Foreign Minister Park Jin Addresses APEC Foreign Affairs and Trade Meeting

[Leaders Times] Foreign Minister Park Jin actively participated in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Joint Ministerial Meeting on Foreign Affairs and Trade, held in San Francisco, U.S., on Nov. 14. The discussions focused on devising strategies for fostering a sustainable and inclusive future in the Asia-Pacific region, addressing global challenges such as health crises, supply chain disruptions, and climate change.

Minister Park underscored the importance of establishing a robust network by strengthening both physical and human connectivity throughout the entire Asia-Pacific region. In his role as the leader of the 'Supply Chain Connectivity Framework Action Plan (SCFAP)' within APEC, Korea pledged to contribute to enhancing supply chain resilience in the region. This commitment involves initiatives related to customs procedures and cooperation projects for the digitization of supply chains. Minister Park expressed Korea's dedication to actively supporting the digitization of the APEC Enterprise Transportation Card (ABTC) and expanding inclusivity, particularly for women and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to foster improved human connectivity.

Recognizing the necessity of increasing digital connectivity to achieve inclusive growth and bridge the digital gap in the region, Minister Park highlighted over 40 projects implemented through Korea's Digital Innovation Fund since 2019. These projects have contributed to the digital transformation of the region and bolstered the digital capabilities of developing countries. He urged APEC member countries to collaborate in establishing ethical norms for digital technology, aiming to maximize benefits and mitigate risks.

Minister Park also showcased Korea's commitment to addressing global climate change through contributions to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Global Green Growth Organization (GGGI). With the recent launch of the Carbon Free Alliance in October, he expressed confidence that it would play a crucial role in achieving carbon neutrality in the region. Minister Park sought the interest and active participation of member countries in these initiatives.

In addition to these discussions, Minister Park appealed for the support of APEC member countries for hosting Korea's 2030 Busan Expo. Recalling the significance of Busan hosting Korea's first APEC summit in 2005, he emphasized that the Busan World Expo aligns with APEC's vision of sustainable and inclusive growth. Minister Park stressed that the Busan World Expo would serve as an ideal platform for global discussions on solutions to complex crises, including climate change, digital gaps, and inequality.

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