"Let’s Strengthen Future-Oriented Cooperation"... APEC SME Ministers' Meeting Opens

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) SME Ministers' Meeting opened on September 5. The 21 member economies of APEC are set to discuss policy cooperation on challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), such as climate change and population decline. Hansung Sook, Minister of SMEs and Startups, who is chairing the ministerial meeting, emphasized, "Let us move beyond simply sharing past experiences and strengthen future-oriented cooperation among member economies."

Hansung Sook, Minister of SMEs and Startups, is speaking at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) SME Ministers' Meeting held on the 5th at the Jeju International Convention Center (ICC). Ministry of SMEs and Startups

원본보기 아이콘

In her opening remarks at the APEC SME Ministers' Meeting held at the Jeju International Convention Center (ICC) on this day, Minister Han stated, "An uncertain global economy, rapidly changing technological environment, widening digital divide, and climate crisis are demanding new adaptation and progress from SMEs." She added, "This SME Ministers' Meeting, held at such a time, must serve as a forum for proactive responses to change and for practical dialogue to design our shared future together."

This APEC SME Ministers' Meeting will focus on the theme, "SMEs: Engines of Sustainable and Inclusive Growth," and will discuss three key policy topics: innovation-driven growth based on new technologies, sustainable growth through smart policies, and inclusive growth through enhanced connectivity.

First, an integrated strategy at the policy, talent, and infrastructure levels will be developed to enable SMEs to actively utilize new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and lead innovation. Discussions will also be held to create an ecosystem in which diverse economic actors-including women entrepreneurs, young founders, and entrepreneurs with disabilities-can achieve real growth in the market. In addition to intergovernmental exchanges, various cooperative projects will be considered to open up new opportunities for SMEs.

On the 5th, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Small and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meeting is being held at the Jeju International Convention Center (ICC). Ministry of SMEs and Startups

원본보기 아이콘

Minister Han remarked, "In this era of rapid structural transformation, SMEs are at the forefront of this transition," and added, "It is our role to help them turn crises into opportunities and transform tradition into innovation."

She continued, "APEC, as a flexible and pragmatic cooperative body, possesses the capabilities and experience to lead these changes. Through action, not just words, and through cooperation and solidarity, we can create a better future for the Asia-Pacific region." She further expressed her hope that "this meeting will serve as an opportunity to share new policy ideas and practical measures for cooperation."

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.