The Republic of Korea, as the APEC host for 2025, organized the Joint Meeting of APEC Finance Ministers and APEC Structural Reform Ministers on October 22, 2025, in Incheon, Republic of Korea. Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, led the Thai delegation, accompanied by Ms. Onfah Vejjajiva, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council in her capacity as Thailand’s Senior Official for the APEC Economic Committee.
The APEC 2025 meetings are being held under the theme “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow”, focusing on three key areas: Connect, Innovate, and Prosper. This inaugural joint ministerial meeting between the two APEC ministerial forums was conducted under the theme “Innovation and Digitalization” to exchange experiences and policies on innovation, digital transformation, and the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which are transforming the economy, society, and industries across the APEC region.
On this occasion, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of innovation as a cornerstone of Thailand’s development and structural reform to drive sustainable, open, and inclusive economic growth. Thailand has been promoting an innovation ecosystem through the National Innovation Fund, tax measures to support research and development, and other supporting policies to ensure widespread access to technology for the public and private sectors.
Regarding digital transformation, Thailand has been working to enhance government services to be more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric. The country is also promoting AI technology implementation according to the National AI Master Plan (2022-2027) to encourage AI adoption in both public and private sectors. Furthermore, Thailand is developing digital financial systems, FinTech businesses, and establishing Virtual Banks to enhance financial infrastructure and increase financial inclusion, while promoting responsible innovation for sustainable and secure growth.
Additionally, the Republic of Korea reported progress on the APEC Economic Policy Report (AEPR) 2026 by the APEC Economic Committee under the theme “Structural Reform and AI-driven Digital Transformation.” The report aims to promote regional cooperation in enhancing efficient and secure AI implementation and support structural reforms for digital transformation, enabling economies to leverage AI innovation for economic growth and prosperity. The APEC Economic Committee will proceed with the detailed implementation.
The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to collaborating with APEC member economies and partner networks in accelerating digital transformation, promoting innovation, and implementing responsible technology governance to achieve an open, sustainable, and prosperous APEC region.
