Korea’s Minister for Trade Yeo Han-koo hosted a strategy meeting on Monday, August 18, 2025, at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul to ensure meaningful economic outcomes from upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) business events. In line with the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting week scheduled for October, various events will be held, including the CEO Summit, Invest KOREA Summit, and Export Boom-Up Korea Week. The strategy meeting brought together relevant agencies to review overall progress and discuss cooperative measures for tangible outcomes.

At the meeting, the Ministry of Trade, Industy and Energy considered ways to attract respected figures in the global business arena and launched the control tower for the APEC business events. The control tower seeks to produce concrete results, such as fostering communication and partnerships between domestic and overseas companies, promoting investment and export, and identifying new collaborative projects.

In his opening remarks, Trade Minister Yeo stated that the recent conclusion of US tariff negotiations eased some export uncertainties; however, other risks remained, including the decline of the multilateral trading system and the growing trend of protectionism. He added, “We must ensure that this year’s APEC business events serve as a springboard for companies to take another leap forward.” He also noted that global attention is focused on the APEC 2025 KOREA, which is being held amid sweeping changes in the trade landscape. The minister stressed, “We must demonstrate open leadership as a middle power by facilitating cooperation between APEC member economies and contributing to regional economic revitalization.”

This year marks the first time in 20 years that Korea is serving as APEC Chair. The APEC 2025 KOREA will be the largest international event hosted by the new administration and serve as a major opportunity to behold the country’s economic resilience and mature democracy.