FOLLOWING the successful conclusion of Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will lead the country’s delegation to the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea, from 31 October to 1 November 2025.
The meeting will bring together leaders from 21 APEC member economies to coordinate strategies for connectivity, innovation, and inclusive prosperity across the Asia-Pacific region.
Malaysia’s delegation will include the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who will attend the 36th APEC Ministerial Meeting on 30 November.
Amid global economic volatility, Tengku Zafrul emphasised Malaysia’s commitment to APEC as a platform for collective action and shared progress.
“Guided by our conviction and the MADANI principles, this delegation remains firmly committed to a fair, transparent, rules-based multilateral trading system.
“Our agenda is anchored in sustainable growth, powered by digital transformation, regional cooperation and inclusive development,” he said.
APEC 2025, hosted by South Korea under the theme “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect. Innovate. Prosper,” aims to strengthen connectivity, foster innovation through Artificial Intelligence cooperation, and advance inclusive trade and sustainable prosperity. Leaders are expected to adopt the Gyeongju Declaration, endorsing key initiatives including the APEC AI Initiative, the Collaborative Framework for Demographic Changes, and the Leaders’ Statement on Cooperation in Cultural and Creative Industries.
Tengku Zafrul added, “Malaysia believes that a robust agenda can transform technological, social and structural shifts into engines of opportunity, innovation and shared prosperity.
The upcoming Leaders’ Meeting will also provide Malaysia with a vital platform to advocate for APEC to harness its strengths, embrace a fresh outlook, and reassert its relevance in the evolving global trade and investment ecosystem.”
On the sidelines of the meeting, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral talks with counterparts, meet with business leaders, and engage with the media to advance Malaysia’s trade, investment, AI innovation, and sustainable energy objectives.
APEC member economies account for 61 percent of global GDP, 46 percent of world trade, and more than three billion people, and the region is projected to grow by 2.9 percent in 2026. - October 29, 2025
