Chey Tae-won, chairman of SK Group and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, visited Gyeongju to inspect the site of the '2025 APEC Business Event' and discuss ways to revitalize the event, in connection with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to be held in October.
KORCHAM reported on the 18th that Chairman Chey visited Gyeongju from the 17th to the 18th to check the preparation status for the APEC Business Event. Accompanying him were Park Il-jun, KORCHAM vice chairman, and Lee Hyung-hee, vice chairman of the Seoul Chamber of Commerce.
On the 17th, a local government meeting was held to discuss measures to revitalize the APEC CEO Summit. Participants included Chairman Chey, Lee Cheol-woo, governor of North Gyeongsang Province, Yang Geum-hee, vice governor of economic affairs for North Gyeongsang Province, Joo Nak-young, mayor of Gyeongju, Lee Kang-deok, mayor of Pohang, and Ahn Hyo-dae, vice mayor for economic affairs in Ulsan.
Chairman Chey noted that "the APEC CEO Summit is an important event where economic leaders from the Asia-Pacific region gather to seek directions for future growth and cooperation," adding that he hoped "local governments and corporations would closely cooperate to ensure it revitalizes not only Gyeongju and North Gyeongsang Province but also the regional economy as a whole."
KORCHAM, in collaboration with Deloitte Consulting, reported that the economic effects of hosting APEC are projected to reach 7.4 trillion won. The short-term direct impact is estimated at 3.3 trillion won, which includes economic revitalization and increased domestic consumption. Additionally, the medium- to long-term indirect effects, including economic and social benefits, are analyzed to be 4.1 trillion won. The job creation effect is expected to total 22,634 jobs.
Before the local government meeting, Chairman Chey also visited the Gyeongju Convention Center, a candidate site for the APEC CEO Summit. After having a discussion with Governor Lee Cheol-woo, he toured the facilities and checked the overall event preparations. He also inspected participants' accommodations, the welcome dinner venue, and other planned venue sites.
Lee Sung-woo, head of KORCHAM's International Trade Division, said, "This APEC Business Event is an important opportunity to showcase Korea's innovative capabilities and future vision," adding that "we will do our best to ensure successful hosting in cooperation with the government, local governments, and corporations."