International Desk: The 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Trade Ministers’ Meeting concluded successfully on Saturday in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. Participating economies achieved what has been described as a landmark “1+1” outcome — consisting of a joint statement and a new roadmap for the services sector — laying an important economic and trade foundation for the upcoming APEC Leaders’ Informal Meeting later this year.

These observations were highlighted in an editorial published by China Media Group (CMG).

This year marks the 35th anniversary of China’s accession to APEC and the third time China has served as the host economy for the regional forum. Against the backdrop of current global challenges, analysts say it is easy to understand why the international community has placed high expectations on APEC’s “China Year.”

The world today faces mounting geopolitical tensions, rising unilateralism, and growing protectionism, all of which have slowed global economic growth. Recently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) lowered its global growth forecast for 2026 to 3.1 percent and warned that under severe adverse conditions, the growth rate could fall as low as 2 percent.

At this critical moment, the 21 economies of the Asia-Pacific region — recognized as the world’s most dynamic economic zone — gathered around one table to discuss the future direction of multilateral and regional economic cooperation. In this context, the “1+1” outcome, combining a joint declaration with a new-generation services roadmap, carries significant importance.

As a key member of the Asia-Pacific region, China has consistently played an active role in advancing cooperation across all sectors of APEC. At the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting held last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed the importance of pursuing open development, sharing opportunities, achieving mutual benefit, promoting inclusive economic globalization, and building an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future.

For this year’s APEC “China Year,” three priority themes have been identified: openness, innovation, and cooperation. The final outcomes of the ministerial meeting strongly reflected China’s proposals and development vision.

According to the CMG editorial, the conference not only injected fresh momentum into APEC’s economic and trade cooperation but also demonstrated China’s commitment and sense of responsibility in advancing the Asia-Pacific and global economies through the achievements of Chinese modernization.

APEC has long emphasized innovation-driven growth. In 2025, the added value of China’s core digital economy industries exceeded 10.5 percent of the country’s GDP, while the market value of China’s artificial intelligence sector surpassed 1.2 trillion yuan. These development advantages, the editorial noted, are creating enormous opportunities for other APEC member economies.

At the Suzhou Global Investment Promotion Conference — held as an extended event alongside the ministerial meeting — Jeong Il-doo, Overseas Business Representative of South Korea’s S&S Tech Corporation, praised China’s innovation environment.

“When our company decided to establish its first overseas factory, we chose China,” he said. “This decision was driven by our full confidence in China’s model of digital intelligent manufacturing. We are highly interested in becoming deeply integrated into China’s powerful innovation ecosystem.”

Source: Xueyi, Touhid & Jiniya, China Media Group (CMG).