President Lee Jae-myung said in his opening remarks at Session 2 retreat of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held on the 1st in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang, that "to respond to the massive waves of artificial intelligence (AI) and demographic change, we need to find new growth engines," adding that "Korea is focusing on the cultural creation industry."
President Lee Jae-myung on the day proposed an "AI Initiative," saying to APEC member economies that "we must turn the massive change called artificial intelligence (AI) into an opportunity."
President Lee said on the day, "Korea is concentrating its capabilities on building an ecosystem for AI innovation and is pushing a nationwide grand transition to AI," adding, "By expanding large-scale AI data center infrastructure, nurturing talent, invigorating the industrial ecosystem, and improving regulations, we are creating an environment where global corporations can innovate freely."
President Lee said, "The most important principle of all is an AI basic society in which technological innovation drives inclusive growth—in other words, AI for all," adding, "Korea will adopt this as its core vision and steadily implement policies."
He explained, "The APEC AI Initiative proposed by Korea is the result of a determination to turn the massive change of AI into an opportunity," adding, "The Asia-Pacific AI Center that Korea is working to establish will contribute to capacity building in the region with the goals of AI policy exchange and narrowing gaps."
There was also mention of the population issue.
President Lee added, "Along with AI, demographic changes caused by low birthrates and an aging population are also a serious challenge," saying, "I will propose a joint response framework at the APEC level to seek solutions to population issues using AI technology."
Leaders of member economies, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, attended the session on the day.