Ministers responsible for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from APEC member economies issued a joint statement at the conclusion of the APEC SME Ministerial Meeting in Jeju, Republic of Korea.
Marking the 31st anniversary of the first SME Ministerial Meeting, ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 and the Aotearoa Plan of Action, and noted the importance of fostering resilient and innovative MSMEs across the region.
Ministers recognized that the innovation and growth of MSMEs hinges on a favorable business environment including the effective utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies.
They emphasized the importance of enhancing connectivity, including through supply chain networks and collaboration with larger companies, to support MSMEs' growth and integration into global markets.
Ministers also encouraged economies to promote financial access for MSMEs, including through access to financial services, financial education and the adoption of responsible financial practices.
They welcomed the Jeju Initiative on APEC Startup Alliance, issued as an annex, which aims to strengthen connectivity among startups, governments, investors, incubators and accelerators across the region.
Read the full 2025 APEC Small and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meeting Joint Statement with its annex, Jeju Initiative on APEC Startup Alliance: Connecting APEC Startup Ecosystem
Also read the Chair's Statement on the 2025 APEC Small and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meeting
