President Lee Jae-myung said at the first session of the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) summit in Gyeongju on the 31st, "We all stand at a critical inflection point as the international order undergoes upheaval," adding, "Only cooperation and solidarity are the sure answer that will lead us to a better future." Lee presided over the economic leaders' meeting at the Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center (HICO) on the morning of the same day and made these remarks.
In his opening remarks, Lee said, "2025 is a historic year in which the Republic of Korea, through the remarkable resilience of its people, restored democracy and fully returned to the international community," noting that since APEC's launch in 1989, members' gross domestic product has grown fivefold and trade volume tenfold. He added, "On the solid foundation of shared prosperity, the Republic of Korea has also risen tall as an economic powerhouse."
In particular, Lee said, "The reality we face is not easy for us to speak only of a hopeful outlook," adding, "As the free trade order undergoes sweeping change, uncertainty in the global economy is deepening and the momentum for revitalizing trade and investment is waning." He went on, "The technological revolution represented by AI (artificial intelligence) presents us with an unprecedented crisis and, at the same time, unprecedented possibilities," adding, "It is not an easy challenge, but I believe the journey APEC has taken holds the answer to navigating the current crisis."
Lee said APEC has proven the effectiveness of cooperation, solidarity, and mutual trust, adding, "It is clear that we cannot always be in the same position because each of our national interests is at stake, but before the ultimate goal of achieving shared prosperity by joining forces, we can stand together."