Written by Lee Hae
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 15 (Yonhap) – South Korean President Yun Seok-Yeol on Wednesday urged the 21-nation Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum to strengthen global economic connectivity in areas including trade and supply chains. I called out. At the center of it.
Yun made this call during his keynote address at the APEC CEO Summit in San Francisco, shortly after arriving in San Francisco for the APEC summit.
“Today, the global economy once again faces major challenges. The strength of connections is weakening and the forces of division are increasing everywhere,” he told a gathering at the Moscone Center.
South Korean President Yun Seok-Yeol speaks at the CEO Summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum held at Moscone Center in San Francisco on November 15, 2023 (Yonhap News)
Yun said that while the Ukraine war, the Israeli-Hamas conflict, deepening technological hegemony, and the weaponization of resources are accelerating the bloc of the global economy, supply chain risks highlighted by the pandemic pose a “major threat” to the global economy. ”, he said. Countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
He also said that despite the limitless potential of the digital economy, data connectivity and the value it creates has not yet met market expectations.
“In order for the world economy to regain dynamism and continue sustainable growth, APEC must take a central role in accelerating global economic connectivity,'' he said, referring to three types of connectivity. Outlined.
First, he said there is a need to strengthen trade, investment and supply chain connectivity, especially since supply chain risks are a national security issue for countries and an existential issue for businesses.
To that end, he suggested that APEC come up with measures to help member countries and businesses build supply chain capabilities, and share past experiences in implementing early warning systems and taking other steps to overcome crises. did.
Yun said that the second type of connectivity that needs to be strengthened is in the digital field, and reaffirmed South Korea's determination to actively participate in international discussions to establish digital rules.
Finally, Mr. Yun called for expanding exchanges between future generations of APEC member countries.
In particular, he said South Korea is proposing a “Young Scientist Exchange Initiative” based on the success of the APEC Business Travel Card, which facilitates short-term business trips within the APEC region by simplifying entry procedures.
“Free movement within the region will be guaranteed for young people with a certain level of science degrees and engaged in research and development,” he said.
The APEC CEO Summit was attended by approximately 1,200 people, including business leaders and academics from the APEC region, top business leaders including Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and leaders of APEC member countries such as the United States, Vietnam, and Peru. .
hague@yna.co.kr
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