APEC Cooperation: Culture as a New Engine
APEC Spotlights Cultural & Creative Industries as Key Growth Driver
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Gyeongju, South Korea – For the first time, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum has placed cultural and creative industries at the forefront of its agenda, hosting a High-Level Dialogue in Gyeongju, South Korea, on Wednesday. This marks a meaningful shift, recognizing culture not just as a societal element, but as a powerful engine for economic growth, job creation, and innovation alongside traditional focuses like trade and technology.
At a Glance
What: APEC’s first High-Level Dialogue on Cultural and Creative Industries.
Where: Gyeongju, South Korea.
When: Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
Why it Matters: Recognizes the economic value of culture, positioning it as a key driver of regional growth and sustainable progress.
What’s Next: APEC will establish a framework for continued discussion and cooperation, with regular high-level dialogues planned, coordinated with the next host, China.
Editors analysis – Ahmed Hassan
This is a pivotal moment for APEC.For years, the focus has been heavily weighted towards quantifiable economic indicators. Acknowledging the significant contribution of cultural and creative industries – over 3.1% of global GDP and 50 million+ jobs – demonstrates a more holistic understanding of economic drivers. This isn’t simply about supporting artists; it’s about recognizing the economic power of storytelling,design,heritage,and innovation. The inclusion of discussions around digital technologies and AI within this context is particularly astute, highlighting the need to adapt and leverage these tools to further amplify the sector’s impact. The commitment to ongoing dialogue and collaboration with China is crucial for sustained progress.
The Growing Recognition of Cultural Value
South Korean Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Chae Hwi-young, emphasized the sector’s growing importance, stating that cultural and creative industries have “firmly established themselves as a core sector that directly influences macroeconomic indicators such as economic growth and job creation.” This sentiment reflects a global trend, with governments increasingly viewing investment in culture as a pathway to sustainable development.
“Until now,we have focused on issues such as the digital economy,trade and energy,but now we are recognising the economic value of the culture industry,” Minister Chae explained to reporters. “This is the first time it is being addressed as a new driver of regional growth, and we believe it will also serve as a platform for cultural cooperation among APEC member economies.”
Focus Areas & Future Collaboration
The dialogue sessions explored how the cultural sector can fuel growth under APEC’s 2025 theme, ‘Building a Sustainable Tomorrow’. Key discussion points included:
Digital Technologies: Leveraging digital platforms for wider reach and accessibility.
artificial intelligence: Exploring AI’s role in creative processes and content creation.
Cultural Exchange: Strengthening resilience and community ties through cross-cultural understanding.
APEC plans to build upon the outcomes of this meeting by establishing a framework for ongoing discussions and collaboration with existing working groups, such as tourism. Joint projects are also being explored. Minister Chae stated the goal is to hold regular high-level dialogues, working closely with member economies and the APEC Secretariat, and to carry these outcomes forward into next year, in coordination with China.
the Broader Context: Culture & Sustainable Development
UNESCO’s representative highlighted the challenges facing global progress towards sustainable Development Goals, including climate change, inequality, technological disruption, and conflicts. They stressed that recognizing culture as integral to sustainable development is a strategic investment. The cultural sector currently generates over 3.1% of global GDP and provides more than 50 million jobs worldwide.
Implications for Vietnam
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