1,700 global leaders driving the world economy coordinate minute-by-minute meetings amid AI, supply chain talks at four-day summit
GYEONGJU
The preliminary sessions of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit began on Tuesday in the South Korean city of Gyeongju, drawing around 1,700 global participants for in-depth discussions on artificial intelligence (AI), energy transition, and global cooperation.
Themed ‘Bridge, Business, Beyond’, the summit aims to foster collaboration on technology, sustainability, and inclusive economic growth among APEC economies.
On the eve of the official opening, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) hosted a welcome reception for top international business leaders. The reception provided a platform for discussion on key global challenges such as AI innovation, digital currencies, carbon neutrality, and resilient supply chains.
Global business figures in attendance included Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman, Google Asia-Pacific CMO Simon Kahn, Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser, and Johnson & Johnson CEO Joaquin Duato. From Korea, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung, and LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo represented the nation’s corporate leadership.
The event also saw participation from public officials, including South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo, U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue, and Malaysian Ambassador Dato’ Mohd Zamruni Khalid.
The Future Tech Forum, held alongside the main event, showcased advancements in AI, mobility, robotics, and display technologies by Korean firms. The main APEC CEO Summit officially opens Wednesday at the Gyeongju Arts Center, where President Lee Jae Myung will deliver a special address. Sessions over the following days will focus on AI, finance, digital health, supply chains, and the global energy transition, reinforcing Korea’s role as a hub of innovation and economic dialogue.
