Fri Oct 31 11:42:49 UTC 2025: Summary:
This article from The Hindu on October 31, 2025, reports on the APEC summit in Gyeongju, South Korea. Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s protectionist policies, many APEC members remain committed to free trade. APEC official Carlos Kuriyama expressed confidence in reaching a joint declaration and noted China’s growing role as a champion of free trade. While acknowledging challenges in achieving consensus in the current global trade climate, Kuriyama emphasized APEC’s importance as a forum for discussion and finding solutions.
News Article:
APEC Summit Underscores Commitment to Free Trade Amidst Trump’s Protectionist Policies
Gyeongju, South Korea – Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent trade deals and protectionist policies, a strong commitment to free and open trade resonated at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in Gyeongju, South Korea.
Carlos Kuriyama, Director of the Policy Support Unit at APEC, told Reuters that most member countries remain dedicated to free trade and are actively pursuing it. He also expressed optimism that the summit would yield a joint declaration, with all member countries, including the U.S., working towards it.
While the U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent represented the U.S. at the summit, Trump’s recent actions have been perceived as running counter to free trade and multilateralism. This has allowed China to position itself as a champion of free and open trade, a role previously held by the United States.
Kuriyama acknowledged the challenges in achieving consensus in the current global trade environment but emphasized APEC’s importance as a platform for dialogue and finding solutions. He noted that the bloc, accounting for 61% of global GDP, is projected to achieve 3.1% economic growth this year and 2.9% next year.
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