Chief Executive John Lee attended the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting Retreat in Gyeongju, South Korea, today, engaging in various exchanges with regional leaders on issues including the development of artificial intelligence and demographic change.

Speaking at the morning session, Mr Lee highlighted that the Asia-Pacific region is undergoing profound changes, from digital and green transitions to sweeping demographic changes, and that it is essential to grasp the opportunities brought by these shifts in order to build future-ready economies.

Mr Lee proposed that APEC members remain steadfast in their commitment to a multilateralism that is grounded on the principles of inclusivity, equality and co-operation; leverage the innovative power of AI as a key driver of economic growth; and make good use of APEC as a platform to expand co-operation and unlock new and inclusive drivers of growth.

Participating economies jointly issued the 2025 APEC Leaders' Gyeongju Declaration, addressing the shared opportunities and challenges facing the region and expressing support for APEC as an important platform for regional economic co-operation, the strengthening of regional connectivity, and the building of resilient supply chains.

Mr Lee said he looks forward to pursuing practical co-operation with fellow member economies in these areas, and to working together to advance high-quality economic development in the Asia-Pacific region.

Speaking to the media in Gyeongju this afternoon, the Chief Executive mentioned five achievements from participating in the APEC meeting.

He highlighted that Hong Kong contributed to the promotion of free trade and economic integration.

“First of all, the APEC economies jointly adopted and issued the Leaders’Declaration, which is very important because it emphasises economic co-operation, connectivity, and also the building of resilient supply chains.

“The second achievement is that, through participation in these APEC meetings and activities, we have further strengthened our ties with the host country, Korea.”

Mr Lee highlighted that Korea is Hong Kong's fifth-largest trading partner, and that trade has been increasing at a rate of 20% year on year between the two places. On tourism, Hong Kong welcomed, in 2024, 850,000 visitors, double the previous year's figure.

He said that with the Kai Tak Sports Park now open, Hong Kong has been welcoming a lot of K-pop performances, and looks forward to welcoming more Korean visitors.

“The third thing is we have strengthened relations and exchanges with various Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries.

“In regards to the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office (ETO), which we want to set up in Malaysia, I am glad to be informed that in my discussion with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, both of us are very keen and optimistic that the ETO will be in operation before the end of this year in Kuala Lumpur.

“The fourth achievement is that we have deepened exchanges and co-operation with the Middle East.

“And the fifth achievement is that we have strengthened exchanges with the International Monetary Fund.”

The Chief Executive will return to Hong Kong tomorrow.