Ministers Seek Common Ground on AI’s Future in the Asia-Pacific

Ministers responsible for telecommunications, information and communication technologies (ICTs) and digital policy are seeking closer cooperation on digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) as economies work to harness new opportunities while managing rapid technological change.

The discussions come as AI rapidly reshapes economic activity across the Asia-Pacific and beyond, creating new opportunities for innovation, productivity and growth.

China’s Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing opened the 2026 APEC Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting in Chengdu on Thursday, setting the tone for discussions chaired by China’s Minister of Industry and Information Technology Li Lecheng.

“As a strategic technology leading the new wave of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, AI is profoundly changing the way we produce and live,” Zhang said.

“China stands ready to work with all parties to continuously deepen practical cooperation in the digital and AI field, so as to inject stronger impetus into the building of the Asia-Pacific community,” Zhang added.

Ministers are examining how digital technologies and AI can strengthen economic growth while ensuring the benefits of innovation are shared more broadly across the Asia-Pacific.

Actions on the table include improving access to digital infrastructure and connectivity, advancing AI skills and literacy, promoting interoperability and digital trust, encouraging greater collaboration on standards and open innovation, and strengthening cooperation to support the safe and secure use of data across the region.

The meeting builds on cooperation under the APEC Internet and Digital Economy Roadmap, while taking forward the APEC AI Initiative endorsed by leaders last year.

These efforts encourage economies to cooperate on AI innovation, strengthen digital resilience, share best practices and advance approaches to AI governance that support economic growth while fostering trust and inclusion.

Echoing the meeting’s focus on practical cooperation, Li said APEC economies should seize the opportunities presented by digital technologies and artificial intelligence while working together to address emerging risks.

“We can seize the new opportunities arising from digital and AI development and address risk challenges only if we uphold innovation-driven growth to promote digital transformation across the Asia-Pacific, pursue inclusiveness to share the benefits of APEC’s progress, advance openness and connectivity to build consensus on approaches to AI,” Li said.

“I believe that, with our joint efforts, this year’s APEC cooperation on digital and AI will build new momentum for the sustained development and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific.”

The discussions will continue as part of the APEC Digital Weeks, bringing together ministers, government officials and industry leaders to explore how digital technologies and AI can accelerate economic growth and improve people’s well-being.

Read the 2026 APEC Digital and AI Ministerial Joint Statement