Press Releases

2025 APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting

May 16, 2025
Japanese
MRT Group Photo, participants are on the stage MRT Group Photo
Mr. MIYAJI, State Minister for Foreign Affairs is delivering his speech at MRT session MRT Session
The whole conference room of the MRT Session participants MRT Session

On May 15 and 16, the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting was held in Jeju Island, Korea, chaired by H.E. Mr. CHEONG Inkyo, Minister for Trade of the Republic of Korea.

  1. Mr. MIYAJI Takuma, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, together with Mr. OGUSHI Masaki, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, participated in the meeting and discussed AI Innovation for Trade Facilitation, Connectivity through Multilateral Trading System, and Prosperity through Sustainable Trade. The outline of the meeting is as follows.
  2. State Minister Miyaji pointed out that while the utilization of AI is expected to contribute to sustainable growth in the Asia-Pacific region in every economic and social aspect, including the expansion of trade and investment, as well as the strengthening of supply chains, it is also necessary to address its risks and challenges. He introduced "Principles of Human-centric AI Society" established by Japan in 2019 and Japan's first AI bill, which is currently under deliberation with emphasis on both regulating risks and promoting technological innovation. He also introduced the international guiding principles for all AI stakeholders and the international code of conduct for generative AI development organizations that were developed in accordance with the Hiroshima AI Process launched in 2023 and expressed Japan's determination to implement capacity building for AI and digital technologies in the Asia-Pacific region.
  3. State Minister MIYAJI expressed Japan's determination to promote free, open, and fair trade and investment, aiming for sustainable growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, and strongly support the rule-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core. He also emphasized the need to make steady efforts to advance the WTO reforms. Furthermore, he mentioned the importance of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement and the Agreement on Electronic Commerce and advocated for their early incorporation into the WTO agreement.
  4. State Minister MIYAJI pointed out that simplification and digitalization of the border and trade-related procedures are essential for realizing sustainable supply chains and introduced Japan’s efforts under the "Smart Customs Initiative 2020." He also announced that Japan will host an international conference on quality urban infrastructure in Tokyo in June this year and expressed Japan's commitment to contributing to the sharing of knowledge and expertise within APEC.

(Reference1) Attachments

　2025 APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Joint Statement (English (PDF)Open a New Window / Japanese (PDF)Open a New Window)

　2025 APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Statement of the Chair (English (PDF)Open a New Window / Japanese (PDF)Open a New Window)

(Reference2) 21 member economies

Japan; Australia; Brunei; Canada; Chile; China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Korea; Malaysia; Mexico; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Peru; Russia; Philippines; Singapore; Chinese Taipei; Thailand; United States; Viet Nam

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