On 30 October 2025, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, together with H.E. Mrs. Suphajee Suthumpun, Minister of Commerce, attended the 36th APEC Ministerial Meeting (AMM) held in Gyeongju, the Republic of Korea. The Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Cho Hyun, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, and H.E. Mr. Yeo Han-koo, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea.

The Meeting was convened under Korea’s 2025 APEC host year theme, “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow”, with discussions focusing on three key priorities — ”Connect. Innovate. Prosper.“. These priorities reflect APEC’s collective determination to enhance regional economic integration, promote innovation and technological advancement to boost competitiveness, and drive sustainable growth across the Asia-Pacific region.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand reaffirmed the importance of upholding multilateralism as the foundation for a sustainable, future-ready, and predictable region. He also shared views on addressing the rapid development of the digital economy and artificial intelligence (AI), which presents both opportunities and challenges for the region. The Minister highlighted the need to harness AI for the creative economy, as well as to strengthen efforts to combat online fraud and scams, proposing that APEC economies make use of the APEC Online Scams Exchange Forum, an initiative launched by Thailand in 2023.                  

He further emphasized the development of an inclusive and connected digital ecosystem, the use of innovation and technology to promote sustainable development, and the continued advancement of the Bangkok Goals on the BCG Economy.

During the Meeting, the winners of the 3rd APEC BCG Award were also announced in three categories:

1. Women: Ms. Wang Jianli from China, founder of the Blue Cycle network, which removes marine debris and recycles it into industrial-grade plastic;

2. Youth: Mr. Tran Nhan Kiet from Viet Nam, developer of BINKS Botanical Inks, which transforms agricultural waste into safe, plant-based ink; and

3. MSMEs: Mr. Emmanuel Tay from Singapore, founder of Circular Unite, a company providing advanced waste management and recycling technology services.

The APEC BCG Award is a Thai initiative introduced under the Bangkok Goals on the BCG Economy during Thailand’s APEC host year in 2022, aiming to promote public participation in sustainable development. The continued support of APEC member economies for this initiative demonstrates the success of Thailand’s efforts to advance the BCG economic model at both regional and international levels.