President Yoon’s APEC Agenda: Strengthening Supply Chains and Revitalize Global Economy

President Yoon Suk Yeol, visiting the United States to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, is shaking hands with Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, at a hotel in San Francisco on the 15th (local time). [Photo=Yonhap News]

On the 15th (local time), President Yoon Suk Yeol arrived in San Francisco, USA, to kick off his schedule for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. The presidential office announced, “President Yoon, who has emphasized that diplomacy is directly linked to people’s livelihoods, will focus on the well-being of the people first and foremost during the APEC summit schedule.”

Kim Eun Hye, the public relations secretary accompanying President Yoon’s APEC tour, released a written briefing on the same day, stating, “The President’s four-day, three-night schedule, which will contemplate and derive cooperation measures that will genuinely help our people and economy, such as diversifying supply chains and expanding trade investment, has now begun.”

President Yoon arrived at San Francisco International Airport that morning with his wife, Kim Geon-hee. His initial itinerary included hosting a meeting with compatriots, participating in the APEC CEO Summit, the APEC Welcome Reception, and a discussion with future Korean generations in the field of advanced technology.

Secretary Kim explained, “APEC, which was launched by the leaders of 17 Asia-Pacific countries in Seattle 30 years ago, has been leading the prosperity of the global economy at the forefront of global free trade, currently accounting for 38% of the world’s population, 62% of the global GDP, and 48% of trading volume.”

He further stated, “However, the world economy is facing a complex crisis again due to the Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas situation, and the weaponization of technology supremacy and resources the world economy to regain dynamism and continue sustainable growth, President Yoon will propose proactive and concrete response measures at this summit.”

According to Secretary Kim, President Yoon plans to emphasize the need to strengthen the connectivity of regional supply chains that threaten Asia-Pacific countries and build resilient supply chains.

In particular, he will urge youth exchanges and advanced science and technology cooperation to ensure APEC’s economic strength continues from San Francisco, the cradle of innovation such as Silicon Valley. Secretary Kim added, “The President has consistently highlighted that advanced technology is a growth engine that brings economic growth and jobs to future generations and has consistently encouraged the research and startups of young scientists.”

In addition, President Yoon is expected to urge entrepreneurs who have led changes to play a leading role in innovation and creativity, as their participation has developed APEC into the world’s largest economic cooperation body. He also plans to emphasize that he will create the best investment environment in the world so that companies can freely invest in South Korea and create quality jobs during the multilateral meeting period through various opportunities.

By. Lee Seong Hwi