{"id":404913,"date":"2026-08-25T18:36:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-25T11:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/inter.nesdc.go.th\/the-2nd-apec-economic-committee-ec-meeting-of-2026-in-dalian-peoples-republic-of-china\/"},"modified":"2026-08-26T11:43:21","modified_gmt":"2026-08-26T04:43:21","slug":"the-2nd-apec-economic-committee-ec-meeting-of-2026-in-dalian-peoples-republic-of-china","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/inter.nesdc.go.th\/en\/the-2nd-apec-economic-committee-ec-meeting-of-2026-in-dalian-peoples-republic-of-china\/","title":{"rendered":"The 2nd APEC Economic Committee (EC) Meeting of 2026 in Dalian, People’s Republic of China"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The People’s Republic of China, as the APEC 2026 host, organized the 2nd APEC Economic Committee <\/strong>(EC) Meeting of 2026<\/strong> from August 24 – 25, 2026. The meeting took place during the Third APEC Senior Officials\u2019 Meeting and Related Meetings (SOM3) in Dalian, People’s Republic of China. Ms. Sasithorn Palattadej, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC)<\/strong>, headed the Thai delegation at the meeting.<\/p>\n\n

During the 2nd EC Meeting of 2026, representatives from member economies discussed implementation guidelines under the Strengthened and Enhanced APEC Agenda for Structural Reform (<\/strong>SEAASR)<\/strong>. The focus was on driving practical reform outcomes that respond to future economic challenges<\/strong> through the development of work plans and appropriate indicators to systematically direct operations and monitor progress. The meeting emphasized establishing indicators that are data-supported, capable of continuous collection and monitoring, and truly reflective of reform outcomes<\/strong>. Concurrently, the NESDC proposed transparent monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, including regular reporting and exchange of progress and experiences among economies<\/strong> to enable continuous tracking, gap identification, and mutual learning of best practices. Furthermore, the meeting encouraged cooperation between various APEC mechanisms, as well as the private sector and academia<\/strong>, to link structural reform issues with concrete economic outcomes, taking into account the differing contexts and priorities of each economy. This approach will ensure that SEAASR serves as a key mechanism for driving, monitoring, and enhancing APEC’s structural reforms continuously and effectively in the next phase<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

The meeting also acknowledged the APEC Regional Economic Trends Analysis report<\/strong>, which indicated that the APEC regional economy continues to expand despite uncertainties from geopolitical factors, trade policies, and energy prices. Technology investment and the expansion of digital services remain growth drivers, while risks related to climate change and food security are trending upward. The meeting recognized the importance of accelerating digital transformation, strengthening supply chain resilience, developing the agricultural sector to cope with climate risks, and promoting regional investment to support productivity gains and long-term economic growth.<\/p>\n\n

The meeting considered the results of the 2026 APEC Economic Policy Report (<\/strong>AEPR) on Structural Reform and AI-Driven Digital Transformation<\/strong>. The report noted that APEC economies have made steady progress in Artificial Intelligence (<\/strong>AI) governance and regulation<\/strong>, while AI application still faces limitations, particularly among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, data systems and indicators for monitoring AI adoption require further development, and regulatory and policy alignment between economies remains a key issue for promoting cross-border AI services and system interoperability. The report synthesized lessons showing that systematic and multi-dimensional reform implementation is a key factor in promoting concrete <\/strong>AI application<\/strong>. Priority should be given to infrastructure development for access to reliable AI services, promoting data connectivity and exchange, developing personnel skills and capacities aligned with readiness and needs, and establishing support measures tailored to business characteristics and sizes to promote inclusive AI access and utilization, thereby supporting productivity and competitiveness in the APEC region.<\/p>\n\n

In this regard, the NESDC recognizes the importance of developing regulations and governance guidelines that keep pace with technological changes. <\/strong> Specifically, utilizing AI and data as tools for public policy formulation and regulatory process development will enable the government to analyze data, assess impacts, and design or improve policies and regulations with precision and flexibility, responding promptly to changes in technology and business models. AI application should proceed alongside the development of appropriate governance frameworks and oversight mechanisms to ensure technological benefits are balanced with transparency, accountability, and the credibility of government policy implementation.<\/p>\n\n

Furthermore, the NESDC delegation participated in side meetings related to structural reform and economic development in the APEC region, with key highlights as follows: <\/p>\n\n

The meeting on <\/strong>Electricity Reform to Promote Green Growth in APEC <\/strong>exchanged experiences regarding electricity sector reform to meet regional demand. This covered restructuring previously monopolized power systems, opening opportunities for private sector participation, establishing independent regulatory bodies, and promoting power generation from independent power producers. The discussion focused on challenges from energy transition, greenhouse gas reduction, increasing the share of renewable energy, and the volatility of renewable energy sources.<\/p>\n\n

The meeting on <\/strong>Use of International Legal Instruments in Cross-Border Commercial Disputes and Use of Digital Assets <\/strong>aimed to promote understanding of using international legal instruments for cross-border trade dispute resolution and the use of digital assets. It also exchanged approaches and experiences in reducing international legal procedures to increase judicial efficiency and enhance legal clarity, which will facilitate business operations and support regional economic cooperation to be more connected, innovative, and resilient.<\/p>\n\n

The <\/strong>19th<\/sup> Conference on Good Regulatory Practices (GRP) <\/strong>exchanged ways to enhance APEC economies’ capacity in applying good regulatory practices, particularly in designing, reviewing, and evaluating regulations related to emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. It also promoted the exchange of experiences between the public sector, private sector, and experts to develop a regulatory environment conducive to innovation and to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, facilitating business operations and international economic connectivity.<\/p>\n\n

The joint meeting between <\/strong>the EC and the Group on Services (GOS) on Trade in Services and Structural Reform<\/strong> concluded that structural reform of the digital services sector, provided via the internet and digital technology, is vital for enhancing economic productivity and competitiveness. It recommended promoting an environment conducive to digital technology utilization while maintaining market openness and fair competition, as well as reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers by setting clear, actionable targets and measures to create concrete results and lay the foundation for long-term reform.<\/p>\n\n

Moving forward, the NESDC will drive structural reform efforts with APEC economies under the SEAASR framework and support the preparation of the 2027 APEC Economic Policy Report on Structural Reform and Innovation-Driven Economic Growth. This ensures that research findings and policy recommendations can be utilized to define structural reform approaches to address technological changes and the region’s future economic development. <\/p>\n