(L to R: Mr. Stephen Olson, Dr. Cassey Lee, Mr. Eduardo Pedrosa, Dr. Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit)
(Photos Credits to ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute)
On March 25, 2025, Dr. Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit, PECC Interim Secretary General, participated in a hybrid seminar hosted by the Singapore APEC Study Centre at ISEAS. The event, titled "The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 2025: Challenges and Opportunities," provided invaluable insights into the economic outlook for APEC economies in 2025 and the priorities of APEC 2025, which is currently hosted by the Republic of Korea.
The seminar featured a distinguished panel of experts, including Dr. Pitakdumrongkit, Mr. Eduardo Pedrosa, Executive Director of APEC Secretariat, and Mr. Stephen Olson, Visiting Senior Fellow for ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.
Dr. Pitakdumrongkit presented the findings from the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council’s (PECC) State of the Region Report 2024-2025, offering an analysis of the region's economic trajectory, opportunities, and challenges. The report highlighted key economic trends, opportunities for trade growth, and the evolving role of APEC in fostering cooperation among its member economies.
Discussions focused APEC's priorities for 2025 and the anticipated impacts of the Trump 2.0 administration tariff policies on global trade and APEC economies as well as shifting geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainty. The panelists emphasized APEC’s critical role as a platform for dialogue and collaboration to address these challenges while ensuring economic stability, promoting inclusive growth, and advancing sustainable development.
Moderated by Dr. Cassey Lee, the event concluded with a consensus on the need for continued cooperation within APEC and a shared commitment to fostering regional stability and prosperity. The seminar offered an enriching dialogue that shed light on the upcoming challenges and opportunities for the Asia-Pacific region, with a particular focus on the evolving role of APEC in navigating these complex issues.
The State of the Region Report 2024-2025 remains a vital resource for policymakers, business leaders, and academics seeking to understand the economic landscape of the Asia-Pacific. As the region continues to evolve, discussions such as those held at the ISEAS seminar will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of APEC and the broader global trade system.
