The Republic of Korea, as the host of APEC 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 to the meeting, accompanied by Ms. Onfah Vejjajiva, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council, as the Thai Senior Official of the APEC Economic Committee.
The APEC Annual Meeting 2025 will be held under the main theme “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow”, focusing on three key areas: Connect, Innovate, and Prosper. This joint meeting, the first between two APEC ministerial forums, will be held under the topic of “Innovation and Digitalization” to exchange experiences and policies on innovation, digital transformation, and the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, which plays a role in economic, social, and industrial changes in the APEC region.
On this occasion, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of innovation as a pillar of Thailand’s development and structural reform to drive sustainable, open, and inclusive economic growth. Thailand has promoted the creation of an innovation ecosystem through the National Innovation Fund, tax measures to promote research and development, and other supportive policies to ensure widespread access to technology for the public and private sectors.
Regarding digital transformation, Thailand has taken steps to enhance government services to be more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric. It has also promoted the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in accordance with the National AI Master Plan (2022-2027) to encourage AI use in both public and private sectors. Furthermore, Thailand aims to develop digital financial systems and FinTech businesses, and establish Virtual Banks to upgrade financial infrastructure and increase access to financial services. This is coupled with the promotion of Responsible Innovation to create sustainable and secure growth.
Additionally, the Republic of Korea reported progress on the preparation of the APEC Economic Policy Report (AEPR) 2026 by the APEC Economic Committee, under the theme “Structural Reform and AI-driven Digital Transformation”. The goal is to promote regional cooperation in enhancing the efficient and safe use of AI, as well as supporting structural reforms for digital transformation. This aims to encourage economic zones to use AI innovations for economic growth and prosperity, which the APEC Economic Committee will further elaborate on. The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to cooperating with APEC member economies and network partners in accelerating digital transformation, promoting innovation, and responsibly regulating technology to move towards an open, sustainable, and prosperous APEC region.
