APEC Promotes Dialogue to Find Common Ground
The 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Informal Meeting in 2026 will be held in November in Shenzhen, China, during which the 2026 APEC CEO Summit will be held. As the countdown to the summit begins, business communities across Asia-Pacific have registered enthusiastically, with U.S. business also paying close attention and actively participating. The summit provides an opportunity for business leaders in Asia-Pacific to address technological change, supply chain reshaping, and shifts in the global investment landscape.
康慕德 believes the importance of the APEC meeting lies in bringing together economies with different priorities and views for dialogue on a shared economic future. In his exchanges with CEOs around the world, he found that technology is reshaping business models, investment is reshaping infrastructure and supply chains, and the operating environment is becoming increasingly complex. Business leaders face not only how to respond to uncertainty, but also how to continue creating value and finding growth opportunities in such an environment.
Connectivity Is Key to Regional Growth
For the CEO Summit hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, 康慕德 looks forward to pragmatic discussions on maintaining connectivity in the region, including through trade and investment, adoption of new technologies, building more resilient supply chains, and developing talent. He noted that Asia-Pacific has huge economic potential, but it will not automatically translate into growth, requiring openness, trust, and willingness to cooperate across borders. This year's meeting theme is building an Asia-Pacific community to promote shared prosperity.
On regional growth priorities, 康慕德 stressed that new technologies, especially artificial intelligence, are opening up entirely new operating models, with CEOs focused on how to use AI to develop new products, create new services and open new markets. Creating value lies not only in possessing technology, but in putting it into practice, requiring infrastructure, energy, talent, capital and market access, many of which depend on connectivity among economies. APEC should encourage dialogue on interoperability standards, trade and investment, technology governance, and talent mobility.
Shenzhen Combines Innovation and Manufacturing Strengths
Speaking of the Shenzhen summit, 康慕德 said Shenzhen closely integrates technological innovation with industrial practice, making it a highly representative host. He mentioned the rise of physical AI, namely the application of AI in manufacturing, machinery, transportation and logistics, which is entering the physical world and reshaping how products are made and supply chains operate. Within the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong has unique advantages in international finance and professional services, helping connect technology, capital, talent and enterprises. Hosting the summit provides an opportunity to deepen exchanges, build business relationships and explore the translation of innovation, with long-term results depending on continued engagement and investment.