APEC held its first ever High-Level Dialogue on Cultural and Creative Industries in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea, bringing together ministers and senior representatives from all 21 member economies. The three-day event, under the theme “CCIs: New Horizons for Prosperity,” highlighted the growing economic and social contributions of cultural and creative industries across the Asia-Pacific. Leaders recognized that these industries not only generate jobs and trade opportunities, but also foster mutual understanding and preserve cultural heritage. This inaugural dialogue marked a major step in formally placing culture and creativity on APEC’s regional agenda.
APEC’s meeting participants agreed that cultural and creative industries are valuable drivers of economic growth, with strong potential to connect economies and expand opportunities for people and businesses, including MSMEs. They emphasized the importance of creativity and cultural expression working in harmony with innovation, especially digital tools and artificial intelligence, to expand access, enhance cultural exchanges and strengthen the digital services economy. These discussions built on APEC’s 2025 priorities of connection, innovation and prosperity, reinforcing the region’s shared vision for sustainable economic development.
The joint statement highlighted three lines of cooperation: using CCIs to deepen economic and cultural connections, expanding innovation through digital and AI technologies, and advancing shared prosperity by supporting education, training and inclusive participation. Leaders encouraged further dialogue, knowledge-sharing and practical cooperation through existing APEC mechanisms, underscoring the need for inclusive policies that support creators and businesses across the region. The statement also acknowledged the role of CCIs in attracting investment and strengthening people-to-people connectivity.
By reaffirming the economic value of cultural and creative industries and agreeing on common goals, APEC economies set a framework for continued collaboration across borders. The dialogue’s outcomes are expected to shape future cooperative initiatives that leverage cultural creativity for economic growth, innovation and stronger regional ties. This milestone reflects a broader recognition that cultural industries can be key engines of shared prosperity throughout the Asia-Pacific.
Reference: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. (2025, August 27). 2025 APEC High Level Dialogue on Cultural and Creative Industries Joint Statement. https://www.apec.org/meeting-papers/sectoral-ministerial-meetings/general/2025-apec-high-level-dialogue-on-cultural-and-creative-industries