South Korea’s finance minister pushes AI for APEC prosperity
South Korean Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said on Wednesday that artificial intelligence innovation could drive economic growth across Asia-Pacific nations. He addressed finance leaders from 21 member economies at a meeting in Incheon as the country prepares to host the regional summit. Koo cited domestic research showing that AI adoption may boost productivity by up to 3.2 percent and expand gross domestic product by as much as 12.6 percent.
The government plans to integrate the technology across private businesses and public agencies to build what officials call a super-innovation economy. South Korea faces demographic challenges that threaten long-term expansion. The three-day conference will produce a 2026 economic report focused on structural reforms and digital transformation. Leaders will gather for the main summit from Oct. 31 through Nov. 1 in Gyeongju.
