APEC 2025 Outcomes and Forward Planning for Competitiveness and Growth

The APEC 2025 leaders’ Gyeongju Declaration highlighted three pillars – Connect, Innovate, Prosper – to build “a Sustainable Tomorrow”. Under Connect, economies reaffirmed support for open trade and resilient supply chains. They pledged to deepen WTO-based trade, advance cross-border facilitation (e.g. paperless trade and e-commerce) and implement the 2022–2026 Supply-Chain Connectivity Action Plan (SCFAP III) for greater resilience. Under Innovate, APEC endorsed the Internet and Digital Economy Roadmap (AIDER) and an APEC AI Initiative to boost AI capacity and governance. Under Prosper, leaders committed to inclusive growth (supporting MSMEs, women and people-centric policies) and a green energy transition. They called for diversified, reliable power grids and more renewables, explicitly recognizing natural gas/LNG as bridge fuels in a clean-energy mix. In short, APEC 2025 reaffirmed economic integration, digitalization, AI innovation and sustainable energy as top goals – providing a cooperative framework and specific projects (e.g. AI capacity-building, paperless trade) that industries can leverage.

• Digital Trade & Connectivity: APEC explicitly promotes paperless trade and cross-border e-commerce to lower costs and boost MSMEs. It encourages open data flows and standards under AIDER, and will hold the first Digital & AI Ministerial.
• Artificial Intelligence & Innovation: The Leaders’ Declaration endorses the APEC AI Initiative, stressing AI infrastructure, education and trustworthy use. APEC foresees AI as a driver in trade facilitation and energy efficiency.
• Green Energy & Sustainability: APEC 2025 calls for electrification and diversified power (renewables, grid upgrades) while acknowledging a role for natural gas/LNG. Industries should note emphasis on renewable energy deployment and decarbonization targets (peak-carbon and neutrality commitments).
• Supply Chain Resilience: APEC continues its Supply-Chain Connectivity Framework (SCFAP III) until 2026, urging diversification and digital tools to stabilize logistics. Cross-border collaboration and capacity-building (e.g. via APEC projects) are major outcomes.

These themes set the stage for strategic action by businesses. APEC’s November 2025 economic forecast (growth ~3.1% in 2025) suggests sustained trade and tech demand, but warns of headwinds (debt, fading stimuli) in 2026. Industries should capitalize on the temporary trade surge and planned connectivity projects, while preparing for slower growth.

Country-by-Country Recommendations

South Korea

As host of APEC 2025, Korea’s industries should double down on the Summit’s legacy. The government’s own plans already emphasize AI and innovation (a 30-project AI fund). South Korean firms can leverage APEC’s digital/AI agenda by participating in APEC working groups on AI and digital standards. For example, the APEC declaration’s call for “paperless trade and cross-border e-commerce” creates an opportunity for Korean exporters to expand online sales in Asia. Tech companies (e.g. Samsung, LG) should also engage APEC’s AI forum to shape rules and access R&D networks, aligning with the “Cooperation in AI” agenda Korea promoted at SOM3. In green energy, Korean clean-tech firms (renewable power, batteries, hydrogen) can use the declaration’s emphasis on renewable grids to pitch regional projects or joint ventures.

Meanwhile, Korea should align its future strategy with China’s innovation push. China’s 15th Five-Year Plan calls for digitizing and greening industry and building “advanced manufacturing, high-end technology” sectors. Korean companies (already strong in semiconductors and EVs) should anticipate collaboration in these areas – for example by harmonizing standards for AI and smart manufacturing. As APEC 2026 heads to China, Korea might pursue joint APEC initiatives (e.g. smart city tech) that fit President Xi’s message of openness and innovation.

China

Chinese industries should fully exploit APEC 2025’s focus on openness and tech. In APEC forums, China will build on Xi Jinping’s message that China offers “a vast platform of innovation” and is rapidly going “green, digital and smart”. China can showcase its AI and renewable achievements (AI, humanoids, EVs, first-class renewables) as case studies and invite deeper APEC partnerships (e.g. co-investment in renewable projects as China offered). Shanghai/Shenzhen tech hubs should press to lead APEC’s AI collaboration, leveraging the new AI Initiative and connecting Chinese tech firms with peers across the region.

Looking toward 2026, China’s own 15th Five-Year Plan calls for high-quality growth via tech self-reliance and green industry. Chinese policymakers have highlighted industries like quantum, biotech, fusion energy and integrated AI/IoT. Accordingly, Chinese industry plans (and overseas outreach) should align. When hosting APEC 2026 in Shenzhen under the “Bridge, Business, Beyond” theme, China is expected to push these priorities. Other nations should prepare by boosting R&D, but China will seek foreign partners in clean energy and tech, so Chinese companies should form transnational consortiums as envisioned by its innovation strategy.

United States

U.S. industries can use APEC 2025’s agenda to promote American tech and open markets. APEC’s Connect-Innovate-Prosper framework aligns with U.S. business priorities in digital trade and innovation. For instance, U.S. firms should engage APEC digital dialogues to advance standards for cross-border data (enabling U.S. cloud, AI, and financial services) consistent with the paperless trade goal. The United States Council for International Business (USCIB) urged that APEC’s first Digital & AI Ministerial is a chance to “enable digital innovation and use of AI”; U.S. companies (big tech, startups) should lead by sharing best practices on AI trust and cybersecurity in APEC fora.

In clean energy and supply chains, U.S. clean-tech and manufacturing firms should exploit APEC’s focus on renewables and resilient logistics. For example, American solar and battery companies could collaborate on APEC projects to modernize regional grids. U.S. supply-chain initiatives (e.g. semiconductor partnerships) fit APEC calls to diversify and stabilize supply lines. Preparing for APEC 2026 under China, U.S. policy and business should double down on its strengths – R&D and regulatory leadership – while working with APEC allies to ensure an open investment climate. In line with China’s stated commitment to openness, U.S. firms can lobby APEC to keep markets accessible (supporting WTO and FTAAP goals) as China implements its 15th-plan transition.

Canada

Canada’s industries should harness APEC’s support for sustainable supply chains and green growth. At APEC 2025, leaders underscored resilient and green energy networks – an area where Canada is active. For example, Canada’s recent Critical Minerals Production Alliance (with G7 partners) demonstrates securing critical supply chains for clean-tech. Canadian mining and battery companies can use APEC’s trade facilitation tools (like paperless customs) to expand exports of minerals for electrification and AI chips. The APEC agenda also aligns with Canada’s green push: as APEC promotes renewable energy systems, Canadian renewable-energy firms (hydro, wind, solar) should market projects to Asia-Pacific partners.

On digital/AI, Canada’s Pan-Canadian AI strategy and tech sector can plug into APEC’s networks. For instance, Canadian AI firms and regulators might join APEC’s AI Initiative to exchange standards on data ethics and workforce training. Canada’s focus on inclusive growth and sustainability (e.g. Net-Zero plan) matches APEC’s Prosper goals, so Canadian industries should highlight their ESG and human-capital strengths in APEC platforms (ABAC, CEOs). Looking ahead, China’s 15th plan signals intense competition in high-tech, so Canada should also invest in R&D alliances (e.g. semiconductor research) to remain globally competitive, leveraging APEC’s R&D cooperation avenues.

Qatar and the Middle East

Although not APEC members, Middle Eastern oil-and-gas exporters like Qatar can align with APEC’s economic agenda by pivoting to digital and green sectors. APEC 2025’s energy chapter explicitly notes “the central role of gas and LNG in energy security”, which suits Qatar’s LNG exports. Qatari energy firms can engage with Asia-Pacific partners (e.g. South Korea, Japan) through APEC’s connectivity initiatives to deepen LNG trade. At the same time, Qatar is rapidly expanding solar power (an 800 MW plant to ~4,000 MW by 2030) and investing in AI-driven energy solutions. This dovetails with APEC’s call for renewable grids and AI applications in energy management. Middle Eastern companies should thus explore APEC-linked renewable/clean-energy projects (e.g. hydrogen export hubs) and smart city solutions, leveraging Qatar’s smart infrastructure success.

From China’s perspective, the Middle East is part of broader Belt‑and‑Road and energy cooperation. China’s 15th Five-Year Plan urges new energy breakthroughs (like fusion, hydrogen); Gulf states can partner on these by adapting Chinese tech for desert climates. Middle Eastern governments may note Xi’s invitation to “open up” and invest. As APEC 2026 approaches in China, Middle East investors should monitor Chinese-led green tech funds and consider co-financing APEC-affiliated infrastructure (e.g. green ports). In summary, Qatar and its neighbors should build on their digital/smart-city know-how and energy resources, aligning with APEC’s innovation and sustainability priorities.

Vietnam

Vietnam played an active multilateral role at APEC 2025, emphasizing digitalization, green transition and AI. Vietnamese companies should continue this focus. For example, APEC’s digital trade commitments (paperless customs, e-commerce rules) allow Vietnam’s export manufacturers and tech startups to reach new markets. Vietnam is already attracting FDI in electronics and software; it should push government-industry collaboration on AI to improve manufacturing (aligned with APEC’s AI initiative). On green energy, Vietnam’s power companies (solar, wind) can capitalize on APEC’s renewable push and LNG role, seeking APEC-supported finance or technology exchange with partners.

Hosting APEC in 2027, Vietnam is bolstering reforms and infrastructure. Its industries should thus align with that momentum: engage APEC business dialogues (e.g. CEO Summit) to showcase Vietnam’s reforms in finance and services, and forge ties for sustainable supply chains (leveraging APEC’s connectivity agenda). China’s innovation thrust also offers clues: Vietnam can plan to co-develop advanced manufacturing (robotics, 5G factories) with Chinese and other APEC firms. In all, Vietnam’s strategy is to integrate – export more, attract high-tech investment, and train its workforce (all messages President Cuong conveyed) – in step with APEC’s digital/green modernization themes.

Singapore

As a longtime APEC member and future 2030 host, Singapore is already a regional innovation and logistics hub. Its strategy emphasizes AI, cybersecurity and green finance. In 2025 it boosted a S$2.2 billion fund for AI and quantum. Singaporean firms should use APEC 2025’s AI and digital frameworks to lead in regional cybersecurity and data governance: for instance, promoting the use of APEC’s digital economy roadmap and interoperability standards to ease cross-border digital services. Singapore’s strong start-up ecosystem can pioneer APEC-backed projects (e.g. AI-driven health or smart-city pilots) and mentor other economies.

On green and supply chains, Singapore’s port and finance sectors can capitalize on APEC commitments. It should push APEC to expand green finance standards and carbon trading across Asia-Pacific, aligning with its Green Plan. Its logistics firms should participate in APEC’s transport and supply-chain working groups to shape resilient Asia-Pacific supply corridors (e.g. to handle trade with China/USA). Given APEC’s emphasis on inclusivity, Singapore can also attract foreign businesses by highlighting its secure business environment (as Xi noted for China) and e-government. Looking ahead to APEC 2030, Singapore’s preparation involves maintaining tech leadership (new services, AI, fintech) and reinforcing its open economy in line with both APEC goals and national plans.

CIS Countries

For CIS economies (notably Russia), APEC 2025 outcomes offer both reaffirmation and opportunity. Russia’s officials noted that the APEC declaration “reflects Russia’s interests” by treating APEC as an economic forum and recognizing gas in the energy mix. CIS energy firms should leverage this: Russia is the world’s largest gas exporter, and APEC’s positive view of LNG means CIS producers can seek Asian buyers under the APEC framework. These countries should engage in energy infrastructure projects (pipelines, LNG terminals) that support APEC’s integrated grid vision. In digital/AI, CIS tech sectors (e.g. IT outsourcing, cybersecurity) can join APEC science dialogues to offset Western sanctions – for instance, contributing to AI knowledge-sharing as APEC encourages.

China’s 15th plan underscores innovation and industrial upgrading. CIS countries are often rich in resources and basic manufacturing; to align with APEC’s innovation push, they should invest in modernizing industries (oil-to-chemicals, metallurgy automation) and training engineers. Participation in APEC-led capacity building (e.g. trade facilitation, STEM education grants) can help. In summary, CIS economies should use APEC’s neutral economic space to link with Asia-Pacific supply chains (energy and beyond) and adopt technology upgrades, consistent with both APEC goals and their national modernization plans.

Comparative Insights

• Digital Trade & AI are Universal Priorities: Every country should exploit APEC’s digital agenda. The 2025 declaration explicitly called for “paperless trade and cross-border e-commerce” and endorsed an AI initiative. Tech-forward economies (US, Singapore, Korea) can lead in shaping digital standards, while emerging players (Vietnam, Canada) must build infrastructure and skills. As Vietnam noted, “digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) were overarching topics” throughout APEC 2025 – a region-wide trend. All industries can benefit by integrating AI into products and supply chains, and by using APEC’s data-trust frameworks to enter new markets.
• Green Energy & Sustainability Drive Growth: Green transition is a common focus. APEC 2025’s energy commitments (renewables, grids, gas) resonate with China’s “largest renewable system” and carbon-neutral targets. Thus, China, Canada, and Gulf states should expand solar, wind and hydrogen projects for APEC markets. For example, Qatar doubling its solar capacity aligns with APEC’s clean-energy push. The US and Canada can export clean-tech (EVs, batteries) to Asia, while Vietnam and Singapore invest in efficiency and recycling. In each case, countries should use APEC networks (energy working groups, green financing initiatives) to collaborate on decarbonization projects.
• Supply Chain Resilience is Critical: The APEC region’s projected growth (~3.1% in 2025) depends on stable supply lines. All countries must address chokepoints. Resource economies (Canada, Russia, Qatar) are turning to alliances to secure inputs (e.g. Canada’s G7 critical-minerals alliance), echoing APEC’s call for robust supply chains. Export hubs (Vietnam, Singapore) should diversify export destinations and improve logistics; ASEAN-linked and Pacific paths are bolstered by APEC initiatives. The US and China will continue to develop alternative sourcing (reshoring tech supply, new trade pacts), but can use APEC forums to reduce frictions. Ultimately, APEC provides a platform (through SCFAP III projects) to share best practices – a win-win for all players.
• Aligning Strengths with APEC Themes: Each country’s comparative advantage suggests a focus area that also fits APEC goals. The USA and China, as tech powerhouses, should double down on AI/quantum and push for open digital rules. Singapore and South Korea should leverage their high-tech clusters and smart-city expertise in APEC projects. Canada and Qatar, rich in natural resources, can pivot to sustainable resource development (e.g. mining for clean-tech, LNG as transition fuel). Vietnam and CIS economies should use APEC’s trade and tech initiatives to climb the value chain (for example, Vietnam integrating digital technologies in manufacturing, CIS adding value to energy exports through petrochemical upgrades). In all cases, APEC 2025’s consensus on trade liberalization and cooperation provides a common foundation – each country’s strategy should thread its national plan (e.g. five-year or 2030 vision) through these regional priorities.

By systematically engaging with APEC’s agreed outcomes – digital economy measures, clean energy frameworks, AI cooperation, and supply-chain programs – industries in Korea, China, the USA, Canada, Qatar, Vietnam, Singapore (and partner regions like CIS) can maximize the forum’s benefits. Aligning those corporate strategies with both APEC’s platform and each nation’s long-term plans (including China’s 15th Five-Year blueprint) will position these economies for competitiveness and growth in 2026 and beyond.