This week, I will travel to Korea to represent Australia at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting.
APEC meets at a critical time for our region and the world. Rising trade tensions and economic uncertainty mean Australia must continue to champion open markets and fair rules that deliver for Australian businesses and workers.
One in four Australian jobs rely on trade. At APEC, I will continue our work to keep markets open, reduce barriers and create new opportunities for Australian exporters.
Australia's priorities include making cross-border trade more efficient through paperless trade, promoting policy reforms for trade in services, and advancing the economic empowerment of all peoples.
We are committed to strengthening the World Trade Organization and the transparent, rules-based trading system that underpins our economy. These rules protect smaller economies and ensure Australian producers and exporters have fair access to global markets.
APEC economies make up over 60 per cent of global GDP, are home to 3 billion people, and account for around 75 per cent of Australia's total two-way trade. By participating in APEC, we strengthen Australia's economic relationships and build new export opportunities and trade diversification.
Australia and Korea are longstanding partners, with closely aligned strategic interests, a significant and complementary trading relationship and vibrant people-to-people links.
Australia strongly supports Korea as the 2025 APEC Chair with its focus on addressing shared challenges, embracing digital innovation, and prioritising inclusive growth, which reflect our shared values and goals.
