Motegi joins APEC leaders and business advisors in South Korea
Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi joined world leaders and top business representatives at the APEC Leaders’ Dialogue with the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) on October 31, 2025, in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea. The meeting brought together policymakers and industry figures to deliberate on pressing economic and technological issues shaping the Asia-Pacific region.
Representing Japan’s business community, Dr. Jun Suzuki of Teijin Limited, Mr. Junichiro Ikeda of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and Mr. Mitsuhiro Furusawa of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation also took part in the dialogue as ABAC-Japan members. Their participation highlighted the collaboration between the government and the private sector in shaping Japan’s economic outlook within the APEC framework.
Key discussions and priorities at the APEC-ABAC session
The session opened with remarks from President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea, who is serving as this year’s APEC Chair. He underlined the importance of cooperation among member economies to drive sustainable growth and innovation in a rapidly changing world.
Following this, Mr. Lee Kyu-ho, Chair of ABAC for 2025, presented the “2025 ABAC Key Recommendations to APEC Leaders.” His presentation set the tone for policy-oriented discussions that explored the intersection of business innovation and inclusive economic growth across the Asia-Pacific region.
Motegi calls for stronger economic order and modern trade rules
During the dialogue, Minister Motegi Toshimitsu engaged in extensive discussions with ABAC members representing various economies. He contributed Japan’s perspective on multiple strategic themes, including regional economic integration, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, biotechnology, healthcare advancement, clean energy transition, and climate resilience.
Motegi emphasized the need to safeguard and strengthen a free and fair international economic order. He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting World Trade Organization (WTO) reform and promoting high-quality, rules-based economic partnerships within the APEC framework. According to Motegi, maintaining fairness in global trade is essential to ensure that economic growth benefits all stakeholders, from small enterprises to large multinational corporations.
Public-private partnerships to shape future policies
Highlighting the challenges posed by emerging technologies and environmental issues, Motegi underscored the importance of establishing new, flexible regulatory frameworks. He noted that addressing the implications of AI, digital innovation, and climate change requires a blend of government policy and private sector expertise.
“Public-private collaboration must serve as the foundation for developing policies that are both adaptable and inclusive,” Motegi said, urging APEC economies to coordinate efforts in shaping international norms for new technologies and sustainable development.
Focus on innovation and regional resilience
Participants agreed that innovation will play a pivotal role in revitalizing the Asia-Pacific economy, particularly in areas like renewable energy, biotechnology, and digital transformation. They also discussed the significance of regional cooperation in mitigating economic disparities and ensuring resilience against global disruptions such as pandemics and climate-related challenges.
Japan’s engagement at APEC 2025 reaffirms its ongoing commitment to inclusive growth, digital progress, and environmental sustainability. Motegi’s remarks reflected Japan’s broader diplomatic agenda—advancing fair trade, nurturing innovation, and fostering shared prosperity across the Asia-Pacific region.
About APEC and ABAC
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a regional economic forum that promotes free trade and sustainable growth among 21 member economies. The APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) serves as a bridge between business leaders and policymakers, providing recommendations on economic cooperation and innovation-driven development. The annual APEC Leaders’ Dialogue with ABAC offers an opportunity for direct interaction between government and business representatives to align priorities and enhance policy coherence.
As discussions in Gyeongju concluded, delegates reiterated their shared goal of ensuring that technological progress and global trade work hand-in-hand to create a resilient and inclusive economic future for the Asia-Pacific community.