[CEO Summit Guide]②AI, Energy, and Supply Chains: The 'Undercurrent Economy' in Motion

Seeking Cooperation Among World Leaders and Business Executives
Leading the Three Pillars of AI, Energy, and Supply Chains
From Gyeongju to Tangible Economic Collaboration

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit, where world leaders and top business executives gather, is expected to serve not just as a forum for technology and industry discussions but as a stage for global economic diplomacy. Amid overlapping agendas such as the competition for artificial intelligence (AI) dominance, the transition to future energy sources, and supply chain restructuring, it is anticipated that national leaders and corporate heads will engage in substantive behind-the-scenes dialogues to coordinate interests and seek a new global order.

"Global Heavyweights Gather... Korea Emerges as Economic Diplomacy Hub at APEC"

Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong and Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won are conversing with Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, at the Korea-US Business Roundtable Reception held on August 25 (local time) at the Willard Hotel in Washington DC, USA. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

According to the industry on October 24, the CEO Summit, the largest event in the economic sector, will see the participation of Korea's leading business figures, including Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, Hyundai Motor Chairman Chung Euisun, and LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo. Global heavyweights will also be present. From overseas, the attendance of Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia; Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google; Tim Cook, CEO of Apple; Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta; and Masayoshi Son, Chairman of SoftBank Japan, is considered highly likely. Even if they do not participate as speakers at events such as the CEO Summit or the Future Tech Forum, there is a high possibility they will interact through unofficial dinners and meetings.

Global business leaders are expected to exchange views not only through public remarks but also in closed-door meetings on issues such as supply chains, investment, and technological cooperation. With global tech leaders gathered in one place, the event is set to become a scene of economic diplomacy where the boundaries between industries and countries are blurred. An industry insider observed, "Sensitive issues such as tariff adjustments, supply chain restructuring, and investment cooperation may be discussed at this summit."

In particular, this summit is seen as a platform that goes beyond simple technical discussions, providing a turning point for cooperation and harmony amid global supply chain instability. As trade risks and industrial restructuring triggered by US-China tensions make corporate alliances more urgent, it is expected that national leaders and business heads will seek practical solutions together in the same space. There is also a high likelihood that Korea will serve as a focal point for active communication among companies. With the full participation of top executives from major domestic groups, the summit will offer a venue to expand cooperation with key figures from around the world. Chairman Chey stated at the second meeting of the APEC Business Event Promotion Committee in July, "We will make the CEO Summit not just an event, but a venue for tangible business achievements."

"AI, Energy, and Supply Chains: Korea Leads the APEC Agenda for the First Time in 20 Years"

For the first time in 20 years since the 2005 Busan meeting, Korea is serving as the chair country, and its role goes beyond hosting to setting the global agenda. The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry noted, "Global agendas such as establishing AI ethics and norms, expanding ESG (environmental, social, and governance) investments, and bridging the digital divide will be in the spotlight," adding, "This summit will serve as an opportunity for APEC to evolve from a simple economic consultative body into a platform leading global governance."

The three pillars of AI, energy, and supply chains are considered the core agendas of this summit. The cyclical structure, in which technology drives industry and industry in turn shapes diplomacy, is expected to be on full display at this event. In fact, the movements of corporate leaders are playing a major role in diplomatic cooperation between countries. Ahead of APEC, on October 18 (local time), former US President Donald Trump and top Korean business leaders reportedly held golf and dinner meetings, discussing a range of topics including investment in the US and tariff negotiations. In addition to leader-level negotiations, these meetings serve as a form of "side support."

Energy transition is also a major issue. With surging electricity demand driven by the expansion of AI data centers and the growth of the electric vehicle industry, countries are making "sustainable energy security" a new axis of cooperation. Hanwha Q CELLS, which will deliver a keynote speech at this summit, will share its vision for the future of data center energy management systems in collaboration with global tech company Microsoft. Such free information exchange and cooperation among companies are expected to take place.

Kim Tae-hwang, a professor of international trade at Myongji University, commented, "Unlike other agreements, APEC itself is not binding," adding, "Even if the leaders' declaration includes many demands from each country, member states do not object." He further explained, "Because it is not binding, the importance of voluntary corporate cooperation and exchange is even more pronounced. The free communication among leaders, ministers, and business heads can create momentum for new business ventures, regardless of formal agreements."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.