President Lee Jae-myung Emphasizes AI Cooperation in Asia-Pacific
President Lee Jae-myung Highlights AI Asia-Pacific Cooperation in APEC CEO Summit Keynote
President Lee Jae-myung of the Republic of Korea presented a vision for strengthening Asia-Pacific regional cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) through a keynote address at the APEC CEO Summit held in Gyeongju on October 29, 2025. In his speech, President Lee proposed a Korean-led 'AI Initiative,' emphasizing the opening of a new chapter of cooperation with Asia-Pacific countries. This initiative aims to promote the development and ethical application of AI technology, thereby contributing to the economic growth and social development of the Asia-Pacific region. In particular, he emphasized the importance of bridging the AI technology gap and fostering talent, proposing the expansion of joint research and technology exchange programs, and supporting the development of AI education curricula. He also urged the establishment of a joint response system to the potential risks of AI technology and the strengthening of international cooperation to establish AI ethical standards. President Lee Jae-myung's address is seen as an opportunity to remind Asia-Pacific countries of the need for AI cooperation and to express Korea's willingness to play a leading role in the AI field.
Large-scale investments by global companies are expected to contribute to Korea securing a favorable position in securing future growth engines such as AI, eco-friendly automobiles, medical devices, semiconductors, batteries, and materials. In addition, President Lee Jae-myung reaffirmed Korea's commitment to the sustainable development and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region by establishing the APEC Future Prosperity Fund and donating $1 million. The APEC Future Prosperity Fund will support various projects to bridge development gaps and promote economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. In particular, it plans to focus investment on areas such as supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, promoting technological innovation, and developing infrastructure to promote balanced development in the Asia-Pacific region. President Lee Jae-myung's attendance at the APEC CEO Summit, his keynote address, and the attraction of investment from global companies are expected to be an important opportunity for Korea to lead economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region and secure future growth engines. The Korean government plans to continue to support companies' innovative activities through active investment attraction and deregulation, and to further strengthen cooperation with Asia-Pacific countries.
President Lee Jae-myung's APEC CEO Summit address is being evaluated as having laid an important foundation for attracting strategic investment and strengthening Asia-Pacific cooperation for the future of Korea, going beyond a simple diplomatic endeavor. In particular, the AI Initiative proposal is expected to play a key role in Korea's leap into becoming an AI technology powerhouse and leading AI cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. Large-scale investments by global companies are expected to not only inject vitality into the Korean economy and create new jobs, but also play an important role in securing Korea's future growth engines. Based on these achievements, the Korean government plans to further strengthen economic cooperation with Asia-Pacific countries and play a leading role in advanced technology fields, including AI technology. Through this, Korea is expected to contribute to the prosperity and development of the Asia-Pacific region and further strengthen its global leadership.
