APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting kicks off in S. Korea

GYEONGJU, South Korea, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- The 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting kicked off in Gyeongju, South Korea, on Friday, with leaders gathering to seek stronger economic cooperation and chart a shared path toward a sustainable future.

Chairing the meeting, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung noted that as the free trade order undergoes dramatic changes, global economic uncertainty is deepening, and trade and investment are losing momentum.

He called for greater cooperation and solidarity in the region to overcome new challenges.

"We can join together for the ultimate goal of shared prosperity," Lee stressed.

Guided by the theme "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow," this year's APEC agenda aimed to advance regional connectivity, spur innovation-driven growth, and create a more resilient future for the Asia-Pacific.

Established in 1989, APEC has become a dynamic engine of economic growth and one of the Asia Pacific's most important regional forums.

Economic growth in the APEC region is projected at 3.1 percent in 2025, slightly higher than earlier estimates, according to the latest APEC Regional Trends Analysis.

The upgraded forecast was supported by resilient trade and strong demand for high-tech goods, according to the report.

It, however, warned that growth could ease to 2.9 percent in 2026 as public debt rises and temporary drivers fade.