Prime Minister Han Deok-su Heads to Bangkok to Attend APEC Summit

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Kim Hyewon] Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will embark on a 4-day, 2-night business trip to attend the 29th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit held in Bangkok, Thailand, from the 18th to the 19th.

The Prime Minister's Office announced on the 15th that Prime Minister Han plans to discuss with leaders of 21 countries inclusive and sustainable growth in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as ways to promote trade and investment, at this APEC meeting themed "Open, Connect, Balance."

This year's APEC meeting will be held face-to-face for the first time in four years. The 2019 meeting was canceled due to domestic issues in Chile, and the 2020 and last year's meetings were held virtually due to the impact of COVID-19.

The main schedule of this APEC meeting includes ▲ two plenary sessions ▲ informal dialogues and working luncheons with APEC member country leaders and the host country Thailand ▲ dialogues with the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), among others.

The Prime Minister's Office stated, "At the APEC plenary session, Prime Minister Han will emphasize APEC's leading role in responding to climate change, restoring the multilateral trading system, and strengthening supply chains and connectivity, while introducing Korea's participation efforts."

It added, "As a trade and diplomatic expert, Prime Minister Han is expected to contribute to the recovery of the multilateral trading system based on the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference held in June, progress in the Asia-Pacific free trade zone, and discussions on growth from a macroeconomic perspective."

During the trip, Prime Minister Han plans to engage in negotiations with other leaders to promote Busan's bid to host the 2030 World Expo and hold bilateral meetings.

The Prime Minister's Office explained, "This visit also signifies the Prime Minister undertaking some of the major diplomatic schedules requiring South Korea's top-level attendance, such as ASEAN-related summits, the G20 Summit, and the APEC Summit."

Prime Minister Han will depart on the morning of the 17th and stay in Thailand for 4 days and 2 nights until the 20th. He will be officially accompanied by Lee Do-hoon, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Ahn Duk-geun, Director-General for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy; Park Sung-geun, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister; and Yoon Sung-duk, Director for Economic Diplomacy Coordination at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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