At the APEC CEO Summit on Thursday, leaders from Thailand, Vietnam, and the UAE emphasized the importance of regional cooperation to maintain Asia’s growth momentum. Furthermore, they warned that rising protectionism could slow economic progress across the continent.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong urged policymakers and business leaders to embrace an inclusive, cooperative, and human-centered approach to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He highlighted that artificial intelligence is reshaping economies at unprecedented speed. Consequently, he called on APEC members to ensure technology serves humanity rather than divides it.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul committed to transforming Thailand into a regional connector in the global economy. He explained that the Quick Big Win policy aims to bridge income gaps, expand business opportunities, and boost next-generation industries. In addition, over 500,000 Thai workers have been reskilled in AI, data analytics, and green technologies.
In a related development, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi stressed that nations must build bridges rather than barriers. He noted the UAE-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which increased bilateral non-oil trade by 40 percent. Furthermore, the UAE is expanding its role in Asia’s green transition through renewable-energy projects and industrial investments.
Overall, the leaders reinforced that regional cooperation remains the key to inclusive growth, innovation, and sustainable development. They highlighted shared prosperity as a long-term objective, stressing that collaboration among Asia-Pacific countries can turn challenges into opportunities.
