Asia-Pacific projected to further strengthen role as key driver of global economic growth

The Asia-Pacific could further consolidate its position as a key engine of global economic growth by 2050, with its real gross domestic product projected to reach $140.24 trillion, according to a report released by a Chinese think tank on Sunday.

The report, titled "Shaping Asia-Pacific 2050 Together: Building an Asia-Pacific Community and China's Future", was released by the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China during the 2026 Tongzhou Global Development Forum in Beijing.

Hosted by the university, the forum was held under the theme "China's Development and the Asia-Pacific Community", bringing together international participants to discuss regional cooperation and global development.

The 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation generated $61.4 trillion in real GDP in 2025, accounting for 61.6 percent of the global total, according to APEC statistics.

The report projected that the region's per capita real GDP could reach $48,000 by 2050, driven by advances in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and life sciences.

Regional trade in goods and commercial services could reach about $67 trillion by 2050, while trade in digitally delivered services is projected to reach between $16 trillion and $17 trillion, the report said.

Research and development spending across the region could rise to between $6 trillion and $6.3 trillion, accounting for 4.3 percent to 4.5 percent of GDP by 2050.

The report highlighted China's role in regional development, citing its vast consumer market, manufacturing capabilities and technological innovation as drivers of deeper economic integration and more resilient supply chains.

It called for stronger regional cooperation in trade and investment, financial connectivity, digital governance, technological innovation and green development.

The report also urged Asia-Pacific economies to strengthen coordination on long-term development priorities, improve cross-border payment systems and expand cooperation on artificial intelligence governance and sustainable growth.