Hong Kong urges APEC cooperation on digital transformation and AI
Hong Kong's commerce chief called for APEC members to enhance collaboration on digital transformation and AI during a ministerial video conference, stressing inclusive approaches and responsible AI use. He also highlighted Hong Kong's bid to join the RCEP to advance the Free Trade Area of the Asia-P
Hong Kong's Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, John Hung, called for stronger cooperation among Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies during a ministerial video conference on 4 November, as part of APEC China Year 2026 under the theme 'Building an Asia-Pacific Community, Promoting Shared Prosperity'. He emphasised the need for dialogue and collaboration to navigate rapid technological changes and achieve common prosperity.
Focusing on digital transformation, Hung urged members to adopt people-centred, inclusive approaches and leverage their respective digital technology strengths. At the local level, he said Hong Kong is enhancing research capabilities in frontier technologies and launching initiatives to promote public understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and responsible AI use. 'Hong Kong looks forward to sharing experiences and learning from other members in this area,' he added.
Hung called for enhanced connectivity across goods, services, capital and people flows, while narrowing development gaps and creating opportunities for all sectors. He stressed that all cooperation should follow the Putrajaya Vision 2040 and the Aotearoa Plan of Action.
In another session, Hung discussed strengthening economic integration to drive new regional growth, a core APEC goal. He said Hong Kong is actively seeking early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), noting the establishment of an RCEP working group for Hong Kong in September 2026. 'We hope our accession can inject new momentum into advancing the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific agenda,' he stated.
Hung emphasised the importance of cooperation in response to major changes in the trade landscape, particularly as technological innovation transforms international trade. He expressed Hong Kong's full support for the proposed Digital Trade Cooperation Framework as a guiding document for future collaboration.
He also reiterated the need to uphold the multilateral trading system as the cornerstone of regional integration and international trade. 'We call on member economies to continue supporting the reform agenda of the World Trade Organization (WTO), incorporate plurilateral initiatives into the WTO framework, find a permanent solution to the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions, and advance the e-commerce work programme,' Hung said.
