Trade ministers from 21 APEC economies gathered in Jeju Island, South Korea, for the 2025 APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting, addressing rising global economic instability and the future of multilateral trade systems.
Leading the discussions was South Korea’s Minister for Trade, Inkyo Cheong, who underscored the importance of cooperation in tackling trade disruptions, supply chain uncertainties, and AI-driven transformations.
Ministers explored strategies to enhance trade facilitation, reform the World Trade Organization (WTO), and advance sustainable economic policies.
In a crucial session WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala called for stronger global trade governance and structural reforms emphasizing the need for greater economic connectivity among APEC members.
With uncertainty in global markets, the meeting reaffirmed APEC’s commitment to shaping progressive trade policies, ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for global commerce.
Source: Asia Pacific Economic Corporation