On 9-11 December 2024, Ms. Rujikorn Saengchantr, Director-General of the Department of International Economic Affairs, as Thailand APEC Senior Official (SOM), attended the APEC 2025 Informal Senior Officials’ Meeting (ISOM) in Seoul.

The Republic of Korea, as host of APEC 2025 presented its host theme “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow” and priorities “Connect. Innovate. Prosper” highlighting the following areas (1) strengthening a resilient and sustainable supply chain and continuing work on the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP); (2) digitalization and AI, including by proposing to host the first APEC AI and Digital Ministers’ Meeting; and (3) strengthening the region’s resilience against global challenges, attaching importance to empowering the vulnerable persons, youth, MSMEs, and the elderly.

In addition, the Republic of Korea plans to host 11 Sectoral Ministerial Meetings related to the following workstreams: ocean, human resources development, education, trade, digital and AI, women and the economy, food security, energy, SMEs, finance and structural reform and 2 High Level Dialogues on culture, and anti-corruption and transparency, respectively.

Thailand expressed its support to the proposed theme and priorities for APEC 2025 and looks forward to (1) discussing digitalization and AI, including AI governance and the stability of digital finance; (2) continuing work on FTAAP and structural reform; (3) supporting sustainability through the continued implementation of the Bangkok Goals on BCG Economy; and (4) promoting inclusivity and addressing our ageing society.