New technologies drive a vibrant Asia-Pacific

Keep Asia open and let technology serve people

Asia's future prosperity hinges on remaining open to trade and ideas, enhancing regional cooperation, using technology responsibly and ensuring that the benefits of growth are shared by all. While economies differ in resources, technologies, skills and development levels, these differences create complementarity, not just competition. Countries can specialize in areas where they are competitive and learn from each other. Stronger regional value chains help connect these strengths, and when combined with cooperation, they lead to shared opportunities.

APEC and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership are complementary platforms that serve different purposes while reinforcing regional dialogue and economic integration. Regional integration is most beneficial when businesses, farmers, and workers capture a larger share of the value created.

Once adopted, AI can serve as a powerful toolkit capable of transforming industry chains. For instance, it can enhance quality control and predictive maintenance in manufacturing, improve demand forecasting, inventory management and route planning in logistics, and refine weather, soil, pest, and crop analysis in agriculture. Additionally, AI can boost customer analysis, marketing and multilingual services for SMEs. Furthermore, it promotes better coordination between suppliers and buyers, structurally optimizing supply chains.

However, technology should serve people, not replace human potential. If the goal is open cooperation and shared prosperity, the Asia-Pacific region must ensure that AI cooperation is inclusive, responsible and beneficial for all. This means investing in people through skill development, digital literacy and lifelong learning; supporting access for SMEs and developing economies; ensuring trust through privacy, cybersecurity and ethical governance; building capabilities through research, local talent and knowledge transfer; and enabling interoperability through practical standards and compatible systems.

The goal should be shared innovation without harmful concentration.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.