Gyeongju: The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit, a significant business gathering that coincides with the annual APEC forum's leader's summit, began on Wednesday. The summit aims to address crucial topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), energy transition, and Korean soft power.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) is hosting the summit, which will run until Friday under the theme "Bridge, Business, Beyond." The event provides a platform for discussions on global issues and opportunities for collaboration among international business leaders.
Notable figures attending the summit include Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman, Google's Asia Pacific Chief Marketing Officer Simon Kahn, Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser, and Johnson and Johnson CEO Joaquin Duato. Prominent South Korean business leaders like Chey Tae-won of SK Group, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung, and LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo are also expected to participate.
Special addresses will be delivered by leaders from APEC member economies, including U.S. President Donald Trump, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will present Korea's vision for advanced industries and sustainable growth at the opening ceremony held at the Gyeongju Arts Center.
The KCCI announced that this year's summit is the largest APEC business gathering to date, with approximately 1,700 global business figures in attendance. Park Il-jun, executive vice chairman of the KCCI, expressed hopes that the summit would facilitate exchanges of experience and technologies in AI and advanced industries.
The event's agenda includes nine sessions on Wednesday covering topics such as the global economy, AI, finance, carbon neutrality, and cultural industry. BTS member RM will give a keynote on the influence of Korean culture during a culture-focused session. Thursday's sessions will address supply chains, semiconductors, digital health, and hydrogen, with a global economic outlook session led by IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva. On Friday, Nvidia CEO Huang will conclude the event with a speech on the future of the AI industry.
KCCI chief Chey Tae-won emphasized Korea's suitability as the host for discussions on energy transition, digital and AI transformation, trade, and biotechnology. He highlighted the importance of exploring sustainable growth and future prosperity amid geopolitical and industry changes.
The KCCI projected that the summit would generate an economic impact of 7.4 trillion won ($5.14 billion) and create 22,000 jobs.