Ministers responsible for telecommunications, information
and communication technologies (ICTs) and digital policy are
seeking closer cooperation on digital technologies and
artificial intelligence (AI) as economies work to harness
new opportunities while managing rapid technological
change.
The discussions come as AI rapidly reshapes
economic activity across the Asia-Pacific and beyond,
creating new opportunities for innovation, productivity and
growth.
China’s Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing opened
the 2026 APEC Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting in Chengdu
on Thursday, setting the tone for discussions chaired by
China’s Minister of Industry and Information Technology Li
Lecheng.
“As a strategic technology leading the new
wave of scientific and technological revolution and
industrial transformation, AI is profoundly changing the way
we produce and live,” Zhang said.
“China stands
ready to work with all parties to continuously deepen
practical cooperation in the digital and AI field, so as to
inject stronger impetus into the building of the
Asia-Pacific community,” Zhang added.
Ministers are
examining how digital technologies and AI can strengthen
economic growth while ensuring the benefits of innovation
are shared more broadly across the
Asia-Pacific.
Actions on the table include improving
access to digital infrastructure and connectivity, advancing
AI skills and literacy, promoting interoperability and
digital trust, encouraging greater collaboration on
standards and open innovation, and strengthening cooperation
to support the safe and secure use of data across the
region.
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The meeting builds on cooperation under the
APEC Internet and Digital Economy Roadmap, while taking
forward the APEC
AI Initiative endorsed by leaders last year.
These
efforts encourage economies to cooperate on AI innovation,
strengthen digital resilience, share best practices and
advance approaches to AI governance that support economic
growth while fostering trust and inclusion.
Echoing
the meeting’s focus on practical cooperation, Li said APEC
economies should seize the opportunities presented by
digital technologies and artificial intelligence while
working together to address emerging risks.
“We can
seize the new opportunities arising from digital and AI
development and address risk challenges only if we uphold
innovation-driven growth to promote digital transformation
across the Asia-Pacific, pursue inclusiveness to share the
benefits of APEC’s progress, advance openness and
connectivity to build consensus on approaches to AI,” Li
said.
“I believe that, with our joint efforts, this
year’s APEC cooperation on digital and AI will build new
momentum for the sustained development and prosperity of the
Asia-Pacific.”
The discussions will continue as part
of the APEC Digital Weeks, bringing together ministers,
government officials and industry leaders to explore how
digital technologies and AI can accelerate economic growth
and improve people’s
well-being.
