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Han Duck-soo, acting president and prime minister, presides over the 6th preparatory committee meeting for the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit at the government complex in Seoul on April 17. / Source: Yonhap News

Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo emphasized the growing international attention on the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, set to take place in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, this October, amid deepening global economic uncertainties.

Presiding over the sixth APEC summit preparatory committee meeting at the government complex in Seoul on April 17, Han stated, “Given the time required for infrastructure development and logistical preparations, it is now time to finalize concrete plans and swiftly implement them.”

He stressed the importance of promoting South Korea’s national brand through the summit. “In order to ensure the success of the summit and maximize our global image, we must begin a phased and strategic public outreach campaign from now,” Han said.

He also called for a unified approach involving government agencies, local governments, and the private sector. “Led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, all stakeholders must work as one team, double- and triple-checking all preparations in each area to ensure flawless execution,” he urged.

Choi Tae-won, chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), who attended the meeting, echoed Han’s remarks. “This summit is a dynamic platform for cooperation between the public and private sectors. Only through united private-sector efforts can we achieve meaningful outcomes,” he said.

Choi further emphasized, “True collaboration is only possible through open and candid communication between the government and private sector. Especially in difficult times, joint efforts to complement each other and seek new opportunities are more crucial than ever.”

Other government officials at the meeting included Culture Minister Yoo In-chon, Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun, Health Minister Cho Kyu-hong, Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryeong, and Presidential Adviser for Foreign Affairs and Security Jang Ho-jin. From the private sector, Korea Federation of SMEs Vice Chairman Cho Jin-hyung and Korea Economic Association Vice Chairman Kim Bong-man also participated.