region

The heads of APEC member countries, including Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, took a group photo during the closing session of the APEC 2025 Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, November 1, 2025. (ANTARA

GYEONGJU - The leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) on Saturday (1/11) agreed on Gyeongju's Declaration affirming its commitment to strengthening trade and investment in the region.

The declaration was adopted at the close of a two-day high-level conference (KTT) in Gyeongju, South Korea, and was attended by 21 APEC member states representing more than half of the world economy.

"We reaffirm the common view that trade and strong investment are critical to the growth and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region," reads the joint statement.

APEC leaders also highlight the importance of creating a resilient and inclusive trade and investment environment, as well as deepening economic cooperation to deal with global dynamics that continues to change.

Unlike in previous years, this declaration did not include any statements regarding support for the World Trade Organization (WTO)-based multilateral trading system.

The disappearance of the reference reflects the widening view difference between the world's major economic powers over the issue of free trade and US protectionist policies.

Since 2021, all APEC Summit declarations have always referred to the regulatory multilateral trading system with the WTO as the core. However, this year's statement shows a change in attitude amid global trade tensions.

In addition to the trade issue, Gyeongju's declaration also highlights technological advances driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and demographic changes, the two main agendas carried by South Korea as the host.

For the first time, APEC's declaration recognizes the role of the cultural and creative industry as a new source of growth for the Asia-Pacific region.

Along with the declaration, the leaders also adopted two additional documents focused on AI initiatives and responses to demographic changes.