The Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, will attend the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea from 31 October to 1 November 2025. The Meeting will convene Leaders from 21 APEC member economies to chart collective strategies for advancing connectivity, innovation and inclusive prosperity across the Asia-Pacific region.

Hosted by the Republic of Korea under the theme “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect. Innovate. Prosper.” APEC 2025 underscores the region’s shared determination to strengthen economic linkages, bridge the digital divide and drive sustainable and inclusive growth amid an increasingly complex global trading environment.

The Prime Minister will be accompanied by the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, YB Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Hasan. Both Ministers will be attending the 36th APEC Ministerial Meeting on 30 October 2025. Malaysia’s participation, fresh from the conclusion of Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, will reinforce ongoing efforts to align national economic priorities with Malaysia’s active role in shaping the regional agenda.

Tengku Zafrul said, “Amidst volatile global dynamics from shifting trade patterns to rapid technological disruption and demographic change, Malaysia continues to embrace APEC as a vital 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.”

This commitment is closely aligned with the Republic of Korea’s three priorities for APEC 2025, which focus on strengthening connectivity through a transparent and inclusive multilateral trading system, fostering innovation through trusted and interoperable Artificial Intelligence (AI) cooperation, and advancing prosperity through sustainable and inclusive trade that ensures growth benefits all.

As APEC Leaders gather in the historical city of Gyeongju, they are expected to delve into the evolving complexities of the global trading ecosystem and ways to sustain regional growth. Upon consensus, the Leaders will adopt the Gyeongju Declaration which will endorse key deliverables under Korea’s host year, namely the APEC AI Initiative, the Collaborative Framework for Demographic Changes and the Leaders’ Statement on Cooperation in Cultural and Creative Industries.

“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,” continued Tengku Zafrul.

On the sidelines of the AELM, YAB Prime Minister will hold bilateral meetings with counterparts, one-on-one discussions with key business leaders and media engagements to further strengthen Malaysia’s endeavours in trade, investment, AI innovation, and sustainable energy development.

Accounting for 61% of global GDP, 46% of world trade, and home to over 3 billion people, APEC’s global influence and reach are unrivalled. Looking ahead, the region is projected to grow by 2.9 percent in 2026, propelled by expanding trade, accelerated digital innovation, and resilient consumer demand. Against this dynamic backdrop, the AELM in Gyeongju stands as a critical platform for member economies including Malaysia, to chart the region’s next phase of inclusive, sustainable growth.

This content is provided by Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry.