Artificial intelligence is entering a stage where its impact will increasingly depend on how effectively it is adopted and translated into real-world benefits for businesses and communities. APEC economies are focusing on expanding access to AI tools, strengthening digital infrastructure, developing skills, and helping businesses integrate AI into their daily operations.
Cooperation among economies is considered important for promoting AI development that is open, safe, and people-centered. Although APEC economies are at different stages of AI development, this diversity creates opportunities to exchange experiences and learn from one another. The APEC Artificial Intelligence Initiative provides a framework for sharing expertise, building capabilities, and advancing responsible AI.
AI is already being applied in areas such as healthcare access in smaller cities, safer traffic management, and cross-border payment systems for micro, small and medium enterprises. It is also improving productivity, accelerating research, and creating new opportunities for businesses across the Asia-Pacific region.
Wider adoption of AI also depends on public trust. Greater transparency from AI developers, interoperable governance approaches, and continued cooperation between governments, industry, and researchers are needed to build confidence in the technology. The APEC approach focuses on helping economies benefit from AI while recognizing their different levels of readiness.
The forum resulted in a statement on promoting AI development, establishing priorities for continued regional cooperation. The shared goal is to ensure that AI can become a positive force for the Asia-Pacific region while economies work together to address its opportunities and challenges.
Reference
APEC High-Level Forum on AI | APEC. (s. f.). APEC. https://www.apec.org/press/news-releases/2026/0726_HLFAI